Gosh! This was a while ago and I realised that I totally forgot to post about it here on my ceramics website. Admittedly, it was to promote my gallery (Gallery of Small Things | GOST), but my work did feature in the campaign by my local tourism body, VisitCanberra. They worked with Creative Agency Wunderman Thompson Australia to create a major domestic tourism campaign promoting Canberra and places to visit. I was one of three chosen for their Feb-July 2023 campaign. My little dishes feature in the campaign and I did suggest the pistachio to show just how tiny my ceramic dishes are 🙂
So, to see the ad please click on the YouTube video below:
Well, it’s 5.18pm on a balmy winter’s night in Perth. While Canberra drops to -5 in temps, Perth remains in double figures till evening closes in. It’s been so relaxing and I don’t think I’ve ever visited a city where everyone seems so chilled and laid back. Well, Portland, Oregon was the closest and admittedly I’ve spotted a fair share of hipsters, bicycles, beards, barista’s and ‘forage’ dining places that Perth is not far behind becoming the next ‘cool capital’ to visit (after Canberra of course!).
“$$$ Forget New York, Tokyo or London – the highest population of self made millionaires in the world per capita hail from Perth”.
Mmm…what we have discovered that drinking or eating here is really expensive. It is a town of boom or bust and its economy clearly props the wealthy. I’ve been lucky and managed to find a few cute and affordable places for lunch but dinner proves to be very expensive. So what do I recommend? Moore & Moore located in Fremantle is housed in a historic building and a fave for Notre Dame uni students. Food is fresh and the homemade lemonade refreshing. Source Foods located on crn of Brisbane and Beaufort Street serves the best coffee and none of this little glass business! It’s a proper size Alice cup that seems never ending. Adam’s fave is The Royal and when he first came here, as part of his contract, he ate there 11 nights running!! I limited it to two nights as I like variety…
Arthouse – one of many sandstone buildings in Fremantle, Perth
So, what have I done while Adam was working…I’ve been pounding the pavement as I always do when I visit a new city. Perth is pretty much flat with a few hills. They have free transport in the city and luckily our apartment is on the fringe so I can get on and off whenever. So, sandstone. The city is built on sand. You can see it creeping through pavers, the garden beds and at building sites. Most of the older/heritage architecture are built from sandstone and in immaculate condition.
Architecture from different decades and well preserved
Even the art deco style buildings look like they have just been painted. I can’t get over how clean the city is and all the public gardens are manicured within a inch of perfection.
Queens Garden, Perth
Sun. Sunrise and Sunsets – this city sure knows how to put on a show. We’ve seen some stunning weather and who needs TV when you can look out the window and soak up the colours of orange/pinks/golds. While we’ve had a few showers, they come and go and the sun keeps the winter feel at bay.
Sunset and double rainbow over the WACA, Perth
Sunset over the WACA, Perth
Sunset, Fremantle
Shopping – oh! my! I’ve managed to do a little shopping – 3 tops (Morgan & Morgan, Method), a pair of earrings, a set of hair clips , three gifts (Beau Est Mien in Northbridge, Ware, Mt Lawley) and resisting the urge to keep on spending. It’s only been four days and I’ve been very conservative. Well, maybe not. I totally indulged yesterday and had a few treatments at Djurra Day Spa. I’ve never treated myself to something like this.
Pampering on my tootsies!
I felt the need as I’ve been working flat out since Boxing Day and have had two weekends off. It was crazy but all for good causes – an up and coming exhibition I’ll be in (3 July 15 opening at Nishi Gallery, Canberra) and my newest venture – an online shop showcasing my porcelain earrings. I’m very excited as this will be launched 14 July on Bastille Day. Why Bastille Day? Because my earrings are chic and I’d like think my range is as fashionable as the women are in France.
It’s now Wednesday 10 June and I have a slight hangover. We caught up with friends the night before and enjoyed a drop or two..or three…I worked with Naomi in the AFP and we realised its been nearly five years since we’ve seen each other. In the meantime she studied law, got married and moved to perth. So lots to catch up on. I took it easy yesterday as the walking is taking its toll on my little toe. I spent the day working on my marketing plan, content for the website and liasing back and forth on emails.
