Sydney Daily Photo

Lane ropes

2012-01-30T20:21:00.000+11:00

Another random shot from within the pool - lane ropes and part of my swimsuit

Watery summer

2012-01-29T22:29:00.001+11:00

Today I took my Canon D10 camera swimming with me. I just held it in my hand as I did my laps, and hit the button at random every so often. Got some quite interesting effects. That's sky and clouds above, seen from just under the surface of the water.

Homeward to Manly

2012-01-28T23:59:00.001+11:00

The Manly ferry Queenscliff, leaves Circular Quay carrying many home after a Saturday night out.

Diving into the Sydney Festival

2012-01-27T19:57:00.000+11:00

The Sydney Festival is an annual arts event held each January. It features all sorts of performing and visual arts events, talks and film.

We attended a show at the Parramatta Riverside theatre.

These cute stencils were along the footpaths, and I thought the diving swimmer one was rather appropriate for me.

Australia Day: Invasion to Reconciliation (Parramatta)

2012-01-26T14:08:00.000+11:00

These images are part of the walkway along the Parramatta River.

On 26 January 1788, the First Fleet under Captain Arthur Phillip arrived in Sydney Cove. Parramatta, 23 kilometres west, was also established in 1788, after food growing failed in the poor soils around Sydney Cove. The indigenous Dharug people had known this as an area of rich food resources for thousands of years. It is the point where salt water becomes fresh, so also useful for farming.

Baludarri the Young Warrior, from Parramatta, befriended Governor Phillip and lived at Government House in Sydney from late 1790 to early 1791. He then left to return to Parramatta for a seasonal fishing trip, and encouraged by Phillip began to trade fish with new European residents of Parramatta.

While fishing, convicts destroyed his fishing canoe. Phillip intervened and promised that the convicts would be punished if Baludarri did not kill a white man. However, enraged at the act, Baludarri sought traditional revenge and speared a convict. Phillip learned of this and ordered Baludarri be outlawed and shot. Phillip later relented when he learned Baludarri had a fever. Baludarri died in late 1791 and was buried in the Governor's garden.

Between 1791 an 1805 a guerilla war was fought between Aboriginal people and whites. Aboriginal people defended their land ferociously from the appropriation following invasion. However, the arms available to the colonists ensured battle superiority. As well, the smallpox (an introduced disease ) epidemic of 1789 hit the Indigenous people very hard.

One leader, Pemulwuy, speared and killed Governor Phillip's gamekeeper, in revenge for the gamekeeper killing a large number of Aboriginal people. Phillip dispatched 50 soldiers with orders to bring back the hearts of any 6 men belonging to Pemulwuy's group.

Pemulwuy led a series of attacks on farms. He was ambushed and killed in 1802.

Reconciliation

In 1805, local Indigenous representatives and a settler, John Kennedy, initiated a 'Peace conference' at Parramatta. It was described as 'a conference with a view of opening a way to Reconciliation.' This was one of the earliest uses of the word in Australia - a first attempt at Reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Australia.

This goal remains one to strive for.

Fish Lock, Parramatta River

2012-01-25T20:38:00.000+11:00

The Parramatta fishways project aims to unlock native fish migration routes that have been blocked by the weir system. By restoring natural breeding cycles, native fish populations and biodiversity will increase, and the river be rehabilitated.

The vertical fish-way enables fish to climb or descend where a weir exists. The lower gate periodically opens, allowing fish to enter or exit. The upper gate then opens and fills the lock with water, allowing fish to ascend or descend.

The signs must have been there !

2012-01-24T22:54:00.001+11:00

School days are behind him, and Ben embarks on the next phase of life. Today he enrolled in his TAFE Hospitality course and he's an apprentice chef. His first family dinner was a stir fry tonight...

Looking back....maybe the signs were there all along?

There's some serious knife action happening in this kit. There's also piping bag, pastry cutters and all the other tools of the trade!

Parramatta

2012-01-23T19:23:00.000+11:00

The eel and the convergence of salt and fresh water.

Before the arrival of Europeans in 1788, the Sydney area was occupied by three Aboriginal groups. In the Parramatta area, it was the Burramatagal clan of the Dharug group.

The word "Parramatta" was first used in June 1791. It is derived from Burramatta, a literal translation of which is "place where the eels lie down".

Some species of eel migrate from salt water to fresh water to spawn. The eels migrate up the Parramatta River, and the name is probably associated with that. Parramatta is located at the convergence of salt and fresh water. The river flows into Sydney Harbour.

This section of the riverside walk represents the importance of the eel to the Indigenous people.

Wake

2012-01-22T20:29:00.000+11:00

The Elizabeth St cycle and foot bridge across the Parramatta River, at Parramatta, was opened on 23 Oct 2003. The sculpture adorning it is called "Wake" and transforms the movement of oars into the flight of wings.

The artists are Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse. Find out more about their works here. Clicking that link will also show what it looks like at night.

Happy Birthday, Ben!

