'maze & vale'

I am so attracted to artists with a strong and recognisable aesthetic, where you really feel the work they are producing is so honest to their creative self. Which is why I am so attracted to the work of Leslie Keating of 'maze & vale'. Leslie is a multidisciplinary artist in which each aspect of her work is informed by the rest. From surface design to screen printing, softie making to quilting, to works on paper with pen and water colour, Leslie's use of muted hues, subtle variation, organic and geometric shapes, and natural materials is reflected in each piece she turns her hand to. I find those tones, moods and patterns so very appealing and have watched with fascination as Leslie's work and business has grown with such fluid grace. 

Leslie's latest achievement is a collection of 100 original works on paper exploring the medium of water colour. These abstract and expressive works are so tantalising, I could not resist adding one to the picture rail above my bed. Thankfully Leslie has enjoyed the challenge of producing a work each day that she has continued with the practice for the next little while at least, so if, like me, you are a fan of her work, go and follow her on Instagram and snap up a painting as soon as she lists it, as they don't last long! If you do miss out, the rumor is she will be producing prints of some of these pieces soon. Fingers crossed!!

You can find Leslie's blog here, to see more of her talent at work.

Or stalk her style on Pinterest.

Rainy Day Mushroom Prints

Cohen's prints

My prints

Emerson's prints

Serious business

A nature walk after days of rain revealed quite a few mushrooms, and the children collected them eagerly. They may have been edible for all that I know? But unskilled as I am in these areas, we consigned them to art and not dinner, just to be safe. Together we painted them, or pressed them in to an ink pad, and stamped them on to our paper. The effect was interesting, and my big and middle children were engrossed in the activity. Emerson could not be discouraged from sitting upon the table to complete her masterpiece.

What fun it is to play, experiment and encourage my children to look at the world and create with the things they find around them.

Margaret Olley Art Center

Homeward bound from our weekend away, there was only one thing on my agenda - visiting the Margaret Olley Art Center. However, by the time we arrived at the Tweed Regional Gallery in Murwillumbah there were three sleeping children in the back seat of the car. My loving husband dutifully stayed with them and allowed me to soak in as much of a the exhibition as I could in a small window of time. 

What a delight it was to stand before the golden framed Olley's. What a thrill to poke my head in to the reconstructed rooms full of her eclectic treasures. What a joy to gaze out gallery windows at caramel coloured cows grazing on rolling meadows. I snapped away on my iPhone camera, trying to preserve my memories of the place, despite my rush. I brought three books at the gallery store, wanting to further immerse myself in Olley's work and life. I started to send Dave a message, "I never want to leave", but he called with a crying baby before I could hit send.

Oh, lovely gallery. I shall return.

Instagram Snippets

1. On one of the worst days I have had recently, where nothing would go right and I could not seem to get myself out of the terrible mood I'd fallen in to, yellow roses, children's naps and cups of tea did the trick.

2. Making beads for the market - so fun and relaxing too.

3. A canvas painted for me by my dear boy. Self portrait, while walking a dog on a path next to grass, with sky, clouds and sun. Heart melts.

4. Blocks of colour and possibility.

5. Tea pot pendants and brooches in progress.

6. Hokey Pokey biscuits with honey instead of golden syrup - because we had run out. Both children approved, as did I.

7. Dinner from the garden - a simple veggie stir fry - quick, delicious and healthy.

8. Wise words from the Brisbane Writers Festival - If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

9. Strawberries from the garden - we are averaging a punnet every day or two. Sometimes they only make it as far as the outside tap, where little hands rinse them and eat them. The rest of the time they find their way on to our breakfast.

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PS. Don't forget to enter the beautiful crochet heart bunting giveaway here. You have until Friday to enter. :)

Eight Reasons to Smile

1. Blowing bubbles for the first time

2. An old cane laundry basket found at the markets ($2!) and piles of hand knitted baby clothes. Cane baskets make doing laundry that little bit nicer I find.

3. Emerson's treasures, old and new

4. Brave visitors at the duck pond and a fascinated little Miss

5. A coat of white paint to bring a bookcase back to life
6. A 'new to me' vintage dinner service my parents had hidden away
7. A sweet thrifted basket ($2.50)
8. Wonderful mail - Greer spoiling me with gorgeous wool!

What's making you smile?

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Have you entered the Sussan $100 Gift Voucher Giveaway yet? Winner announced tomorrow.

Of paint and paper

Cohen sat eagerly at the dining room table as I assembled paint, brushes and paper. I'd suggested he paint while I did the dishes. Hoping to keep him momentarily occupied. He was so pleased with the activity. Mixing, stirring, brushing the paint on the paper. I stepped between the two tasks as he called me periodically to examine a colour, a swirl, a drop of paint. He was so engaged with his task that he took little notice as I drew a chair to the table, leaving the dishes. Sitting opposite him instead, I captured images of my little boy at the big table, both of us present in the moment.

(Long) Weekending

Before shot here.

Before shot here.

Things to do...

Paint over purple closet doors

Give in to temptation and paint nursery furniture white

Sand, stain and varnish hand rail

Buy new fittings and hang handrail

Install 99 cent ebay light in dining room

Replace door hinges and stoppers

Hang closet doors

Go shopping all alone while children sleep

Order door knobs (top left)

Thank sister for all her help

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(I shall be back again this evening to draw the lovely Gretchenmist prints giveaway.)