City Farm Cafe, Perth
It was hard work as I sat in the gardens of City Farm Cafe eating Chickpea, roasted carrot and zucchini dill salad and later a guilt free (my phrase for gluten free) coconut, pistachio lime cake! Our final night (well my last night as Adam goes back to Perth in a week’s time to continue his work) was an all out meal at Lallah Rookah – a semi-fine dining restaurant/bar in the business district where the meals were just divine.
So, if you are thinking of visiting Perth, I highly recommend it and if you get the chance go to Vasse Felix in the Margaret River as they have the best cabernet’s. Cheers, Anne
Opera theatre, Perth
Twin roses, Queens Garden
Sunset on twin roses, Queens Garden
Ducks on pond, Queens Garden
Anne at start of 6km walk to Kings Park
Have you got my best side? Says the kookaburra 😉 This little one posed for 10 minutes while we took lots of photos!
Well, I’ve decided Copenhagen has now hit my top 5 places I want to live in when Adam and I plan to go overseas for a few years. I thought Florence and Berlin were pretty high up but now Copenhagen is showing its stylish flair even when its -4 and snowing during the day!
Seeing the sights of the city on my one and only blue skies day…
Copenhagen-Central-Train-Station
Tivoli amid metro construction affecting all of Copenhagen city
I’m staying at Hotel Alexandra – a beautiful retro Danish hotel which focuses on Danish furniture designers, the environment and making guests feel like they are at home. No chain hotels need apply when it comes to moi traveling. I’ve become friends with April who is Acting Front Desk and she has been with the hotel for 5 years. This says something about her and her employees. She absolutely loves her job and she’s the sort of person you’d love to employ any day. April has helped me every step of the way, let me have a peek at the more sleeker (and expensive rooms), booked my restaurant, asked me about my day and has been so so nice that I feel like I’ve known her for ages. Adam and I are definitely coming back to Copenhagen and staying here for a week. Three days is not long enough as I feel I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can.
So, what did I do? Well, I think I’ve shopped, eaten, drunk and walked myself silly but geez what a city. Its clearly design/architect focused and everyone knows how to dress for winter – stylish and of course practically. So here’s a brief rundown of 72 hours in Copenhagen:
Zoo Design – a mecca for artists in the visual arts to showcase ceramics, jewellery, textiles and glass. I could have stayed here all day. Two hours later I managed to buy 2 gifts and 1 little one for Adam and I.
Designer-Zoo-inside
A-jeweller-in-her-studio-at-Designer-Zoo
Rosenborg – to be honest I really didn’t know what to expect and when I started to go through the Castle and read about the tapestries in the Great Hall….suddenly I sped up on Denmark’s history and its wars. I had no idea Denmark actually owned a lot of land through Sweden, Norway and Germany and had to fight long battles, losing many soldiers, and still not regain some of its territory. Well, one of the Kings (Christian # I can’t remember) commissioned tapestries to be made and they certainly told a very different story regarding ‘conquests’ compared to what actually happened. So, its interesting to see how churches and royalty are similar in representing their visual version of supposed events.
Rosenberg-Castle
Rosenberg-Castle-buildings
Rosenberg-Castle-Guard
Hviids Vinstue – I read this 300 year old tavern served Gløgg – a spicy mulled wine – and I was keen to try it out.
Gløgg served in a little glass with a spoon…
Well, I arrived and what appeared at first to be a Gentleman’s club became a bit more relaxed as couples, families and single people were merrily drinking away and everyone spoke Danish. No tourists in sight…well except for moi! As it was, a smartly dressed older waiter asked me what I’d like and I mentioned the mulled wine and he merrily disappeared and came back, plonked it on my table and disappeared again. I sat there and eventually asked the ladies behind me how it worked in terms of paying. They said just pay when you leave. Of course..silly me!
