Here is the next group of works I created as part of The Craft + Design Creative Challenge 2025. This is from 31 drawings which I started 1 July along with more than 400 participants! What an amazing outcome for this important initiative. Makers and Designers are mentored, inspired and motivated every day to respond to a daily word prompt. You can visit my Instagram and Facebook accounts to see more. This time I’ve put in a grid of images and chosen a select few to hint at the story behind the drawing. This PDF lists detailed stories so you can live vicariously through my travels and art interpretations of Vienna and Spain or jump to below for a quick read. Enjoy!
1st Grid | Top row word prompts | Naked – based on a sculpture from Upper Belvedere, Vienna ; Lush – tile patterns from the Alhambra; Twined – my husband makes little plaited bookmarks.
Middle row | Nest – based on the wallpaper in our Viennese apartment; Rewild – protecting and preserving birdlife and habitats in Ronda, Spain; Understory – Spanish Heath while pretty are highly invasive in Australia.
Bottom row | Rhythm – Flamenco includes rhythmic hand clapping & feet stamping & dance; Water – inspired by courtyard floor mural in Vienna; Rejuvenate + clever design = positive change (MAK, Vienna).
2nd Grid | Top row word prompts | Echo (drawing inspired by The Drowning Dog by Spanish Painter Goya; Corroboree Frog (Australia) with Fire Salamander (Spain); Mosaic floor, Austrian National Library, Vienna.
Middle row | Messy (Colour wheel now a drinks wheel 😉 Luminous inspired by Olfur Eliasson, Thyssen Museo, Madrid; Infinite – every day is infinite with the sun setting/rising.
Bottom row | Moon – Jupiter has a moon called Europa! Feral – the Iberian Lynx coming back from the brink; Untamed inspired by Don Quixote and him being an ‘untamed brute’!
Hello everyone! I’m currently in Vienna and thought I’d be crazy enough to sign up to an initiative by Craft + Design. It’s for the month of July and participants are given a daily prompt word to revolve around the theme rewilding. I must admit, trying to this while teaching and working in another time zone has been full on. I’m also a bit obsessed with research and in-depth exploration to ensure I push my own boundaries.
I decided to create drawings rather than focus on my ceramics practice. The practical reason is that when you are overseas and travel small – there is no room for your studio to come with you!
To get started, I bought a little artist’s notepad and circle template (from Gerstäcker Art Store), the latter inspired by a sticker from Welt Museum. I wanted to create a bird’s eye view (looking down) or binocular view (looking ahead) to bring the viewer into my tiny art. I brought my pencils/fine black pen with me from Australia.
Each word prompt has been centered around me being in Vienna and connecting with my ‘grand tour’. So far it’s been art, psychology, beauty, cobblestones and redesigned furniture. I can’t wait to see what I create when we arrive in Spain on Monday 14 July to start our holiday. All of these daily postings can be found on my Instagram and Facebook. For now here are the first six. I’ll then try and do weekly postings pending how our travels go.
First image | Infinite | The Oxford dictionary has 13 meanings and multiple examples of early usage! I was taken by the 1658 example of ‘infinite’ as an adverb using the quote, ‘Nature is so infinite various in colours and shadows of the face’ by W. Sanderson. The full title of Sanderson’s work is “Graphice. The use of pen and pensil. Or, the most excellent art of painting: in two parts”.
I chose weeds as Vienna has a lot of cobbled streets where green weeds are untamed and grow wild in between the cracks. One place I visited with my husband was Spittelberg – an upmarket part of town. A community micro forest bloomed in contained garden boxes on the pavement while surrounded by the natural forces of weeds. For me, this juxtaposition demonstrates weeds = infinite rewilding.
2nd image | Water | This time, I searched ‘water Vienna’ in my photos on my iPad. Up came the blue swimming pool I do laps in, green ponds in parks and a multi painted (inc. blue) courtyard floor mural at the Heidi Horten collection. The search could not differentiate that water is a liquid without colour as per the Oxford Dictionary.