2012-01-21T12:31:00.000+11:00

Our wonderful son is an adult - 18 today! A myriad of great memories and fun times to revel in....

My local pool

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000+11:00

My local municipal swimming pool means a lot to me; I swim there as often as I can. However, it is reaching the end of its life, and needs a complete upgrade. The Council has a brilliant plan before it, and it will really make for a magnificent community facility. Of course, as with any far-reaching proposals, there are detractors.

A local newspaper is runnign a poll on whether it should be upgraded in the manner proposed.
To have a look at the plans, click here.

You can read an article in the local newspaper, and vote by clicking here. (You don't have to live in the local area - it's just a newspaper poll!)

Coogee

2012-01-19T05:00:00.002+11:00

Looking over Wylie's Baths at South Coogee towards the group of rocks called Wedding Cake Island.

Midnight Oil wrote an instrumental song called Wedding Cake Island.

Leaf

2012-01-18T05:00:00.002+11:00

A leaf from a nearby tree slowly sinks to the bottom of a pool

Bubbles

2012-01-17T05:00:00.002+11:00

Joy!

2012-01-16T05:00:00.001+11:00

A night at the opera 6

2012-01-15T14:08:00.000+11:00

Home time....

A night at the opera 5

2012-01-14T19:40:00.000+11:00

Last light over the bridge (facing west), and a reflection of the bridge. Taken from the back balcony of the opera theatre at interval - 8.30pm

A night at the opera 4: Sydney style....

2012-01-13T20:05:00.000+11:00

Who has more style????

A Night at the Opera 3

2012-01-12T23:12:00.001+11:00

The "sails" of the Opera House are covered with glazed ceramic tiles in an off-white colour. The main areas are glossy, with matt tiles edging each segment....it creates an effect such that the building shines but does not become mirror-like. They change colour according to the light.

The sail like "shells" are set on a podium which Danish architect Joern Utzon said was evocative of a the raised platform of a Mayan temple.

After all these years, and seeing countless performances there - ballet, theatre, opera, concerts, even the filming of the Carol Burnett Show, and Bette Davis live, it is still a thrill and "special" to go to something there. Sometimes I even get goosebumps. I love to get dressed up to go there, though it is by no means "compulsory". In Sydney's democratic environment, a glamour and diamonds can sit side by side with jeans and sneakers.

A night at the opera 2

2012-01-11T23:34:00.001+11:00

Sydney-siders and visitors alike are pretty relaxed and casual at the forecourt Opera Bar at the Opera House.

A night at the opera 1

2012-01-10T23:32:00.000+11:00

Let's start the evening with a cocktail at the Opera Bar, backdrop Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Contrast

2012-01-09T19:04:00.000+11:00

December 25 and Jan 8 - both good swims under different conditions. McIvers Ladies Pool

This morning at McIvers

2012-01-08T15:14:00.000+11:00

conditions were a little different to what I showed yesterday (which was taken on Christmas Day)

aaaaah, summer

2012-01-07T20:18:00.002+11:00

McIvers Ladies Baths, Coogee

Previously shown on 21 Dec 2006 and 14 Feb 2009

McIvers Baths is under a cliff face, on a rock platform between Coogee Beach and Wylies Baths. The baths have magnificent oceans views and are relatively well screened from the surrounding area.
The baths were built in 1886, but according to the National Trust it has been a popular swimming spot for women since before 1876.
This pool (entrance donation 20 cents) is popular with nuns, Muslim women, lesbians, and elderly women (well women of all ages, really). In 1995, after a challenge in the courts, it was granted an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act to continue operating as women-only, probably the only one of its kind in Australia.

I'm going again tomorrow.

Bubble preparation

2012-01-06T23:00:00.000+11:00

1. In you go:

2. Air pipe goes in:

3. All zipped in:

4. Nearly ready to be rolled over to the pool:

The Bubbles - getting water legs or mostly not!)

2012-01-05T23:00:00.000+11:00

Yesterday I showed the girl who conquered walking on water. Most kids who had a go spent most of their time falling down! This boy was pretty unsure about the whole thing, and observing pretty closely.

The girl in the bubble

2012-01-04T00:01:00.002+11:00

This looks like enormous fun! Most of the kids having a go spent most of their time falling down, but this little girl was a real expert. If I wasn't wearing a dress I think I might have hopped in and had a go.....imagine the feeling of walking on water!

Had to laugh at the sign. No adolescents need apply, it seems.

When I took this, I thought of Jilly in Menton, who has managed so many fabulous shots of kids having fun on various amusements along the beach there.

Spectators 4: The Tall Ship

2012-01-03T18:00:00.002+11:00

The South Passage is a schooner launched in 1993. She hails from Queensland, and according to her official website (see here) was built to suit 14–17 year olds, to give young people an experience at sea. She was designed such that all the sails can be managed from the deck. She has an aluminium hull and uses modern materials but apart from an engine everything is done manually.

Acknowledgement: Picture at left under sail, is from the official website.

Spectators 3: Young people

2012-01-02T23:59:00.001+11:00

Theme Day: Happy New Year, and a retrospective.