So, as I watched people come and go eventually I needed to go to the ladies but didn’t want to leave my gear behind. I asked a couple would they mind watching. No dramas. I came back and we chatted for 1/2hr. It turns out she was an owner of an advertising agency and we swapped notes on how clients always wanted the impossible the day before! I asked her husband about whether there was a Danish team I could get a jersey for my husband as I had no idea. Yes, we play soccer not football. But he loves our Aussie Rules and I joked with his wife that the men were much better looking than the stocky, ordinary looking rugby players. We talked about the cricket, New Zealand, if Hobart was another country…I nearly fell over and explained no its part of Australia, ceramics, which galleries to go to while I was here and it was great to have a chat and not feel so obviously alone at my table drinking my 2nd drink – Danish beer.
When plans change…
For my last day I had roughly worked out what to do. By the time I skyped the family it was well after 11am when I hit the streets. I was going to visit the Christiansborg Palace first but realised I had to wait till 1.30pm to access some of the areas. So, instead I decided to go to Bredgade Street where all the galleries are…well yes, the ones that showcase 1 painting by 1 artist in a massive room (I’m sorry but that is not normal), the very expensive antique shops and old women wearing fox/animal fur coats and tonnes of makeup. I was beginning to wonder what I was doing…luckily the Marmorkirken (Marble Church) came into view and I was able to check out its cupola. Sadly, I couldn’t get a bird’s eye view of the city as the tower was only open Sat, Sun and public holidays.
Cupola-at-Marmorkirken-Marble-Church
Marmorkirken-Marble-Church
As I headed into the streets I realised I had dropped my faithful map at some point and then chose to go down some street and hopefully head back in the right direction. I came across a familiar sign – Keramik! Yeah, I popped in and met 3 lovely ceramic artists sharing a very small space in the basement. We chatted about the Center, my work, their work and when they asked my plans…they tsked tsked the Palace and said no, go to Davids Samling – a museum containing the best collection of porcelain, Islamic art and contemporary Danish works – plus its free! They also gave me the name of local artists/galleries to visit along the way. So, I’m glad I took their advice as the Samling Museum was amazing. It was also warm, with carpet, beautiful rooms, incredible artwork and it made Rosenberg Castle look very ho hum! In fact, the feeling was Hygee, which roughly translates into cosy. Winter in Denmark can be cold, grey and long so most places put a lot of emphasis on their homes, their work place and where they eat – blankets, candles, cushions – anything to give you a warm, cosy feeling.
One-of-many-opulent-rooms-at-David-Samling
Porcelain-collection-at-David-Samling
Sliding-door-into-the-next-room-at-David-Samling…Oh! I so want one!
I then had to rush into town for last minute gifts before heading back to the hotel and changing for dinner. Well, what a interesting night…after a free bus ride and entertaining the bus driver, I found myself in the dodgy end of town and panicked as the streets were dark and I was totally lost. Reading a map in the dark isn’t fun and silly me forgot my torch in my pocket…I just got very flustered. I finally found the place and then they sat me in the foyer entrance overlooking the kitchen. I explained a booking was made in the restaurant and was this a temporary arrangement? No, this is where we sit single people. Mmmm….overlooking the dirty kitchen sink. No, I don’t think so! So, I summed up the courage to explain I had booked a table and according to Wallpaper City Guide the photo did not show the kitchen as a main feature. As their English and my Danish was limited it was clear that they were not going to move me. So, I gathered my coat, gloves and hat and said I was very disappointed as I had come a long way to experience the Nordic cooking. I left, and then had to make my way back to the bus stop in the dark and my last meal wasn’t looking crash hot. So, back to the hotel and a Vietnamese beef and noodle dish with red wine gave me the boost I needed.
Heading home
At last, 7 weeks later I’m heading home on the big silver bird tomorrow morning. I’m excited as this is my last night in Copenhagen. Three days in a major city is not long enough. I highly recommend at least 5-7 days to fully explore a city and to always be open to changing even the best of laid out plans. Sometimes, you get to see another side of the city that is not always recommended in travel books/brochures etc. I also recommend that you go parallel to the ‘tourist’ streets – I’m not saying don’t do them, but the next day try a street or 2 either side as you’ll be suprised as to what you will find.
