Cath is Great // NGV

During the good ol' holidays my friends Minnie, Violet and I popped over to the NGV to check out the the Masterpieces from the Hermitage exhibition. It was so cool to learn that Cath the Great had a pretty extensive art collection and loved educating people about the exquisite works.

Masterpieces from the Hermitage: The Legacy of Catherine the Great showcases one of the world’s greatest art collections. Featuring works by artists including Rembrandt, Rubens, Velázquez and Van Dyck, the exhibition offers a dazzling array of works including the finest group of Dutch and Flemish art to come to Australia.

This exclusive Melbourne exhibition will also highlight the innovation and vision of Catherine the Great, whose inexhaustible passion for education, the arts and culture heralded a period of enlightenment in the region. The extraordinary works sourced and commissioned by Catherine during her thirty-four year reign, created the foundations for the Hermitage today – considered to be one of the world’s greatest treasure houses of art and decorative arts.

The exhibition will offer audiences an immersive experience, recreating the rich atmosphere of the Hermitage to showcase these exquisite works. - NGV

Definitely recommend having a little squizz at this!

Also while we are on the topic of fun times at the NGV, make sure you check out the Friday Nights. There will be live music, food, art (shall I go on?) It's going to be a complete blast and would love to see you there! We are going on the 30th and I am so pumped! Whoo! Yeah! Book your tickets now!

(all photos taken by the talented Olga Benett)

Annnddd that's a wrap.

Hope to see you at the Friday Nights and hear about your experience at Catherine the Great exhibition (cause it's pretty great).

Camille

Artist Colony // Elly- Cactei

It's time again for another Artist Colony! I have a really great line up of Creatives for you guys so with out further ado, meet Elly. Elly is the genius behind 'Cactei', an online store that sells pretty much anything. From uber cool t-shirts to inspirational badges, this girl has some serous talent. I sent over some questions for Elly and she kindly answered, letting me (and hopefully you guys) learn a little more about her.

-What made you decide to set up a shop?

At the very beginning of starting an Instagram account I just made posts of my drawings, and a lot of people started requesting that the designs were put on shirts. So I made a Society6 store as it’s super easy and my designs can be on lots of cool things, not just tees.

-If you could be one artist for a whole day, who would you be? Why?

I’d love to be someone like Van Gogh, just to experience art culture during that time period. But then I’d love to be someone like CJ Hendry who is living the dream in NYC, living off her art.

-Explain your drawing style?

I don’t necessarily have one style, I guess the most popular is the simplified cartoon versions I draw of bands/movies etc. I just focus on portraying the subject’s characteristics as simply as possible, but enough that it still looks like them. Then I add circles on their cheeks, mainly just to add some fun and so they can be identified as a style I guess.

My style in regards to portraits is a bit less structured. I don’t really know what I want to achieve, so I normally just try to represent the subject as accurately as possible. I’d like for my portraits to have a bit more to them though, something that makes them mine. Still working on it.

-Is it still evolving?

Definitely! Even just as I scroll through my Instagram feed looking at old band drawings, there is a massive difference in how my style has evolved. They’re now a bit less cutesy looking and more accurate I’d like to think. I don’t know where it will go next because the development isn’t necessarily intentional, it just kinda happens.

-Who/what inspires you?

I’m inspired a lot by other teen artists I follow on Instagram such as @foxyfries, @namalas, @plantimal, @greazi, @lillchlo, @theskinnyartist, @lacun.a there are so many that isn’t even the beginning. They’re all extremely talented, some in different mediums but they’re artists nonetheless.

-What would you like to be/do after school?

I’d love to be able to live off my own art, freelancing and building my own name as an artist. I can’t really see myself doing anything else, but if I have to think practically somehow involved in a magazine or graphic design company perhaps.

-5 facts about you?

- I love a good movie; my favourites are Kill Your Darlings, Submarine and The Art of Getting By.

- I love music, I have no musical talent whatsoever but I get excited finding new bands/songs.

- I’m determined to succeed.

- I suck at talking about myself because I can’t think of anything interesting anyone would want to know about me.

- I love ice cream.

-How do you shake off artist block?

I find I don’t often get ‘artist block’ as such because almost all my drawings are based off real images, so there isn’t a lot of creativity involved. I’m more just fussy about what I choose to draw, so if I want to do a portrait I’ll spend 1 hour trying to find a cool photo and by the time I find one, I’m not in the mood to draw :/ I often look to Instagram or Tumblr for ideas though when I’m out of ideas.

-What is the best advice you have ever been given?

I haven’t been given a lot of advice really. Shoutout to the first few people who wanted my designs on shirts, that was a good idea.

-Describe your personal style.

Umm whatever I like! I often don’t think through whether what I buy will go with anything I own, I just buy it, which is sometimes dumb. I wear a lot of denim, and black. I like long skirts or dresses, plain shirts, my denim jacket, and a few bits of silver jewellery.

-Describe your workspace and/or send in photos.