2012-01-01T00:01:00.046+11:00

Traditionally on Jan 1, City Daily Photo Bloggers choose one photo which, to them, is their photo of the year. Well, because I'm a rebel, I'm not sticking to one. I could have 'cheated' and made a collage, but haven't. Each of the photos I've chosen has personal meaning and significance. They're not all great photos, but meaningful to me. Each expresses an aspect of my life and personality.

Click on the date for each description and visit the original posting.

And to see how everyone else's year went - Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

31 Jan : 2011 was the year our gorgeous son finished school. The role of a parent is to nurture your young until they have the confidence and capacity to take on the world. The end of formal schooling is one milestone in life's adventure, an important step...but so many more doors are now there to be opened. Onwards and upwards, Ben; we're enormously proud of you!

This was a composite of his first day of school in 1999, aged 5, and the first day of his last year of school, and his final day.

and here's a collage to bring it up to date: Ben on his first day of school, Ben on his last day of school, with his dad, and in the kitchen of a cafe....he is embarking on an apprenticeship as a chef starting this month.

28 Jan : Stepping back a couple of days (but I wanted the first picture above to show in the thumbnails...). My love of swimming, both in the sea, and chlorinated pools. No retrospective would be complete without a swimming shot. An afternoon swim at North Narrabeen ocean pool topped off a fabulous day out with a dear friend from England, someone with whom I shared some good times. She also fell in love with one of my favourite TV series of all times, Sea Change!

12 April: A dear friend whom I love very much once reminded me of the old John Denver song Some days are diamonds (some days are stone). Indeed they are. This shot was taken on one of those 'glad to be alive days', not 10 metres from my front door. A rainbow lorikeet greedily feeding on the blooms of this street planting bottlebrush tree. It's important to notice such moments and be grateful for what you have, no matter what sadnesses and tribulations there are in your life.

30 May: Contrast the picture and thoughts above, with those people who are so desperate they see no way out. I find these signs at The Gap in Sydney especially poignant. I hope they help someone who is contemplating the most desperate ending. I know suicide is about choice, but it is so often tragically avoidable, if only there were help. Other times it is a rational and well thought out plan for someone with no light available to them. I respect that too. It's hard.

5 June: Comrades. This is what it's all about. A passion for what you believe in, taking action for what you believe in, and overcoming the things that divide, in order to unite for common purpose. Too many people base decisions on personality rather than ability, perception and mythology rather than striving to work together, exclusion rather than inclusion. Fionie and Henry, Comrades.

16 June: The wonderment, and sheer enjoyment of kids. Is there anything to match it? I like to think occasionally we can all recapture the kid inside ourself. I love this pic because I just snapped it in an instant.

20 June: Gustavo and Ian, student and teacher, apprentice and master. A TAFE teacher and his protege, an entrant in the World Skills competition. Passing on knowledge, skill and wisdom from one generation to the next. A teacher who remains passionate about his job, and his pupils. As Michael, a colleague said "public education is a promise one generation makes to the next." Gustavo and Ian are exemplars of the power of public education.

7 July: This year I thought a lot about whether to continue with Sydney DP. I started on 19 April, 2006. I was researching an upcoming trip to Paris at that time, and came across Paris Daily Photo run by the wonderful Eric Tenin. One thing led to another, and through photography, blogging, combining the two, a love of France, and open hearts in the photoblogging community, I have met some wonderful people, including two special friends, Jilly in Menton and Nathalie in Avignon (formerly Sydney).

This year I was in Paris again, and finally got to meet Eric. A late afternoon cocktail in a lovely bar in Paris. Eric is every inch the "friendly Parisian" he bills himself! Here's to many more travels and lots more photos.

31 July (unpublished) : This year I was also lucky enough to travel to Cape Town. It was overwhelming. I never thought, growing up amidst apartheid demonstrations and bitter debates, that I would ever go to South Africa! That the actions of people working together can change circumstances so dramatically and strive for justice is powerfully uplifting.

9 Oct: Laneway art. I've had some fabulous times this year with my wonderful friend Sue. We love going on little adventures, exploring our city together...architecture walks, arty things, and on this day, Laneway Art. Humans love finding the beauty in things, and no matter where you look, beauty can be found. On 30 Dec Sue and I saw the most magical film, Bill Cunningham New York, which once again reinforced the idea that we need art, culture, fashion, in short beauty to stimulate our senses and inspire our humanity. Oh, and by the way, I'm pretty proud of this photo!

18 Oct: Bill Cunningham rides around New York City, as a photographer for the New York Times. He photographs fashion as he sees it worn on the streets. He has a very singular way of seeing. I have been trying to develop that 'noticing of things' since I have had this blog. Here's something I noticed on the way to work, and had to double back to photograph. I can't believe the juxtaposition of these ads was accidental, and it offended me.

19 Nov: I look forward to Sculpture By The Sea every year. It is accessible art for the people, free, in a world where so often there is pretension and exclusivity. I love to go at dawn, and hope to be doing so for many years.

