amy jane stephenson

When we were performing Six Women Standing in Front of a White Wall at Edinburgh Fringe in 2007, we shared a neighbouring wall with a fantastic show called Smile off your Face by Ontroerend Goed (a Belgium company).

Well now they’re touring another award winning show here in Australia. The name of the show: Once and for all we’re gonna tell you who we are so shut up and listen (am I attracted to shows with long titles I wonder). It’s sounding like an energetic show with its “frank view of 13 youngsters who are at once rebellious, aggressive, vulnerable, cool, childlike, and sometimes surprisingly adult.”

Perhaps it’s just me doing some research into the minds of teenagers, will it help me in the classroom? Sure.

Richard Watts  has published an article on ArtsHub about a recent forum in Melbourne addressing the theatre industry. I just love that half the article is about failure - how artists need to take risks during their explorations of innovative new art  and this sometimes may mean failing! How refreshing to hear this, to be reminded that yes, art is a journey, yes it may take a few tries before something incredible is composed, indeed it may never happen.

Somehow this gives me more confidence to try.

I’ve recently found a new arts venue: Incinerator Arts Complex, in Moonee Ponds Melbourne. It’s an interesting building, built in 1929 as a collaboration between architect Walter Burley Griffin & engineer John Boadle.

They have an upcoming exhibition which I look forward to. “aRtECYCLE is an exhibition of indoor and outdoor temporary sculptural artworks specially created in response to the building and grounds of the Walter Burley Griffin designed Incinerator Arts Complex.

Inspired by the extraordinary architectural, philosophical and spiritual influences of Sir Walter Burley Griffin and his collaborator Marion Mahony Griffin, as well as the venue’s historical significance as an active incinerator that used the reverberatory system of waste disposal, all aRtECYCLE artworks are made of, or inspired by, recycled materials, salvaged waste, junk, flotsam and jetsam, debris, or saved, found, retrieved and reclaimed objects.”

Wednesday 13 May to Sunday 24 May

Each year at Federation Square in Melbourne is a funky festival promoting something which is close to my heart - sustainability. Growing up in Tasmania with mass old growth logging encourages one to think about this concept from an early age. Now as I’m studying to be a Geography and Drama teacher, I look forward to promote sustainability both from an environmental aspect and an arts angle.

An installation at the Sustainable Living Festival

In the arts industry it’s often difficult to get the rightful recognition and pay for ones work. Danielle Killick’s stunning and craftful new Six Women costumes are likely to gain her the recognition she deserves. One can’t ignore the pure creativity and time spent on these unique designs. Not to mention how lushfully soft and flexible they are (perfect attributes for performing in). I’m sure Danielle is set to continue on the path of designing beautiful costumes and clothing both in and out of the arts industry.

Click here to see Danielle’s Yellow Mule Collection.

I popped into the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art to have a look at their much-talked about current installation. The Water Hole is ‘an ecological fantasy-world’ created by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger.

It’s not one of those installations which you walk into a square room and make your way from left to right, no, this one takes you on a real journey. The breeze created by your walk sends shivers through the strange mixture of human objects entertwined with nature. Eclectic mobiles hang with just enough space for you to crawl beneath and watch the colours and textures sway.

This ‘extravagant, magical installation’ allows you to participate, observe, or observe those who are observing. For me, it commented on how we impose our consumerist culture into the environment. I wonder how many untouched water holes exist today?

When searching for a masquarade mask to wear to the Jester ball in Canberra, all I could find was generic, boring ones. So I popped into Spotlight and picked up some cheap post-spring carnival feathers and some glue.

I found the technique was all about layering lace with feathers and sequins.

Here is Miss Erica Field wearing one of our crafty masks on the night.

Max Brenner Chocolate

Although I’m not currently working full-time, I seem to often find myself busy and stressed running between the many things that ‘need’ to be done. Recently I realised that I was missing out on doing the things that nourish my soul; gardening, observing people and sitting in the sun with a warm drink.

A hot chocolate at the famous Max Brenner here in Melbourne was the perfect way to chill out with my Mum. Althought the cups slightly resemble toilet bowls, they’re really quite cosy to hold and how could I resist getting marshmellows too?!

Now back to writing all my late Christmas cards…

If you happen to be in Canberra later this month (21st Nov), here’s an event you simply must attend. An array of entertainment; live music, butoh performers, the unveiling of new fashion and dancing, not to mention the amazing outfits some people wear.

There is another reason though, it’s raising funds to tour the show Six Women Standing in Front of a White Wall around Australia. I was lucky enough to perform in this performance installation at the Edinburgh International Festival, and I have seen the kind of impact it has on audiences. It must tour Australia, it carries such an beautiful message. Fly to Canberra if you must!