I normally work at my desk in my bedroom, but will sometimes draw just on my bed or when I’m bored at uni. I have to keep my desk pretty simple as it’s not very big, so I have a shelf in my cupboard where I actually keep all my art supplies. I have a lot of posters and random things stuck to my walls, bare walls are boring.

Thank you Elly for being so cool, creative and apart of Artist Colony!

If you guys like what you see and want to purchase one of Elly's designs head over here, or check out her instagram.                If you missed out on my last Artist Colony click here to meet Marta.

Seeya,

Camille

Artist Colony // Marta- Almost Iris

Intro- Artist Colony A lot of people consider art as something that we don't need to have to achieve in life. But that's not true. The Arts are really important and without them, the world would just be dull and boring. I have wanted to do an artsy series for a while now, but had no idea what to do. Then, one night, BAM! the idea came to me. "Artist Colony" is a series where I interview different kinds of creatives. These people who have proven that algebra isn't all you need in life... (thank gawd!) So without further ado, meet Marta, aka 'Almost Iris'. I came across Marta via her instagram and was really intrigued by her illustrations. I loved the simplicity of them and how she puts humor into each of her prints. I really wanted to get to know this "Almost Iris" so I sent her some questions just so we could all get to know this new, talented illustrator. She kindly sent me some prints in return. I defiantly recommend you purchase some from her shop because they are so darn good!

What's your daily routine? My day usually starts off with breakfast and day daydreaming in the garden. I usually don’t start making in the studio until the late afternoon. At the moment I’m also studying a BA in Visual Arts. I absorb myself so much into my studies that during the trimester I go into lockdown mode with creating. Somewhere during my day I will fit in a walk to stop my mind from thinking.

What is your ultimate playlist? I’m known for obsessing solely over one album at a time. Even after I have had enough I find myself going back to an album just to relive the memories of my complete obsession. At the moment I’ve gone back to The Black Keys album Brothers.

What is your favourite thing about your job? I get to create with my hands. It’s really rewarding. And the worst? The administration side of things.

Describe your illustrations in three words. How can I?

Who and what inspires you the most? As much as I try and live in the present moment the future of the unknown inspires me incredibly. With the constant flow of artists on social media I try to step back from it all and visit galleries. I was in complete awe of Kirra Jamison’s last solo exhibition Drink, Salt, Moon.

What did you want to be when you where a kid? I was always that quiet kid sitting in the arts and craft corner. During high school I took every art based class possible. Secretly I always wanted to be an artist but self-doubt took over and I didn’t chase my dream till last year.

What is your favourite thing to draw? Girls.

Favourite item in your wardrobe is... A few years ago I invested in a gorgeous pair of leather boots. They have walked every winter with me since.

Thank you Marta for being the first artist apart of "Artist Colony"! Your prints are incredible and very inspiring. I hope you guys enjoyed the first Artist Colony, Camille

Exquisite Threads

Do you love fashion? YES! Do you love friends? OF COURSE ! Do you love holidays? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Do you love embroidery? YE... what? Laugh all you want but from what I can tell from the questions above, you would have loved the NGV's Teen Holiday Program 'Exquisite Threads with Thread Den'. Cold rainy days where spent listening to David Bowie whilst talking to friends and occasionally accidentally stabbing yourself with the sewing needle.

On day one we made vintage purses and, apart from sewing my latch-that-opens-my-purse-thingo crooked, (hey, it adds some character) I was really happy with how it turned out.

Day two was Embroidery 101 where we embroidered some designs given to us by the fabulous people over at the NGV and taught the tricks of the embroidery trade by the ladies from Thread Den.

And last but not least, day three. It was great fun, especially getting to know the other kids. We made vintage Peter Pan collars and embroidered anything and everything onto them. I chose a moth after being inspired by one of the exhibits in the Exquisite Threads exhibition.

So, if I haven't won you over with my babbiling about how much fun it was then let me win you over with some pictures from the three days.

(all photos are taken by the talented Garry Sommerfeld and Olga Bennett © National Gallery of Victoria.)

Thanks Honey and Stella for coming along, and thank you to the amazing ladies over at Thread Den. You guys helped me a whole lot by threading the needle... numerous times...

Finishing this blogpost off whilst listening to Tina Turner's Nutbush City Limits (a new record I scored for $2, yes, TWO DOLLARS!) after spending the day driving back from Adelaide.

Enjoy the rest of them glorious holidays.