11 Dec: An old friend, and a new friend. We've all had our trials and tribulations this year (you too, dear reader!). But we've seen each other through. Companionship, empathy, laughter, discussion, bouncing off each others' thoughts and interests...that's real friendship. It's reciprocal. A friendship dies when it's one-sided. Old friendships can burn bright when there is care and understanding; new friendships flourish when the right spark is ignited. And sometimes you neeed to forgive yourself, and others as well.

15 Dec: Work is an extremely important part of who I am. It probably takes up the majority of my waking time. I enjoy my work, get a lot of satisfaction from it, am told I do a good job. I'm one part of a team, and that's important to me. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, as demanding on myself as on others. But, I have a sign on my desk, given to me by my gorgeous sister: LOL. I try to laugh out loud EVERY DAY!

LOL was not published in 2011 - it now makes its 2012 debut......

Spectators 2: Two boys

2011-12-31T09:56:00.001+11:00

and the rest....

Spectators 1: The beautiful young woman

2011-12-30T20:28:00.000+11:00

Lots of people came to watch the start of the race....as we were on a ferry, many heads turned towards us as the boats jostled for position to watch the race....I'll bring you a few of the shots over the next few days.

A very little boat

2011-12-29T00:01:00.001+11:00

The spectator "fleet" on the harbour watching the start of the Sydney-Hobart race is as impressive as the racers.

Most of the big yachts, and the spectator cruisers, catamarans and so on are owned by wealthy people.

Had to laugh at this vessel, named "Teachin".....

Some very big boats!

2011-12-28T11:21:00.000+11:00

The Maxi yachts set off first. Don't want them mowing down the smaller craft! They are so fast! They have to go 1 nautical mile out past the Heads before turning south.

I don't know a single thing about yachts, specifications and all that - if you are interested have a look here at the official site.

I am interested in who owns and races these magnificent looking craft.
Brindabella won in 1991 and 1997. She's owned by engineer Jim Cooney, who builds sustainable energy wind farms and campaigns against toxic plastic rubbish in oceans. Read more here.

Lahana - another 30 m (100 ft) maxi. See more here. Owned by Peter Mallard and John Honan, skippered by Mallard.

Loki Owned and skippered by Stephen Ainsworth, a businessman at Cotton Seed Distributors. Read more here.

Living Doll, Scarlet Runner and Ichi Ban lining up to leave the Heads

Living Doll's website. Owner and skipper, businessman Michael Hiatt, imports fashion clothing, including the Living Doll label from China.

Scarlet Runner is owned and skippered by Robert Date, a Melbourne businessman, owner of a company manufacturing and importing diesel generators, engines and other equipment. More about Scarlet Runner here.

Ichi Ban is owned and skippered by Matt Allen, a former Commodore of the Crusing Yacht Club of Australia, which runs this race.

The line-up out of the Heads

Maxi yachts lead start, and all the way....

2011-12-27T19:41:00.002+11:00

First they leaned this way.....

....and then they leaned the other way....

They're Wild Oats XI and Investec Loyal - who led the way out of the Heads...

And 30 hours later are still in the same position - first and second. They should finish some time tomorrow.

For anyone who knows about these sort of things:

Wild Oats XI is racing for the seventh consecutive year. It holds the record for the most consecutive line honours wins - four, and has won five of the past seven. She's a 100 ft maxiyacht owned by Robert Oatley, and skippered by Mark Richards.

You can read all the technical stuff on Wikipedia.

According to Forbes magazine, Oatley is Australia's 24th wealthiest person. He used to own Rosemount Wines (sold to Southcorp, then sold his Southcorp stock to Fosters). Now owns Robert Oatley Vineyards in Mudgee. Also owns Hamilton Island resort in Queensland. His ancenstry goes back to convict clockmaker, James Oatley, for whom the Sydney suburb of Oatley is named, after he received a land grant there.

Loyal (formerly Maximus) is skippered by Sean Langman and owned by Anthony Bell, a Sydney financial services businessman. . It is sponsored by merchant bank, Investec, and raises money for the LOYAL Foundation, Bell's charity foundation, which raises money for several charities. Crew members include several high profile sports people.

Shut Up & Fish

2011-12-26T21:28:00.001+11:00

Boxing Day sees the start of the ocean yacht race, the Sydney to Hobart. At 1pm the fleet leaves Sydney and races to Hobart - the super maxi-yachts, like Wild Oats 11 (which has won 5 times) make it in just under 2 days.

This year we were on a ferry as part of the spectator fleet. Loved this guy's t-shirt : "Shut Up & Fish" - such a bloke sentiment! A few moments later, he was nearly shut up forever in a close encounter with a bigger craft!

Out-take

2011-12-15T11:43:00.003+11:00

Aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhh, the horror .... but we got there!

Teachers stopped work for 2 hours today and put the NSW state government on notice: negotiate to achieve a fair and reasonable salary increase, or face disruption to schools at the start of the 2012 school year.