When researching the court artwork created by Holla Hoop (basketball art) I discovered it was a “ … project not only visualizes the increasing global CO2 emissions and the often careless handling of it, but also serves as a cooler: the colour reflects sunlight, which leads to a measurable cooling in the yard – and on top of that environmentally friendly … “.
I decided to do a bird’s eye view looking down and capture how museums/theatres in precincts, sports collectives and artists communicate messages about “climate awareness and smarter urban design”.
3rd image | Ripe | is defined 12 times in the OED. I’m focusing on 3c. Of a person: mature in judgement, experienced, or informed in (also upon) a matter, quality etc.
As I’m currently in Vienna, my thoughts turned to Australian National University CASS students being tasked to see the Sigmund Freud Museum and make observations as psychology and / or criminology students.
Freud is considered as Vienna’s ‘famous visionary’ and the father of psychology. Johannes Luxner says, “ …Freud identified sexuality as one of the most powerful motivators of human behaviour …”.
The couch (which is now in the Freud Museum London) was where his patients would talk about their “ … dreams and fears … inner most fantasies…”. Luxner also states “ … Freuds famous couch, the symbol of psychoanalysis … and the evolution of contemporary depth psychology is inextricably linked to this apartment …”.
Wien + Freud = birthplace of psychoanalysis + (ripe) informed in a matter of the ‘human self-image’
1st image | Release | is defined 25 times in the OED. I’m focusing on 2. to stop holding something or stop it from being held so that it can move, fly, fall, etc. freely. The synonym is let go, let loose.
I booked a beauty appointment as the Viennese women are immaculate in what they wear along with perfect nails. My friend Ebru recommended her ladies who are from Ukraine and “Absolutely Fabulous”. Which is the name of the salon!
I had to let myself go as they are very different with Australian pedicures and manicures. Nearly 2 and 1/2 hours of dremil drilling and sanding, UV light machines, precise line brushes and incredible focused attention. I had to sit back and accept this process. I’m super happy with the results and feel I’ve gone from wilding untamed hand and toe nails to the perfect artistic look. This time instead of a drawing I’ve photographed nail beautician Karolina’s perfect creative nails 💅 .
beautician + tools = dewilding and release
2nd image | Moon | While we all know how many planets there are did you know there are 42 moons in the solar system? As I love small, I was curious if there was a small one and if it had a name? Adam helped me out and found that Jupiter had a moon called Europa! How could I not include that in my drawing given we are in the heart of Europe now!
Galileo discovered this moon in 1610 and named it Europa. One of the lovers in Greek mythology of the god Jupiter. Europa lends her name to the continent we are now on. So it is appropriate this art connects with this moon rather than any of the others.
Adam and I headed to the Kunsthistorisches Museum as we figured there must be a painting or object on Europa. He checked out the Greek and Roman section and I went off to the coin collection given the size of my round drawings. Bummer was that it was closed off! So off to another level, where I found a brooch, we found a sculpture and painting. Gotta love museums!
Also, to connect to the the theme of rewilding NASA says, … “There is strong evidence Jupiter’s moon Europa has a saltwater ocean that may be one of the best places to look for environments where life could exist beyond Earth … “. Perhaps through science, we can ‘connect with the raw, natural forces that shape both art and life’ (HerCanberra interview with CEO Jodie Cunningham, Craft + Design Canberra).
3rd image | Abundance | I’m in the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library) Two key exhibitions are closed on Mondays, so I decide to research in one of five reading rooms and 420 individual places to read!
With its high arched entrance doorways, ornate columns and decorative ceilings it’s abundantly clear that I’m in a special building. There are also 8 departments, 4 museums, a State Hall, Centre of Information and Media Literacy, legal deposit, databases, Institute for Conservation and Museum Digital.
