Jo Maree's Brisbane trip

I recently went on a trip to Queensland to see my family and on the way I stopped in Brisbane to see the Ron Mueck exhibition. It was amazing and inspirational. Ron Mueck's sculptures are hyper realistic with super human changes to scale.

"Two women" (2005) I especially like this photo as the person in the background of it looks ghostly. The detail in their skin was amazing.

"Mask II" (2002) is a mask based on Mueck's face.

His sculptures were overwhelming. I was expecting them to start moving they were so realistic. "Wild Man" looked like he was about to fall off his seat due to fear of the onlookers.

So that was an amazing experience - probably one of the best exhibitions I have been to see for a long time.

After visiting the exhibition I walked over the new Brisbane "Go between" bridge, and then we went over to do some shopping.

While on a break, it has given me some time to play and plan more goodies for the next 'handmade' markets. I'm looking forward to it. Hope to see you there.

All photos were taken at GOMA in Brisbane on 8th July 2010.

Jo

We did it! Our first market.

It was a brrrrisk Winter morning in Canberra. As we tried to set up our "sunny" yellow marquee, it became clear that four people were definitely required to complete the task and, at that time, we were only three. We were laughing so much at our comic efforts that we almost missed the offer of help from one of the other stallholders.

We were assigned a corner position and having two sides open to the public was an excellent advantage. Jo's gorgeous bags were hung on a ladder and she stacked her hand-printed cushions nearby. In the centre of the front table, Bron laid out her beautifully made "tool" rolls. Nicky's retro chairs caused quite a commotion and her matching cushions were a huge hit! I enjoyed sewing up the open seams on two of them. It kept me entertained during the more quite moments. My lampshades were on the outer table which was a great position to catch the discerning eye.

Thank you to Nicky's sister and father for their tireless support in helping us set up and pack away. Thanks also to Bron's talented husband for the photography yet again. We were so happy with our first outing that we have already signed up for the September Handmade market. It is on the 11th which is the same day as the opening of Floriade. It should be a very busy day.

This weekend I am travelling interstate to learn more about lampshade making and I promise to take plenty of photos for "show and tell."

Jane