Read more here.

John John Carbon Police

2011-12-13T19:02:00.000+11:00

Stencil graffiti on the wall of a block of flats at Bondi, along the sculpture walk. No idea why.

ship of fools by Deborah Halpern

2011-12-12T21:03:00.000+11:00

There's many a day I feel I'm adrift in this one....

I love mosaic, and was pretty sure I had seen some of Halpern's work, before. As usual, Google to the rescue. She's a Victorian artist, and her work is displayed on Southbank in Melbourne, and was outside the National Gallery of Victoria, now at Birrarung Marr, amongst other places.

Read more here.

Kookaburra

2011-12-11T21:56:00.000+11:00

This very bold kookaburra joined Eunice, Sue and me at our lunch table this afternoon.

Eunice's house backs right onto bush - the Kuring-gai National park, and visitors are common.

A wallaby also bounded past a few metres away.

heads up by Steve Croquett

2011-12-09T13:59:00.000+11:00

Last year Steve's piece was called "jolly giants."

the golden buddhah's seaside holiday by Stephen Marr

2011-12-08T05:00:00.002+11:00

Looking over the sand of Tamarama Beach, the Golden Buddha looks relaxed and at ease on summer holiday.

Here's a bit to know about the artist, Stephen Marr.

Marr created one of my favourite pieces last year, The Crossroad. Also The Drifter in 2008. You can see both here.

indian cocacola27 by Rajesh Sharma

2011-12-07T05:00:00.004+11:00

Find out more, and see more works by Rajesh Sharma here. Sharma is a New Delhi sculptor.

the best of perth by k.m.s.e

2011-12-06T04:31:00.002+11:00

I wondered why this was called "the best of perth". So Google to the rescue (in the absence of a catalogue). I found this on You Tube, with the following description: "The piece would be active from 6.30pm to 10.30pm every day, displaying Perth's sunsets for the duration of time. In the remaining time the T.V. would be off with only the reflection of those passing by shown."

It was after 6:30 am when I happened by, but I saw no sunsets, just me! Still, you can see it here on You Tube.

k.m.s.e was formed in 2009 by artists Kate Parker, Marwa Fahmy, Stephen Genovese and Elizabeth Marpole. The collective studied together at Central Institute of Technology in Perth, graduating in 2010 with an Advance Diploma in Contemporary Arts and Crafts. (from here)

i have been dreaming to be a tree by Byeong Doo Moon

2011-12-05T05:00:00.002+11:00

Maybe this tree along the path?

This work by South Korean sculptor Byeong Doo Moon won the 2011 People's Choice Award.

Into each life a little rain must fall

2011-12-04T17:25:00.000+11:00

....and here's today's. A bleak break from the sun-shiny Sculptures By The Sea to show you it isn't always blue skies and sunshine in Sydney.

spindrift by Bronwyn Berman

2011-12-03T04:55:00.002+11:00

This piece won a prize at the 2010 the artsCape Sculpture Exhibition at Clarkes Beach Reserve in Byron Bay. It was the art piece (Mullumbimby) prize for sculpture. Here's a link to an article which includes a photo of the artist with this piece.

open house by Aaron Anderson by Anne Zahalka

2011-12-02T04:41:00.014+11:00

An article about Aaron Anderson and the creation of this piece.

I am especially interested in this comment "We wanted to make a work that completely ignored the landscape. This house sees the rock as incidental and irrelevant. It is going to be there and no landscape is going to stand in its way. It’s meant to be obnoxious, which conflicts with the “cute” factor." I think that says so much about current housing "ideals" and avaricious desires to have housing which in no way relates to place or landscape and certainly doesn't 'tread lightly' on the Earth.

Here's more about Anne Zahalka

simply black and white by Alan and Julie Aston

2011-12-01T05:00:00.003+11:00

I am sure that if these zebras could think they'd be wondering as much about the "mad joggers" who pound along the walkway between Bondi and Tamarama bright and early every morning.

This year there was a bit of fierce letter-writing to the Sydney Morning Herald about the mowing down of sculpture-viewers by joggers who feel "ownership" of the path and let no-one get in their way.

Back to the zebras....according to Wikipedia: "
In 2010, Canberra artists Alan and Julie Aston installed a herd of zebras on Lake George, adjacent to the highway stop commemorating Kevin "Dasher" Wheatley VC, used as a "Driver Reviver" site. They were named Stopper, Reviver, Survivor, and Dasher. They were a sensation, but the Government of New South Wales ordered that they be removed, following a complaint from the leaseholder of the land. They reappeared at Floriade, Canberra in September 2010, along with a baby, George. And now they've visited Bondi!

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day: Action shot.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

extreme surfing by Ian Swift

2011-11-30T10:18:00.000+11:00

Here's a fun piece by Ian Swift who lives in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Have a lok at some of his other works and a bit about him here. Swift uses a lot of found objects in his art.