I look up About us to find as early as 1806 the library has three purposes, “ … it is the national library of the Austrian Empire. Both locals and foreigners expect to find here the most sought-after literary rarities. It is finally the library of the imperial court, from which it receives its name. This is associated with typographical splendour … “.
I feel very lucky to be sitting here today with my research hat on as an artist and as a “foreigner” experiencing an abundance of history (28 million pages from historical newspapers and magazines, more than 600,000 volumes from the historical books collection), archives and collections (5 million pages legal + Statutory texts, 3.5 million digital objects, 400,000 selected objects and finally 75,000 historical postcards from all over the world). Wow!
Finally, connecting the theme of rewilding – the Library has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel through their “ … consistent sustainability management in all areas in the light of the current challenges of climate change and dwindling resources … “.
Did you know, on the 4th level of the V&A, is room after room filled with ceramics! The Ceramic Galleries has rooms 136 to 146 showcase ceramics in a timeline from contemporary to 2500 BC. I had to visit twice. There was so much to take in and I needed more time to truly soak in the beauty of this vast collection. A map is included in the photos below.
Standouts for me included:
the large cup by Robin Levien in the middle of room 140 in the 2000 and below period. I equated this object to the Chair. In my extensive travels around the world, one thing I did note was how often the ‘chair’ was featured prominently. To be fair, we do tend to visit design and craft spaces so this would explain it. I just love how the V&A has placed a ceramic cup in a prominent space to remind us form, function and beauty does exist in all created objects.
The teaching space in the Timothy Sainsbury Gallery. I love how they displayed the processes that go behind making say a ceramic cup. Often viewers don’t know how much labour, time and energy goes into making a piece and then you are beholden to the kiln gods (the firings can quite literally make or break the outcome).
Yellow dish from Asia room – as you know I love yellow. I couldn’t pass on this gorgeous yellow glaze made for the Chinese imperial court.
The café Gamble Room is the ultimate luxe experience for affordable casual lunches/teas. I also sat in the garden room to admire the courtyard and people watching on a hot Summer’s day.
Rows upon rows of glass cabinets filled to the brim. I could have stayed all day…
Dish from Asian & Eastern roomCoffee set by Keith MurrayFoyer stairwell with ceramic vesselFoyer stairwell with ceramic tilesCeramic wall work in foyerRoom upon room filled with ceramics!
From mid-June to early October, I was lucky to travel to Austria, Germany, The Hague and Netherlands, Belgium, London and Edinburgh. I worked in Austria as a Support Officer for the Australian National University’s Criminology Department who had 23 students visiting Vienna for an immersive Summer unit. Criminology Convenor Dr Adam Masters led the course which was taught for the first time and proved to be a success. Of course, in our down time we visited many museums, galleries and parks to enjoy Vienna’s art and culture.
I have written several travel stories on my work blog which is Gallery of Small Things – a gallery I run in Canberra. I’ve been operating the gallery for more than 6 years now and love my job. It’s been a balance to manage my arts practice with the gallery and I must admit the past three years has meant my practice has been put on hold while I kept my business alive during the pandemic.
I thought for this blog, I would focus mainly on ceramics I saw during our travels. I’m going to start at the end of the trip as the highlight for me was an unexpected exhibition held in Bath, UK. Who would have thought a little town would be hosting a major retrospective of one of my ‘in awe’ muses – Lucie Rie!
Holburne Museum is a hidden gem nestled in Sydney Park. It houses an extensive private collection (more than 4000 objects, pictures & books). Lucie’s exhibition was on one floor + a little room housing test pieces. The main room had decades of her work which were curated beautifully among the regal furniture, fine art and decorative arts from the collection of Sir William Holburne.
I was emotionally overwhelmed by seeing her works in person. It’s one thing to see it in a book but to be so close to the objects and have the room to myself (apart from the staff minding the space) was an incredibly defining moment for me. I knew that as soon as got home to Australia – I needed to focus on making again. I’m delighted to say that since we’ve been home, I’ve been working on a top secret project which will be announced (cross fingers) in February 2024! Please enjoy the following photos.