Thank you for reading my virtual travel experience as an artist-in-residence and as a tourist abroad. I’ve had a wonderful time and am already planning future trips. American historian Miriam Rita Beard sums up best what travel means to me:
Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.
A photo gallery to end my time in Zealand where the medieval towns of Skælskør and Roskilde reside. From a stunning Cathedral, glass studio and Viking Museum in Roskilde, to walking @ the Skælskør Nor and then ending with the glorious and romantic 17th Century Borreby Castle (well almost ending…Marie and I went to Kobæk Strand (beach) on Monday and I couldn’t resist showing snow at the beach!) – its all been an amazing travel and photographic experience. Enjoy!
Well, reality has certainly bitten this little petal. After an agonizing time carefully loading my eight tiles into the bisque kiln on Saturday I finally opened the door on Monday morning to uncover a firing disaster. I knew one of the tiles had broken, as Christina checked late Sunday night, so I braced myself as to which one I had lost. It wasn’t until when removing the tiles one by one I realized something had gone terribly wrong. Tile after tile – major cracks – and when I got to the shelf that’s when I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The kiln shelf had split fair into two pieces. Out of the eight tiles I made, only two survived and one partially – as Adam kindly pointed out “it was only a 75% failure rate”. I laid them all out on the bench, photographed them and headed straight back to my room. I felt so deflated and could have kicked myself – where did I do wrong?
I had read up on the Internet – reliable ceramic sites to work out how to bisque large tiles. I found some great sites/detailed information but they all related to small bathroom tiles and nothing my size or depth. I chatted to another artist in residence who was confident I could lay the tiles on top of each other. I had plans to lay one on each shelf – but we didn’t have enough shelves for that option. So, I had the yellow clay tiles on 2 separate shelves and the white clay tiles stacked carefully on each other.
I didn’t know one kiln shelf had a hairline fracture and the weight of the tiles combined with the fracture may have been the cause for the break. Our Technician Rachel hadn’t seen anything like it before and was surprised at the outcome. We talked about what the cause was but couldn’t give a definitive answer. She suggested next time I stack them side by side with bricks – like toast in one of those old-fashioned toast stands.
Silver-PLATED-TOAST-RACK-6-slice
Someone else suggested clay coils around each of the tiles to slow down the heat so it’s not fast on the outside and a shock to the center. So lots of ideas and if any ceramicist out there can give me tips I’d so much welcome them as I’m keen to continue making these tiles when I come home.
The good news is someone upstairs must have been looking after me as the two tiles, which survived, were in fact the most important – the main feature tiles for the old/serene body of work. At least I can work with something and the other good news, which Adam also pointed out “you’ll save on shipping costs now!” He of course totally understood, felt bad about my firing and let me have a good sob over Skype.
So, today I woke up with a massive hangover after drinking a tad too much – probably because I knew I needed to commiserate, held my last dinner duty with the gorgeous Evelyn from Estonia, given a presentation to Project Network 2013 members on tips to improve grant applications and only had one more kiln firing to go. Anyway, onwards and upwards and I have to say one of the girls here made me realize you have to embrace ceramics with all its uncontrollable elements and be prepared for breakages, kiln and/or glaze disasters. Only the day before, another artist accidentally knocked over one of Claire’s exhibition pieces. He was mortified and she was calm as she quickly threw the piece in the bin. She made the whole incident painless and is truly a model of graciousness and practicality.
Anyway, I spent today glazing my two tiles and I’m happy with the results. The work, along with the pendants will be ready to put in the kiln on Wednesday and should be out some time Friday.
Tiles-after-bisque-firing
Kiln-shelf-broken-clean-in-half
Firing-disaster
3-tiles-which-survived
Glazed-work-ready-for-final-firing
Post note: the works came out today….and sadly, another firing disaster. It just seems I been given the ultimate test ‘to harden up princess’ as Adam says. Well, I opened the door to see one big gooey hard mess in front of me.