In browsing that site I found that he had an exhibition on Sydney's Ocean Baths, which certainly fascinate me. So I've commissioned a local resident to get me a copy of the catalogue (hello, Nola!)

angel is born by Georg Mayerhanser

2011-11-29T05:00:00.002+11:00

angel is born, by German artist Georg Mayerhanser.

windswept by Samuel Chamberlain

2011-11-28T05:00:00.002+11:00

dance by Sandra Pitkin

2011-11-27T05:00:00.002+11:00

This was one of my favourites this year.

domestic bliss by Peter Tilley

2011-11-26T05:00:00.002+11:00

the yearning by Margarita Sampson

2011-11-25T05:00:00.002+11:00

The Yearning by Margarita Sampson won the The Andrea Stretton Memorial Invitation to Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe in March 2012.These yellow sea slugs are made from recycled banners.

no more foreplay ????

2011-11-24T05:00:00.002+11:00

Entitled this is one of those things that hopefully will just go away in time, by Bjorn Godwin and Jette Gejl.

It did make me wonder, however, what it is that is just going to go away in time? Protest? Stuff people are protesting against? Foreplay?

sea change by Lucy Barker

2011-11-23T05:00:00.002+11:00

Along the route of the Sculpture walk, several of the benches are decorated with this webbing effect.

They are like the folding aluminium picnic chairs which used to be popular when I was younger.

Lucy Barker says on her website:

"For this work I have revived 5 existing benches around the Bondi - Tamarama walk by adorning them with colourful, vintage polypropylene chair webbing, a la beach chairs and folding aluminium chairs of lesiure. They become a reminder to stop, slow down and ponder how things have changed, and what may have stayed the same."

look this way by Ken Unsworth, AM

2011-11-22T05:00:00.001+11:00

Ken Unsworth is one of Australia's most recognised sculptors and installation artists. One of his works, Stones Against The Sky has had a controversial presence in Sydney, often derided as "poo on sticks". I quite like it.

One of my favourite Unsworth workd is Suspended stone circle II. It was on display at the Art Gallery of NSW for some years.

This work won the Children's Choice award at 2011 Sculpture By The Sea.

provenance (a gilt frame) by Jane Gillings

2011-11-21T05:50:00.001+11:00

I really liked Jane Gillings' Dream House in a previous Sculpture By The Sea.

Read more about her here (official site) and on her own blog.

the predators in the park by Belinda Villani

2011-11-20T05:44:00.002+11:00

For more works by Sydney based sculptor, Belinda Villani, click here.

who left the tap running? by Simon McGrath

2011-11-19T06:00:00.004+11:00

This sculpture is one of the most photographed and popular this year.

The sculptor, Simon McGrath has won the Sydney Water and Environment prize, worth $10 000.

I won't be surprised if it wins the "People's Choice" award.

11:11 by Alison Lee Cousland

2011-11-18T05:00:00.002+11:00

I think this may have been my favourite piece this year. (Unfortunately, I'm not all that happy with the photos). As this is just past sunrise, and facing east, the golden tinge is the sun's rays. I have seen photos of this piece at other times of day when it is almost transparent. I love that idea, and it would be fabulous to see it at different times of day, in different lights. It would be afabulous permanent installation, and I hope it finds a suitable, public, home somewhere.

Them and our shadows

2011-11-17T05:00:00.002+11:00

toads on tour by Hannah Kidd (and shadows of all of us)

Message in a Bottle

2011-11-16T05:59:00.000+11:00

This sculpture by Steven Thomson and Jonas Allen is billed as "a virtual sculpture that can only be fully appreciated via your smartphone."

Instructions are given about downloading an App, then using the camera which appears to point at the label on the bottle. The mermaid then materialises, and a snap taken.

It's a novel idea, and I had a lot of fun with it. I'm all for playing around with art, form, function and technology, and the idea of exhibitions providing a bit of fun.

Sunrise at Sculpture By The Sea

2011-11-15T06:20:00.000+11:00

isometric symmetry by Fatih Semiz

Feeding the hungry blog

2011-11-14T21:52:00.000+11:00

This morning I made my annual sunrise visit to Sculpture By The Sea. Come with me over the next couple of weeks while we explore. I must say I found it a teensy bit underwhelming this year...it was as if some of the artists with whom I have become familiar rummaged in their cupboards and found their second, third, or tenth best works....

Beware magpies - sign on a fence

2011-11-01T00:01:00.001+11:00

Magpie nesting season

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day: fences

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Archaeology of the future

2011-10-25T00:01:00.002+11:00

This new building at St Peters abutts walls on either side which are adorned with graffiti, or art. I spotted it as I drove past, and it led me to wonder whether some time in the future when the new building reaches the end of its life, people will take scrapings and wonder at the decorative daubings of the early 21st century.....

St Peters Church

2011-10-24T00:01:00.003+11:00

This is the church at which the sign I showed yesterday is located. It is a beautiful patch of green, complete with surrounding cemetery, in a really hectic part of Sydney. The entrance is off the Princes Highway, in an area of fast food joints, a cheap motel, container terminals and light industry.

The church was built in 1838 in Gothic revival style.
Here's some history of the church from their website.

Grilled Cheesus

2011-10-23T06:01:00.000+11:00

I adore the TV show "Glee", and there is an episode called Grilled Cheesus in which Jesus appears in a half eaten grilled cheese sandwich. This reminded me of that..... It's in the churchyard of a church at St Peters.

Elle

2011-10-22T00:01:00.003+11:00

Wandering through department store Myer and came spied this media scrum from an escalator. Of course I went to investigate and be bloggger-on-the-spot and joined the iPhone throng.

It was Elle MacPherson promoting some new product. She really is very beautiful in real life.

Here's what the Sydney Morning Herald had to say about it. One criticism was she mentioned brand names 16 times in 18 minutes. Errrrr.... wasn't that what she was being paid to do - product endorsement?

Space ship?

2011-10-21T00:01:00.001+11:00

This "spaceship" appears to have landed in Wynyard Park in Sydney. It allows light in to the underground entrance to Wynyard railway station.

I think it's rather elegant, and "Parisian", matching the nearby AWA tower / mini Eiffel Tower, which dates from 1939.

It was Australia's tallest building until 1958. It has a viewing platform which is no longer open to the public. AWA was a communications company and it was a radio transmission tower.

Enviro Trade Centre

2011-10-20T07:07:00.000+11:00

I showed the Enviro Trade Centre in August 2006. The photo above is from then. Since then it's had a paint job, as the photo at left shows.

Lilac tree (maybe?)

2011-10-19T06:01:00.002+11:00

Update 30 oct 2011: Fionie the Green Thumb and font on all things horticultural has provided the answer - these are Cape Chestnuts: calondendrum capense, natives to Cape Town. The Cape Floral Kingdom is both the smallest and richest floral kingdom on Earth. They usually grow incredibly well in Australia (Gondwanaland and all that....)

Last Sunday, a beautiful day in Sydney, I was swimming at Bexley pool. I looked up and saw these magnificent flowering trees.

Apart from the beauty of the blossoms, they had the most magnificent scent.

I wasn't sure what they were, but googling seemed to suggest they are lilac trees. I'm still not sure though, so if anyone knows, I'd appreciate help!

Further investigation indicated lilacs are cool climate trees, liking frosty conditions.

That doesn't fit too well, cos the suntrap at Bexley pool doesn't speak of frosts.

Purple lilac flowers are supposed to symbolise the emotion of being in love; white lilacs represent youthful innocence.

Advertising .... Redfern

2011-10-18T00:01:00.003+11:00

I was driving to work and on the corner of Elizabeth and Redfern Sts. I was stopped at lights. Looked over and saw what I thought was a single poster - Born to be together, for Bacardi mixers, and the ad with the woman with the machine gun. I couldn't believe it - alcohol and guns - born to be together?

I went round the block and came back again and went over to inspect. The two posters are perfectly aligned, and appear as one.

I wonder if it is mere coincidence?

Lines

2011-10-17T06:02:00.002+11:00

Carved in sandstone

2011-10-16T06:02:00.002+11:00

Detail from the facade of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Grosvenor St, Sydney

SDP on tour ...sunburnt in Villefranch-sur-Mer

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000+11:00

A holidaying British mother and daughter in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The portrait

2011-10-15T06:02:00.002+11:00

SDP on tour.... the market in Villefranche-sur-Mer

2011-10-15T06:00:00.002+11:00

I imagined that the vendor in white was showing his colleague a new app on his phone!

The wares they were beautifully displayed. I wonder if "ancient iPhones" will ever be so lovingly arranged on a market stall?

Switch off!

2011-10-14T06:01:00.002+11:00

This was taken by Guest Blogger, Jason Nicholas at the recent Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney. This idea is a very, very dangerous one indeed!

SDP on tour . . .Villefranche-sur-Mer

2011-10-14T06:00:00.002+11:00

The busker and the sketcher

2011-10-13T06:01:00.002+11:00

SDP on tour....Villefranche-sur-Mer

2011-10-13T06:00:00.003+11:00

From the railway station. Can you spot the posing couple from yesterday on the beach?

International students

2011-10-12T06:01:00.003+11:00

Sydney is home to a large number of international students. Education is iften referred to as "one of Australia's largest export industries." I prefer not to think of these vibrant young people as cogs in the dismal science. This young woman is from South Korea, the man from India. They are studying hospitality management and were resting after a day of work placement at one of the major hotel chains.

I loved their engaging and sunny dispositions as we chatted for a while, and felt their enthusiasm and engaging manners will take them far in life. For the moment they are enhancing the Sydney scene. I wish them both well in their endeavours! (and I am kicking myself for not asking them their names! I did get an email address, which I seem to have mislaid - so if you happen to drop by, please let me know!)

SDP on tour....The beach at Villefranche-sur-Mer

2011-10-12T06:00:00.003+11:00

I have wanted to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer since I glimpsed it from the railway station a few years ago. This year I got the chance.

It's a lovely town, and great place to swim.