Top Row: Holburne House, Tall foot, manganese drip, inlaid, Made at 88! Middle Row (first photo): fashionable Viennese earthenware Bottom Row (far right): Porcelain, iron oxide & sgraffito Main bottom image: Coffee culture, Lucie loved to entertain with homemade cake & coffee
From 2-5 May, the 15th Australian Ceramics Triennale was held in Hobart, Australia. Julie Pennington, Tania Vrancic and myself stayed at the cute Hobart Art House about 10-15 minutes walking distance to the Princess Wharf One where the conference was held. More than 700 delegates attended the event breaking a new record which was fantastic news for the organising committee. The conference was jam packed with presentations, a few demonstrators and many ceramics exhibitions in and around Hobart in beautiful galleries and spaces. I wrote copious notes, took way too many photos and am still processing all the information provided through out the conference. I highly recommend newcomers to the ceramics scene put this conference on their wish list to do in 2022. Click on Galleries (under their name in black text) to go direct to their websites. Also, same for Pollen Tea Room. Best Anne
As an artist & gallery operator, it’s rare to have a weekend off. So for our 10th wedding anniversary, I decided a driving holiday was a good way to celebrate. I read an magazine article where the writer travels the Old Bells Line of Road in the Hawkesbury region. I didn’t know this part of the lower blue mountains existed let alone it’s gems. While she provided lots of historical spots to visit, my husband and I were more keen on architecture, breweries and gardens. We did a blend of hers and our own driving trip, and with travel less than 3hrs from Canberra to Windsor, we found it a breeze.
Once you get off the highway to head to Windsor, the changes in scenery and housing becomes more relaxing as we pass by small to large properties from pastel coloured weatherboard to sweeping driveways with wraparound verandas and cast iron lacework. Windsor has Australia’s oldest pub, the Macquarie Arms Hotel, and my other half was keen to sit and have a drink. We felt we were in an episode of the ABC’s TV show Jack Irishas two old timers enthusiastically regaled their tales to all in listening distance!
From here we found The Doctors house, retaining its pretty colonial Terrace architecture style from 1819. A short walk along the river has a paddle steamer on show at the Bridge & retracing your steps back towards Deerubbin Park makes this all very slow paced but for good reasons.
We head to our B&B The Willows in Kurrajong via Richmond where an avenue of plane trees provide a grand entrance to this quaint town. More on this later. We head to the hills winding in & out up the valley & once we leave the main road, discover properties tucked away in the bushes far from city life. Purple wisteria falls from an original shed as we drive down the cream gravel to our B&B. It’s everything I imagined. Wide open veranda, sweeping lawns, a few lambs & quiet apart from a song or two from local birdlife. Janet greets us like we’ve known each other for years, she shows our private entrance to the house, two rooms & discreetly leaves before you’ve put down your bags. We melt into the cushioned chairs on the verandah & don’t move till we head out for dinner. We begin to unwind.
We book into Lochiel House, as recommended by the article and one of three places that host Bruce recommends in the local vicinity. We are greeted with an enthusiastic waitress Lucy who makes our night. She’s chatty and knows when to give us our space. We eat three courses – all of which we enjoy – as everything is sourced locally and made fresh. My dessert is the best pistachio and lemon cake ever! A new menu is due to come out mid October … we are tempted to go back.
After a sleep in on Sunday, we head off to The Blue Mountains botanical gardens at Mt Tomah. We fail to find the Bells Point lookout as written in the article along with a few other sights…we begin to wonder if they exist.
Luckily, we spy the Hillbilly Cider brewery sign and a sharp right (traffic on the long weekend a bit crazy) means a little gravel screeching in Bilpin. As Adam is driving, I get to taste the vintage cider and instantly sigh. It’s like champagne but much softer. Me being Miss Practical thinks we will only buy two bottles. Adam says why buy two when you can buy a box! Which we do but on our return home as we don’t want to jiggle the cider on our road trip.
Off to the gardens and the car park is nearly full. It’s the long weekend and we luck in with a spot. Coats, scarves and brolly are needed as it’s unpredictable in this cooler part of the lower mountains. Upon entering and heading to the lookout we suddenly realise this is a huge garden … at least two hours of meandering it’s many paths, different variety of gardens and endless insta moments at every turn. The gardens are simply stunning and we’ve hit the right time to see spring flowers in bloom. Give it a few weeks and we think it would be just as spectacular as so many buds were yet to bloom.
We are now starving. I had spied a cafe earlier & it turns out to be a very popular place that’s been hammered by its weekend visitors. We are told it’s a long wait for food but happy with our cider/ beer to keep us company. It’s worth the wait & we enjoy Kingfish & Sirloin on the deck covered in Cherry Blossoms. Time to hit the road, collect our cider, purchase dinner from the local deli who’s owner is chatty & friendly & head back to our retreat. We settle in for an afternoon of reading watching the sunset and a roaring fireplace as the temps drop quickly. Sleep comes easily.
A quiet morning to rest & later lunch in the town of Richmond. It’s a public holiday so not much is open but Adam spies a record shop and off he disappears into the network of little rooms themed for its style – rock, metal, country. Several bought records later, we then find some takeaway food and sit in the local park overlooking the cricket ground. Families, couples, friends enjoying the extra day off and the brief summer warmth of what’s to come. We check out some of the older buildings that have been faithfully restored. The School of Arts is my fave….well I do run a gallery!
We wake to another warm Spring day and bid farewell to our lovely hosts. Off to Oberon for our last activity before heading home to Canberra. I read about Mayfield Garden in another magazine and knew instantly we had to visit. Again, another cool climate location where the weather can change so this time it was sunscreen, hats and water. A quick bite to eat in the cafe and then off to explore the largest privately owned garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Grand. Is all we can say. Everything from the obelik to the grotto means a serious love of European gardens to turn a bare dirt landscape into a lush, blooming oasis for all to enjoy. We plan to come back late Spring as so much had yet to bloom.
Time to head home & reminisce our four day getaway. It’s amazing how an extra two days can give you that chance to fully unwind. So, if you can, stretch your next weekend for that perfect getaway.
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!
Kim Huddle our darling friend – driver extraordinaire and the patience of a saint! She was fabulous as she whizzed Adam and I @ LA like we were rock stars!! Our first day and she’s already planned that we visit Malibu Pier and the Villa Getty located in Malibu. Now the Villa Getty has to be seen to believe…little do we realize that the other Getty located on the West side of LA is even bigger, architecturally astounding with artworks from @ the world collected by one man (well no doubt, he had a team doing all the hard yards) leaving you agog with “how did he do it??”
The courtyard at Villa Getty, Malibu, LA
Gardens and mosaics at the Villa Getty, Malibu, LA
Malibu Pier, Malibu, LA
Afterwards, its time for lunch and we head to Malibu Pier to Malibu Farm – a cafe specialising in farm produce. It overlooks the ocean with the sun beaming down on us as I hide under the umbrella as I have no hat. Yep, the new Panama hat I bought in New York when we had a hot spell was accidentally left behind in our accommodation in Portland. We were at the airport when I discovered my mistake. Bummer! An expensive mistake but lesson learned – count not just bags…count hats 😉
We catch up with the kids later in the afternoon after school and head off to check out the beach where they swim at and see the Ferris wheel park.
Murphy and Connor with friend at Santa Monica Beach, LA
Santa Monica lifeguards
Adam swims while Kim watches sunset
So many places to see as Kim is abound with ideas and I suggest she would make a great tour guide. We see Venice Canal which is a series of mini canals tucked away behind Venice and Muscle Beach. While the canals are cute I can’t say much for Muscle Beach. Kim lets us explore in the later afternoon and I can’t believe how many homeless people live on the beach (well parks with their shopping trolleys and worldly goods). I have to say while I’m glad we went and had a look it was pretty run-down. Certainly not what I had expected of ‘glam LA’ and even sadder as told by the locals earlier in our trip, the homeless are shuttled by bus in Winter from Washington to places like LA and San Francisco as they are warmer and less likely to die. This made me think a little harder about US politics and question why don’t they take care of their people (especially when the majority of homeless people are returned soldiers battling financial and mental health issues after serving their country).