Glaze-firing-an-expensive-exercise
We had to wait till the kiln cooled down and Rachel helped me pull the shelves out. Two were joined together and when we pulled them all out we assessed the damage – to the shelves and the element. Whatever work came out went straight to my desk with no interest. I was worried about the damage. We got a hammer and chisel and she showed me what I’d have to do to get rid of the glaze. The glaze is hard as rock and when you break it, its like glass. So, we worked carefully but struggled to avoid the actual shelf from being ruined. So, she left me and 2hrs later I tried my best to rescue the shelves. Two of the shelves are not savable and with a damaged wire I’m going to be up for some big $$’s. My budget for the firings has been totally blown out. I also lost 1/2 my pendants which had been made as gifts for people here. So, unfortunately that special project is out the window. As for my 2 tiles, they somehow managed to be okay. I did take a photo to put in this posting but it could have helped if I put the memory card in! Its now too late as I’ve bubble wrapped my works in preparation for leaving. So lesson learned…don’t put a low fire clay in a high fire clay firing. I didn’t realise I had made this mistake and now I know what happens and trust me I won’t be making this expensive mistake again…
So, this is probably my last posting related to my time here as an artist-in-residence. I’m pleased I took myself out of my comfort zone and explore new clays, glazes and forms. This is the complete opposite to what I did at University and I’m so glad I didn’t create the same work and play it safe. I’m looking forward to coming home as I miss Adam, Miami and of course family, friends and work colleagues. I will also miss my new friends made here at Guldagergaard. Its been an amazing experience and one I highly recommend any ceramic artist to consider as part of their career…just start saving now and be open to all that ceramics throws at you!
When I first arrived at the Ceramic Center and spied this chair in my room…all I could think was…how do I smuggle it home!
Pretty-chair-in-my-danish-bedroom
It’s a cute sitting chair and I imagine long ago dainty women would sit in a room and sew beautiful handkerchiefs by hand. As for moi…she can’t sew, knit or anything that involves the delicate textiles art form. But drawing and capturing my favourite chair…well I’d be remiss not to do this before I leave.
So here are three photos. The original chair, my pencil drawing and then the final drawing. I use pro-marker pens and couldn’t help but purchase a box of 12 new pretty colours. It only cost 149 DKK (@$25 AUD). Back home the same set costs $119 which makes me wonder why some businesses charge so much! I don’t mind paying but geez explain the inflation…Anyway, I hope you enjoy this little drawing and a change from photos and writing.
I thought a change from words would be good and I’d take you on a virtual 2hr walk through the town of Skælskør. Imagine it snowing lightly, crunching beneath your feet, seeing Christmas wreaths on graves at a cemetery (with the best views of the water), avoiding dog poop on the pavement and bitterly cold finger tips from taking way too many photos! Enjoy! Hint: if you click on the photo, it will take you to another page, then click on that photo to get the full size 6 x 4 photo. I’m still figuring out a better way to display photos but limited by software…
Well it’s the end of my first week (of 6 weeks) at Guldagergaard, International Ceramic Research Center located in Skælskør. Don’t even ask how to pronounce the names as we have all attempted and only the Danes say it the best!
This is my studio space overlooking part of the Sculpture Park, which surrounds the center and suburbia houses surround the park. I was lucky to meet Priscilla, one of the founding members on Monday and say how we have nothing like this back at home. I have since found out that this Center is very unique and how lucky we are to have such a beautiful house to live in and high quality studios to work in.
I arrived @6pm Wednesday night (3 January) and was entertained by a local madmen in the dark as he sang and said weird stuff. Then suddenly these loud bangs went off and I’m like terrified he’s got a shotgun. I remained calm and thankfully Rachel turns up on her cute bicycle all dressed up in her winter woollies. As we went up the streets the ‘bangs’ turned out to be firecrackers! What a dill! I was shown my room (#5) and told to come down for dinner when I was ready. I put my gear down as keen to meet the others. I met Paige, Lee and Ryan – all from the USA – and we got on well. I really liked Paige and thought she seems so cool and my instinct was right – she’s funny, cool and down to earth. The others started to arrive and slowly I try to remember names. It is a great night and I feel like I’ve settled in well. We are told to have the next day to ourselves and Rachel and I meet @ 11am as she takes me on a separate orientation tour of the house, the library, washing facilities, the clay room (the biggest I’ve ever seen), the Apple Orchard Gallery and then finally the beast of them all – the massive stables which have now been converted into studios.
