amy jane stephenson

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!

Yesterday I attended a seminar about communication between dispersed communities. It was so interesting to hear from various speakers about CCD projects they’re involved in and how it’s helping not only communities in Australia but abroad also. Whilst listening to these stories it really encouraged me rethink the role of the arts in society. I mean there is performance which is outcome/product based (most likely commercial), and then there’s productions which focus on the process. By concentrating on the journey rather than the product, community groups involved can find ways to share and express their experiences with a broader audience.

However, that’s not to say commercial shows are bad, quite the contrary as they often challenge theatrical forms and are thus forever expanding the theatre stereotype. Also many product-based shows have a particular target audience, e.g. young people, so they address issues which are important to this group. And you have to admit, it’s always fantastic to see an inspiring professional show!

Both process and product-based performance have there place in the art world, it’s silly to compare them since they have such different objectives. But it is healthy to think about what techniques are used in order to ensure a performance is contributing to society in some way.

Some images from the recent inspiring workshop in Latvia. Photos courtesy of Global Theatre Experience.

Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.

                                                                                     -Andy Warhol

Art actually requires huge amounts of research and thought and it really is a full time job putting together an exhibition or show. Perhaps sometimes people are too quick to judge a piece of art or live performance without actually thinking about the underlying ideas and message the artist is trying to portray. Even if I didn’t particulary connect with a show, I’ll at least try to understand the directors motivation for their choices. Most works out there have the equivalent of a Masters research paper supporting the body of work and this is sometimes forgotton.

Next time you see a show or wander through an exhibition, give a thought to the hours of research the artist has put into the work, afterall they’re trying to say something to you.

I’m currently performing in Polyglot Puppet Theatre’s show titled The Big Game. It’s a huge interactive board game designed for kids of all ages to get in on the action. It begins with a 30 minute performance followed by interactive play, where the children are able to get up close to the characters and challenge each other to win the game.

The Big Game has been made in collaboration with children from the Carlton high rise commission flats in Melbourne and has their creative ideas and images throughout the whole concept. It’s a fantastic show, with beautifully composed live music adding to the atmosphere.

The Age have an article about the show which can be viewed by clicking here.

It’s running until the October 26th if you want to catch the show…even better if you can’t find a babysitter.

As always with the Fringe Festival there are some shows which are little gems. Isabel Hertaeg’s cabaret all about sex is a shiny red one. Her fusion of vocal skills and comic actions are supported by extensive research into the subject matter which varies from painful love scenarios to vibrators powered by steam engines.

La Petite Mort kept me smiling and blushing throughout the piece and is the perfect night out for some pure naughty entertainment. It’s on until the October 12th at the Northcote Town Hall for those of you in Melbourne. Or check out her website: http://www.myspace.com/lapetitemorttheorgasm