Venice Canal, LA
On our bikes and loving the ride!
One of the many ‘muscle’ playgrounds
The other Getty…I can’t even begin to explain. When we asked our friend Rolly what should we do in LA. He said ‘the Getty and that’s it!’. Well, we did a lot more than that thanks to our hostess with the mostess!
The other Getty on the Western side of LA
Incredible gardens and views of LA
Views from the other Getty of LA and it’s highways!
Anne at one of the many gardens at the other Getty
The size of this place was amazing!
Gardens to suit the arid conditions of LA
On our last day in LA, Kim has again planned a sophisticated day of activities. First, Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood sign – we are the only people there – as a bus load of sweating tourists have dutifully followed their flag off to their bus. We take in the out-door auditorium and reminisce Bette Midler (Beaches), Barbra Streisand (movies and stage performance), and Monty Python (live on stage).
We head off to Hollywood Boulevard to check out the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The foot/hand prints of famous stars/TV/producers/whoever have to get nominated and selected by a committee. What most people don’t know is they (the lucky nominee) has to pay $50,000 to get their star on the walk! I purchase magnets for nieces and nephews and we eat salmon panini (Adam) and sweet pretezels (Anne/Kim) for lunch as we whizz off to check out Beverly Hills and drive past the beautiful people living in their sweeping driveway homes with double gates and manicured sweeping lawns. Mmm…the life (if you can afford it).
Hollywood Bowl
Caught out in an Earthquake drill, LA
Kim and Anne near Hollywood Walk of Fame, LA
A good pretzel from a bakery aptly named Annies!
That shop! Julia Roberts went into from Pretty Woman, Rodeo Drive, LA
Rodeo Drive, LA
The Music Center, LA
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Amazing views from the tower deck of LA City Hall
The dome from Los Angeles City Hall
Beautiful homes with sweeping front gardens
Inside the Bradbury Building with its Romanesque, industrial style setting
We arrive at the historic Beverly Wilshire Hills Hotel and our car is valet parked. The valets are all in smart black suits, open our doors and I have a giggle as I’ve only ever done this once before with my friend Libby in Sydney at the Casino. This time the experience is like something out of Hollywood. Actually, I am in Hollywood!
Beverly Wiltshire HIlls Hotel, LA
Adam at the Bradbury where his fave film was filmed on location!
Gosh! we did so much in such a short time and could have stayed longer with Kim, Pete and the kids. It was a great end to our five week trip through the USA and we were lucky to share it with friends living there or near by (Canada) as well as making new friends in Watervale, Michigan.
It’s now New Years Eve 2014 as I sneak this posting in and look forward to 2015. The next trips – Chicago for Adam and Greece/ Croatia for myself and family. We wish everyone a fabulous New Years Eve and may we all remain safe with our loved ones (including all creatures great and small).
97 days ago according to my notes in my iPhone…that was our first day in Chicago and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write this posting! We were having such a good time and totally immersed in all that Chicago had to offer. We’ve both decided that we’d move there in an instant despite the cold winters. This exciting city is efficient, easy to get around on foot, and there is always something to do. We stayed in two places and can highly recommend Magnolia Studios in Andersonville and Longman & Eagle in Logan Square. The latter is only for those that can cope with noise as its above an inn but the location is fantastic for hipster style cafes, shops and only a 15 min train ride to the city.
Navy Pier, Chicago
We visited Navy Pier and couldn’t believe our luck as the Smith Museum of Stained Glass was open and permanently closed a week after we left. So we timed it well and I got some great ideas for future ceramic exhibition works.