There is a plaster room, a kiln room in between 2 large studio spaces, a proper glaze room – all the materials (and it takes me back to Australian National University School of Art’s ceramic workshop – which I miss) and a back room with ware boards & stuff. There is an upstairs area but that is still undergoing renovations.
I go grocery shopping with a few of the artists and I’m so glad I bought my Danish phrase book as it helps me (and the others) to figure out what we are buying. Everything looks expensive as I can’t remember the conversion and I limit my purchases. As it turns out a weeks worth of lunch and breakfast is ½ the price it cost me for a Starbucks coffee/small sandwich/takeaway lidded thermos at the Copenhagen Airport!
From Friday through to today I work at the studios as conscious about how many firings I need to do in such a short time. Six weeks isn’t long enough and I wish I had 8 weeks. I am working with 2 low fired clays – Yellow brick and Black – as this is new and totally the opposite to porcelain. I’ve also chosen 3 high-fired clays – Cerama White 444, Royal Copenhagen and Limoges (the latter 2 are crème de la crème and also expensive – but Adam is paying for it as he says I may never work with them again).
Anna and Anne
Anne-Marie-Kim-Francesco-Leah-Lee
another-great-dinner
My-room-Danish-style
My-studio-space
View-from-my-room-at-Ceramic-Center
So far, I’ve been happy with my test tiles, screen printing and stamping. I’ve worked out one possible exhibition layout and have another one in mind. But again, time is of the essence so I must keep it simple.
Finally, the group dinners need to be seen to believe just how amazing they are. Everyone is rostered on once a week and pair up to cook anywhere from 14 to 19 residents. Rachel and Egla raised the bar with their welcoming meal and everyone has been leaping to match the good food. I hardly eat anything during the day so I can save up for dinner and we usually all have seconds!
I’ve managed to do some shopping and contribute thoughtfully to the economy of Skælskør (any excuse to explain how much I’ve spent so far ;). But seriously, I do feel its great to be able to come to a small town who can’t rely on tourism solely and still be able to provide small businesses along the quaint cobbled stone main street Algade. I’ve purchased rain boots, raincoat, jumper, ceramic brooch and a few other little trinkets and feel glad that I’ve been able to support locally. The best thing is there are no shopping malls in sight! Gotta love that!
Well I’ll sign off as I did have some extra photos to put in this story but it could have helped if I had put the memory card in the camera! I totally forgot, as I was eager beaver to download photos. Ah well! shall try again tomorrow and hope for the same beautiful sunset I saw at 4pm this afternoon. The next posting will be about my ceramic work and its progress.
…We left Hobart last Friday at the ungodly hour of 5am to catch the red-eye home to Canberra and then off to work. Suddenly, I missed Hobart and all it had to offer. I met so many nice people (I’ve got the gift of the gab and can talk to anyone about anything) and when Sue from her divine shop Shall Design offered for us to stay at her place I realised just how nice the people are in this quaint town. She heard of our terrible experience – a B&B which poor hubbie had booked and turned out to be a frightful, horrible dive and should have been d-accredited to that of a 1 star hostel! Thankfully, the Henry Art Jones Hotel (housed in the former IXL Jam Factory) came to our rescue and gave us a discount on their studio loft and when we arrived Thursday afternoon they upgraded us and provided complimentary drinks for our anniversary. I highly recommend this place for your next accommodation – you can purchase from more than 400 artworks on display throughout the hotel, go on an art/history tour every Friday at 4pm with a complimentary drink…we missed that 🙁 and enjoy the shopping in the IXL atrium.
So Hobart, this is my version (no not Lonely Planet…while practical…I prefer Wallpaper Travel and recommending alternate places to eat, visit and experience) – click on the images below for more details:
