Hong Kong

After alot of compromise it was decided that this years family holiday would be to Hong Kong as  it had the perfect balance of culture and Disneyland. Visiting the city of neon signs was an incredible experience and it was very exciting to witness such a diverse culture. 

Do: Hong Kong Museum of Art 
Although there are plenty of things I would recommend doing in Hong Kong like Victoria Peak, Disneyland or Stanley Beach the surprising thing that I would label as a "Must Do" for anyone interested in art and culture is a visit to the Hong Kong Museum of Art. There is a small entry fee but it is worth it as the gallery exhibits traditional, modern and contemporary Chinese artworks. Upon my visit I was lucky enough to see the works of the 20th century Chinese masters who had migrated to Paris to further explore their practice. Their training in Paris saw them evolve their traditional paintings by introducing western concepts and techniques. Each artwork uniquely displayed an east meets west aesthetic; clashing, competing and ultimately complementing each other. It was also the first time many of the artworks were allowed back into China. 
While I was there I was also able to view the finalist works from the Hong Kong Contemporary Art Awards 2012 - Thirteen Dimensions of Hong Kong. A collection of artworks that showcase Hong Kong through various mediums. It was definitely one of the best collections of contemporary artworks I have come across. 
The gallery also displays ancient crockery and traditional chinese paintings on their various levels.

Shop: Downtown Markets
Hong Kong is dictated by shopping and consumerism, hosting some of the world's most exclusive shops from Prada to Kenzo in their main streets, but if you are like me and are way to intimidated and poor to shop there then your best bet are the markets in downtown Hong Kong. The three main markets I would recommend are the Temple Street Market, the Ladies Market and Stanley beach Market. I suggest doing the Ladies Market and the Temple Street market at night and on the same night where as I would spend a whole day at Stanley Beach if I had the chance and go to the market during the day. 

Eat: Everything
The city is full of amazing food wherever you go and Hong Kong offers all kinds of cuisine, however if you want the best food eat where the locals eat: markets, food courts and surprisingly shopping centre restaurants. There is one place in particular that I would definatley recommend in Harbour City shopping arcade called M. & C. Duck which offers a variety of traditional Cantonese dishes and specialises in pecking duck recipes.  

Tips: Big Bus Tours (hop on and hop off) - 
Get a great tour of Hong Kong with some cultural information without paying too much. The tour allows you to go on three bus routes that show you the entire Hong kong island as well as Kowloon, while also including tickets to attractions such as Victoria Peak and a boat cruise down the bay.

People Profile: Michelle Luc

Michelle Luc is definitely an unique and fun-loving character. I recently became friends with Michelle over the past few months whilst in our first semester of studying Fine Art. I have admired her deep connection between great events and happenings within her life, imagination and the world around her, that is shown within her artwork, as well as being fascinated in her abilities to give out so much artistic expression and passion in various art forms. Seeing her creative abilities and progress being posted on Facebook and Instagram, I figured Michelle was a perfect candidate to write a profile about. Here are some questions she answered about her artistic practise:

When was it you knew art and creating was something you wanted to peruse? 

I think as a young child, I had always been immersed in creative activities. Without thinking anything more would come of it, it was just a really fun and relaxing way to express my ideas.
As I was older, I began taking different interest and exploring different avenues of both visual and performing art. However, as of the last 5 years, I’ve made art my main goal and I really want to push and excel myself.

When was the first time you got involved in creating, presenting and commissioning your own artworks? 
I guess in a way after my very first course after leaving High School, was I interested in exhibiting my own works. I was still young and very fresh to the whole idea. Something I couldn’t get a grasp of since High School as that was more school- classroom based.
But, ever since presenting my works with my TAFE did I start to believe that I could make this a future possibility.
After that on my third course, our graduate show really inspired me to keep on pursuing my own dreams. I sold my very first works at that show and I remember being so thrilled but also a lot of work in terms of installing, de-installing and working out transportation of the works and also handling my own accounts.
After setting up my own online presence and being taught more of the professional art savvy business, I really tried to get myself out there as much as I could. Through online platforms that cater for the more visual culture, Tumblr, Instagram, Bigcartel and also a Facebook page.
Having people looking at my works from all over the world, exposed me to other creative and built connections, I was able to get my works internationally to customers and started to get requests/commissions on creating works.
My processes, interests and techniques have changed and I continually want to push and learn new skills.