Stained glass museum, Navy Pier, Chicago
We headed to the Magnificent Mile which was 13 blocks of beautiful shops and stunning architecture.
Adam near Magnificent Mile, Chicago
We were so lucky as we had blue skies which made everything look buttery soft and hence us falling in love so quickly with the city. We bought tickets to the David Bowie exhibition which came out from the V&A London. For 3 and 1/2 hours Adam and I soaked up the atmosphere of a very talented artist through his music, art notes, theater set designs, costumes and personal details which showed another side. I had no idea just how creative, intellectual and gorgeous he was. As for Bowie’s costumes…move over Kylie Minogue. While he may have been taller he rivaled you when it came to the tiniest waist I’ve ever seen in rock fashion.
Anne at David Bowie Exhibition, Chicago
Pastoral deli – artisan cheeses galore!
When it came to eating, we weren’t short on choices. Chicago has everything from French cafes to Italian Deli’s and we feasted well – when you are notching up 20000 points daily on a pedometer – trust me regional cheeses, pinot noir wine from Ohio, Italian ice-creams and Lulu’s coffee made us very happie chappies!
Cafe in River North – gorgeous and a change to industrial fit-outs!
So, more places to visit. We headed to Printer’s Row where I read this had been the industrial end of town of printers and publishers. It’s now home to trendy book shops, letterpress designers, cafes and all things boutique.
The Rookery and Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are worth the visit especially Robie House as we ventured into the suburbs and also got to see University of Chicago which was Hogwarts on steroids! I’ve never seen such large buildings and extensive gardens. I could write a another posting on Robie House as we went on a curated guided tour. They won’t let the public roam the house due to the significant restoration efforts on preserving it as close to the original conditions @ 1908. So, all I can say, it’s worth the 2hr train ride to go and visit both institutions.
University of Chicago
Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago
No trip to Chicago can not involve going to Millennium Park to see the infamous bean by Indian born British artist Anish Kapoor. Adam and I had lots of fun taking ‘daggy’ shots along with everyone else!
The ‘Bean’ officially known as the ‘Cloud Gate’, Millennium Park, Chicago
Shopping – oh! my! I could have shopped till I dropped but had to pace myself as this was the first city in four we were visiting over five weeks. I had the chance to meet this wonderful artist Winifred Grace who had been a graphic designer 11 years ago but needed a change. Luckily she became a goldsmith jeweller and opened a gorgeous shop in May this year. I bought a beautiful pendant with birthday monies from my parents and chose what letters I wish to be imprinted. I chose AM – for Anne Masters as I use the same style lettering as my Potter’s mark in my ceramics. It now means even more as the M stands for Miami. I wear this pendant almost every day.
Inside Winifred Grace’s shop which was bespoke and outfitted by an industrial designer.
Okay, we did travel to the USA for a reason…a very good friend of ours, Miss Amanda Small in her words ‘was getting hitched!’ to a lovely musician called Paul. We heard lots of lovely things about him and even better when we met Paul for the first time at the wedding. Adam and Paul hit it off from the word go and wise words were exchanged on the morning of the wedding. Adam: “Mate, don’t worry about anything and go on the walk (planned event for wedding goers)”. Paul: Mmmm….not sure if that’s the done thing to do, I should be setting up things…”. Adam: “Mate, trust me – escaping for a few hours will be the best thing to do!”. As it was they had a swim in freezing Lake Michigan, a fantastic walk with his family over the dunes and Paul returned one very relaxed groom ready for the day! As for Amanda she just radiated sunshine in her glittering dress.
Groom Paul with family, Lake Michigan
Amanda and Paul, Watervale, Michigan
On the boardwalk the ‘hitched couple’
Well, I took so many photos that it’s hard to include them all and do a little write up. So here are a few more to look at and enjoy.