From the railway platform there's a fantastic panoramic view.

The couple above were entirely aware of themselves, posing in the most self-conscious of ways. Maybe they were even the grandchildren of this 1960s postcard couple, who seemed rather more oblivious to their surroundings!

Acts of Kindness

2011-10-11T06:01:00.001+11:00

An art project by Michael Landy, Acts of Kindness explores the meaning of kindness in our fast-paced world, focussing on everyday acts of compassion and generosity that go unoticed in the city streets.

This one says "My work driveway is on Pitt Street and getting out at peak hour can be tough, as commuters rush to Wynyard Station to head home at the end of the day. Most nights I rely on an everyday act of kindness - a commuter stopping at the drive and ushering me on so I can get my car out. Thank you!

SDP on tour . . . African music in Gorbio

2011-10-11T06:00:00.003+11:00

The band of entertainers were from Burkina Faso in West Africa. It was previously known as Upper Volta, and is a former French colony. It's had a pretty turbulent political history.

Here's a couple of short videos to give you a flavour

Art and About ... time for a bit of a rest!

2011-10-10T06:01:00.001+11:00

Just a few metres away from the installation shown yesterday, we came across this sofa, just waiting for us! Having walked several kilometres around Sydney looking at art, it seemed like a great place for Sue and I to have a bit of a rest!

SDP on tour . . African night in Gorbio village

2011-10-10T06:00:00.015+11:00

Gorbio is a medieval village in the hills above Menton. It osts numerous cultural festivals, particularly in summer. This night was an African night. Before the entertainment we all sat in the main square of the village and dined on African-inspired food, and drank some wine.

This adorable baby and her family above were part of the spectators. I just love that these events involve the whole community, and multiple generations of family. I can think of very few occasions other than family-specific celebrations where this happens in my home city....

Darkness fell and the singing and dancing began....which I will show tomorrow.

Art and About ... Deconstructing Ways by Isidro Blasco

2011-10-09T06:01:00.002+11:00

Deconstructing Ways on the corner of Mullins Street and Market Row. This installation "creates a parallel world for your imagination to step into. Another option to the usual route appears - distorted, but strangely more real than the street you are standing on."

You do feel as if you could walk into it. At first I thought the car coming out of Market Row had spoiled that snap and I'd need to take more, but when I looked at it on the computer, decided it actually "made" the photo! It hides the disjuncture at the pavement level.

The photo below reveals more of how the work is located and constructed. It's like a movie set - all facade and perspective, mounted on a wooden backing scaffold.

SDP on tour ... the shower

2011-10-09T06:00:00.001+11:00

Recently Jilly from Menton Daily Photo commented that the beach showers in Menton are superior to those in Ventimiglia - and they are!

Art and About ... peri(pheral)scopes looking over to the over-looked

2011-10-08T06:00:00.008+11:00

In Skittle Lane, there is an installation by Heidi Alexson, Adriano Pupilli and Hugo Moline - a series of periscopes, purportedly showing views of Western Sydney (the over-looked part of Sydney). Only one was working when we stopped by. But I loved the graffiti art (NOT part of the official art...) backdrop to one of the periscopes.

Here's a previous post on Skittle Lane and how it got its name.

SDP on tour ... angel in Old Menton cemetery

2011-10-08T06:00:00.001+11:00

Art and About...Untitled by Magda Sayeg

2011-10-07T06:01:00.001+11:00

In Sussex Lane is this Yarnbombing, or Gueriila Knitting installation by Magda Sayeg.

SDP on tour ... bougainvillea

2011-10-07T06:00:00.002+11:00

Art and About...Bubbleway by Rebar

2011-10-06T06:01:00.001+11:00

"Are you planking?" asked my friend Sue, as I stretched out on these covered Swiss Balls in Bulletin Place.

"Bubbleway, a modular, inflatable social furniture system...asks us to rethink our notions of public space and discover new forms of social interactions, creativity and play in a heavily encoded cosmopolitan centre."

Whatever .... they were quite comfy!

SDP on tour . .. anyone home?

2011-10-06T06:00:00.002+11:00

Can I come in please?

Art and About - Donut by Brook Andrew

2011-10-05T06:01:00.001+11:00

Brook Andrew's Donut in Bridge Lane is "a large inflated PVC form donut ...transformed into a striking black and white matrix of Wiradjuri design. The shape references ancient European and Indigenous depictions of time travel and healing, and the popular contemporary notion of a 'pie in the sky."

I just like it! And the refelection in a corner of a window of the Exchange Hotel.

Andrew is of Wiradjuri and Scottish descent. The Wiradjuri people people come from Central New South Wales. I showed one of Andrew's other works, Bouncy Castle, in the Biennale of Sydney exhibition on Cockatoo Island.

SDP on tour ...colour

2011-10-05T06:00:00.001+11:00

We are in the old town of Menton. As with yesterday's photo of the cat, the colours - the shade of yellow and the pale green attracted my eye and seem to be the signature colours of the old town of Menton.