Camille

Little China Girl

Camille wears // Top-Thrifted // Duffle Coat-Gift // Jeans-Dejour // Shoes-Wittner // Neclace-Vietnam // Earings-Gift //

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Prepare yourselves. Fasten them seat belts because this post is a big'n. Today, my mum and I went into the city because I was given two tickets to the Golden Age of China, Qianlong Emperor exhibition (thank you Brittany!). It was mind-blowing seeing work that had been made thousands of years ago. The Emperors robes where defiantly my favorites because they where so colorful and beautifully made. This exhibition is open until the 21st so HURRY, you will love it!!  After, we walked into the Exqusite Threads Exhibition which I will talk about later. We then hopped onto a tram which took us down to China Town. I can't remember the last time I visited China Town. It reminded me a lot of Vietnam *sob*. The crazed hustle and bustle was fun until we decided to take some photos of my outfit. We where either waiting for groups of people to pass or I was being stared at (excuse my awkward face) but it all turned out well and being that 'clever' person I am I even decided to make a video. Get ready for some hard core Dim Sim eating. [embed]https://youtu.be/w8HJLReCpws[/embed] In other news, the NGV is hosting a Teen Holiday Program. It is based around the Exquisite Threads Exhibition which is on at the moment until the 12th of July. The program runs from the 1-3 of July and I'll be there for all three. I would love to meet you!   I leave you with the flyer for some further details. Bookings are essential so head over here if you are looking for some fun over the holidays.

Hope to see you there,

Camille

Book Worm

If your to-do list is clearly stating 'find book, buy book, read book, love book, read book again', i will gladly give you a hint, hint, nudge, nudge in the right direction towards the Melbourne Art Book Fair.

The Melbourne Art Book Fair is a celebration encompassing a broad approach to publishing, including contemporary art, design and architecture. Throughout the Melbourne Art Book Fair weekend, talks and workshops will provide insights into various aspects of book publishing including design, photography and writing.

I talked to some really cool book makers, suppliers, and lovers who told me all these amazing stories about their life with books. One of my favorite stories was the husband wife duo from Perimeter Books. One of their books they where supplying was all about this woman's boyfriends and their scent. Instead of pictures, the book contained extracts of the men's B.O! It was disgusting but super cool at the same time.

I highly recommend you go visit The Melbourne Art Book Fair from the 2-3 of May and delve deep in the pages of the crazy-ness of it all.  You can find more details about the event here.

Once again, thank you NGV! You guys are the bomb.com

top arts

hello hello,

A couple of days ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening night of StArt Up Top Arts 2015. It was so inspiring to see amazing art work created by only 16-17 year olds!!

I would defiantly recommend going to have a look and be inspired yourself!                                                                               Thank you for inviting me NGV!

Camille

Art par-TAY {part two}

Hello lovely peeps!

As you all know, I was asked by the NGV to become one of their Teen Arts Ambassadors along with Chessie, Brooke and Maggie. I have been waiting for these amazing photographs because I was having so much fun and forgot to take any! Anyhoo, here they are!

I would like to say a very big thank you to the NGV for asking me to become one of the Art Ambassadors and letting me use these photos! They are fabulous! I had so much fun and hope to work with you again in the future.

Once again, THANK YOU!!

Camille XO

Art par-TAY! {part one}

Hello everyone! Earlier this week I was asked by the NGV to become one of their Teen Arts Ambassadors for their 'Teen Art Party' along with Brooke, Maggie and Chessie! The Teen Arts Party will be held on Thursday the 22 of Jan - and you are all invited! YAY!

Grab some friends and come to the NGV for Art Party- a night of art making, fashion, food, music, and giveaways for under 18s.

Art party will feature drop-in work shops with contemporary artists Minna Gilligan and Kate Rohde, and exclusive after hours access to the exhibition The Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier.

The Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk // The National Gallery of Victoria // Photo: Brooke Holm

The Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk // The National Gallery of Victoria // Photo: Brooke Holm

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The Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk // The National Gallery of Victoria // Photo: Brooke Holm

Dance in the Silent Disco, enjoy live DJs, take a ride on Carsten Holler's Golden Carousel, and eat sliders and fries under the famous stained ceiling in the NGV's Great Hall. For more info head over to NGV and book your tickets now!

Interview with Jen Booth!

Jen Booth is one creative cookie in the design world. Her newest design are the 'mixed doubles bracelets' which POP in colour and are just so darn fun!

I have interviewed Jen to see what makes her tick.

~How old where you when you first had the idea of becoming a designer?

I'm not sure exactly when I decided to be a designer, but I've always been creative. Even when I was in high school I was making jewellery for my friends. My first job was as a makeup artist, which ignited my passion for colour.

~How do you get ideas for your designs?                                                                                                              

Life!                                                                                                                                                                                                     I find inspiration for colour and pattern everywhere. Local markets, nature, food, people!

~Out of all your products, which one is your favourite? Why?

One of my accessory range was inspired by French food. I love using perspex because of their strong colours and the texture. My favourite has to be the pink langoustine. I wanted all the names of the food to be in French. They're some of my favourite words to say with an accent. Funny how you can be inspired by anything around you!

~Who do you look up to/ role model?

So many people! I'm inspired by anyone who has their own business and makes from their heart.   All my friends, they inspire me daily!!!!

~What would you say to budding designers?      

Be true to your aesthetic. I design what I want to wear!

Thank you Jen!!

You can find Jen on her blog, shop, facebook + instagram