Art Institute of Chicago
The Rookery by Frank Lloyd Wright
Water Tower, Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation boat ride “First Lady”
On the boat tour…1 of hundreds of photos!
Beautiful homes in flower lined streets
Watervale Inn, Michigan
Adam and Paul with the girls!
Finally, this last photo sums it all up…one day this will be Adam and I – still visiting art galleries but needing a bit more assistance 😉
Yes, strip clubs. Let me explain. We see lots of plain buildings out near where we are staying. Mmm..strip clubs?? I purchase a little book on Portland by a local who says:
Portland is home to more strip clubs per capita than any other USA city…this doesn’t make sense…all I can see is coffee shops and record stores…
Anyway, luckily we are not in need of naked women. We just want to catch up with our Australian friends Fiona and Trevor who are staying with us for a week in Sellwood – a sleepy neighborhood about 15 minutes drive to the city. It’s near Antique Row which has vintage, bespoke shops and of course a bar serving beer!
Fiona and Trevor among the tall trees (one of a few in Oregon 😉
One of many beers Adam and Trevor ‘sample’!!
The next day we go downtown Portland to discover over a few days that in general, its one big sleepy town. It becomes apparent food, coffee, beards, beer, cupcakes, donuts, books, records, anything vintage, old neon signage, wood, iron, anything industrial are all the necessities that keep its citizens happie chappies. Oh! Did I mention how nice the people are here in Portland? They are all nice, friendly and down to earth. This is the most optimistic city I’ve ever been too.
One of the many signs @ downtown Portland, OR
Vintage signage in downtown Portland
In front of an old theater in the Arts District
So apart from hand-crafted beer, bourbon and velvet brioche/donuts, volcano cup-cakes, bearded baristas and “fries or salad with that?” we escape the gourmet hood/city and drive to the mountains of Oregon.
Views of Mount Hood from the winery
I later discover the two places we visit on our day road trip – Mt Hood and Columbian Gorge turn out to be two of the seven wonders in Oregon! For me the third wonder is the Mount Hood Winery – how many wineries can boast not one but two volcanoes as the views from the tasting room!
On the Columbia Historic Highway stopping at one of the many viewpoints of the river
Our road trip is scenic and staggering – blue skies and still lakes stretch on forever, mountains are as high as they are wide and trees are bathed in warm sunshine lighting up yellow leaves as we zoom along the highway.
We enjoy our mini-stops to see replica steamers ready to go up the Columbia River Gorge and read about the latter
Columbia Gorge, Portland, Oregon
American history of the Gorge where the locks were installed @1895. However, the river was and continues to be a food/transportation hub for the descendents of various Native American tribes. According to http://www.columbiarivergorge.info/history.html , “…The Sahaptin word for the Columbia was “Nch’i-Wana,” the “Great River..”. We note the token Native American girl with her dog sculpture and the cultural/historical focus is lost among the Disney interpretation.
Native American sculpture
Heart attack pulled pork buns
We continue our road trip and at Hood River pull over at the Big Horse Brewery to have ‘heart attack’ pulled pork sandwiches. Fiona and Trevor are good and stick to the salads (even though they do have their guilty moments – they sure love their cupcakes!).
Mount Hood – Oregon’s tallest peak and active volcano
We arrive at Timber Line Lodge and head up Mt Hood. Adam and I drop out ½ way as our hearts are beating. Well, we were 1 mile up and the oxygen does thin out….either that OR we are just old fobies!! Fiona and Trevor sped their way up with energy abounding.
We head home and as we drive through Sandy, Adam recalls how he once went out with a girl called Cindy from California. We all have a laugh about Adam and his “Californian Dreaming” girl!
After a week in Portland and having a wonderful time with Fiona and Trevor we say farewell as they drive back home to Victoria, BC and Adam and I board our silver plane to head to Los Angeles. We are very excited as we get to catch up with more Australian friends Kim, Pete and the kids who have recently moved to the USA. So, keep watching this space as one more posting to go before we head home to Australia in a few days.