What kinds of artistic training have you taken part in, in the past and present to strengthen your knowledge and technique in your practise?
My processes, interests and techniques have changed and I continually want to push and learn new skills. After leaving year 12 in 2008, I went to commence a basic TAFE course in Visual arts and contemporary craft. Following after graduating, I undergo 2 years at Photography Studies College (PSC) as I had great interest in photography. However I left and decided to go back to Visual Arts where that took place at Swinburne. Currently, studies a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Monash.
I’ve met so many incredible lecturers and teachers who help me expand my knowledge on other artists, the industry and built great relationships with my fellow peers. Many of the times, I was taught the same subject, but each time I had a new teacher I was able to refine what I had already learnt and also combine what I was learning at the same time. I really began to find my own style and further on my skills and how to work certain apparatus like the printmaking press, hot plates and the OHS of each department.
Theory classes helped expand my own vocabulary on reading other artist’s statements, essays and how to develop my own voice and to articulate my concepts.

Evidently seen through your work, you bring together drawings that mainly involve animals, why is this? Do these subjects tell a story about you? And is there any new and different subjects you want to work with and draw?

It’s an obvious fact that I do love animals, I actually wanted to be a vet when I was younger had I not chosen art.
Animals are a very crucial part of our planet, we are co-existing with so many other species yet sometimes we tend to neglect and exploit them.
My art is about preserving and documenting these creatures, I really draw inspiration from old drawing journals of Zoologists, Ethnologist and even Botanists.
I collect so many books based on animals, I even have one from Germany in which I can’t read but I look at the photographs and the environment they are in. There are so many parts of this world that the average human hasn’t even laid their eyes upon. I love that mystery and secrecy too.
My works also involve humans, faces, or even the notion of a human presence.
The relationship I depict is important, as I usually use animals to represent the connections between us and animals. I think under each person there is an animal spirit that we can relate to and channel our inner instinct. 

I think I do want to expand beyond, I also tend to draw anatomy both medically and illustrative ways. I still involve animals as I think my art already has its own idea and style.

What is it you find rewarding in your work?
That other people find my works intriguing, strange and captivating.

What is your most favourite mediums you have explored? What kind of mediums have you tired and may or may not want to continue working with and why?

I love working with graphite pencils no doubt, I love that solid traditional sense of drawing, but I also appreciate how delicate and vast tones and lines it can create.
I’ve tried quite a few mediums, I do enjoy working with soft pastels and charcoal as the softness blends beautifully into a black background.
I enjoy working with ink for drawing but also for etching, so many intricate details are transferred from the plate to paper.
Watercolour is also a beautiful medium to work with, it’s so delicate and transparent and when they blend together it’s really quite special and unique.
I don’t think there’s a medium I wouldn’t want to use again, as mixing medium is a fantastic exploration and can bring out and highlight certain areas and textures.

What or who has inspired your work and has influenced you over this time?
Recently, it would be Artists who are still exhibiting and also my peers who also showcasing their own works. Been able to inspire each other is an important thing as the support and connections help us with our own works and judgement.
I love going back and visiting my favourite art movement which is Surrealism, I really love the look of that dreamscape and when reality becomes too warp to be able to differentiate, I think we can all relate.
A few contemporary art is quite interesting, to see how artist have taken on a concept and push it to a new level, or to strip it back and saw the raw essence of what is.
Everything inspires me in a way, I can take certain parts and translate into my own language and or relate it to a personal experience. Humans aren’t all that different to each other sometimes, we all feel pain, joy, loneliness, anger etc.
It’s just about who we are and how we process and deal with those emotions and we always keep on changing and exploring who we are.

What keeps you motivated to do what you do?

For every day that I am living and breathing, and when I can see the night sky, I will always be motivated to keep on creating.

Check out Michelle's work and support her here:

Instagram: instagram.com/michellelucart
Big Cartel: michellelucart.bigcartel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleLucArt

-  D

 

 

Violent Soho at the Hifi

When Violent Soho announced their Australia wide tour with The Smith Street Band and or Luca Brasi supporting, I overheard the news in my uni bar. As I waited to receive my small strong cappuccino from the trainee baristas (bless their trainee hearts), I overheard a group of people I could undoubtedly have befriended then and there as they discussed how they were going to buy their tickets. But, being the socially inept toadstool I am, I instead took to my own social media to contact the relevant parties - Soho were touring again.

Having already seen them play at The Corner and their Big Day Out set, I knew what I was in for. With every show in every city quickly becoming sold out and finally more being announced, tickets were acquired and the date was set.

With a different local support act for each city showcasing the awesome local talent available, the 17th’s show opened with Melbourne’s own White Walls. Clear 90s grunge influences can be heard from the young three piece band, drawing the interest of the already crowded Hifi venue. With a main support act being Luca Brasi hailing from Tasmania, it is clear that the boys from VIolent Soho care about local talent.

The best way to describe Violent Soho’s sound is undoubtedly chill vibes and great times. Whilst the band certainly have their heavier, more grunge inspired tracks, things slow down to give those in the mosh some much needed reprieve after the constant barrage. Fan favourite tracks were on the set, from the opening with ‘Dope Calypso’ to ‘Jesus Stole My Girlfriend’ and the much loved lyrical content of ‘Muscle Junkie,’ which had almost every punter turning to their friends to dramatically sing along to “fuck you, fuck you, I hate your face.”

Seeing Violent Soho for the fourth (and certainly not the last) time was the highlight of my month, as not only is the support for Australia’s local homegrown music vital, but oh so enjoyable to go to local gigs with friends and discover great new artists.

-T

People Profile: Ashley Simonetto

Ashley Simonetto is bubbly, creative, super nice and an insanely talented illustrator. After becoming seriously obsessed with Ashley's art instagram papertattle I admitted my love for her work and asked her for an interview:

When did you start to love illustration/design?

Starting at a young age I always had a fascination with drawing and making things to occupy my time. Being a perfectionist as a child, I would spend relentless hours trying to copy cartoon characters from books, tv shows or movies, as I had an unexplainable interest in the way lines could form and create a character. Throughout my years in school anything that was associated with art seemed to be my favourite and most successful study. When I was young I never considered being creative as a potential pathway for an occupation, but more so just a personal trait. However, it wasn’t until my final years in high school that I understood there is a large and thriving community that uses creative talents for everyday services. Entering the Bachelor of Communication Design at RMIT University was where I finally understood the importance of design and how my creative interests as a child suited and could be employed in the various dynamics of design.

What inspires you? What keeps you motivated?

A teacher once told me that design is a way of life. It isn’t something that you switch off once you have finished class or after you submit a project. This motto motivates and inspires me everyday as I try, although sometimes fail, to view life around me with a creative eye and attempt to notice small things, that can fuel my imagination. I tend to collect things as well, even if at the time I’m not sure how it will be used. This allows me to generate an archive of random scraps that I can draw inspiration from whenever I am stuck.

What makes you happiest about what you do?

  Being a designer gives me great satisfaction, as I am able to physically interact, see or hold my

creation. Generating tangible work that is out there for the public to consume is exciting, as I feel a part of me is able to momentarily connect with a person.

   When do you feel most creative?

   I would say I feel most creative, when I am being creative. There is nothing that energises me more than making something and seeing the outcome in its flesh and glory after hours of  painstaking work.

   What is something you want to do more of?

   Digital art. It’s a technique that seems a little foreign to me, as I have always resided and   been

   comfortable with using traditional mediums such as pencil, paint, charcoal etc. Using a tablet to

   generate imagery is something I definitely want to learn and perfect.

  What is one thing you are really good at?

I suppose it would be my understanding of what is visually required, due to my fussy attention to

detail. I believe that my aesthetic eye stems from my obsession with copying cartoon characters at a young age, as I would pay a lot of attention to small details. I tend to fuss over my projects and not consider them completed until I feel that all the elements cohesively work together and best reflect the aim of the brief.

What is one thing you are really bad at?

Drawing accurate portraits of people. I’ve tried it before and have failed miserably. I find that

there is a very distinctive difference in drawing characters to drawing precise representations of people. I find it difficult to capture the essence of the person and have all the proportions in the correct place. This is probably the main reason why I intend to draw inaccurate characters instead of real life people.

What is your favourite medium to work in and why?

I think if I really had to choose it would be watercolour. Mainly because it is very easy to work with and it is a medium that I am comfortable with using. Watercolour can be quickly applied, yet still look effective, to illustrate an idea or concept. However, it can also be extensively used and utilized with great detail to create a piece of art. It’s also interesting to see the variety of hues that can stem from one colour due to the amount of water used.

What is the best feedback you’ve ever been given?

When something doesn’t work, move on. I am guilty of dwelling on an idea for a long period of time before I start on a project and expect it to be the final outcome. However, it has been proven to me many times that during the design process things change and sometimes your idea that you initially conceived will be completely discarded. Thus, I have learnt to not be too attached to my ideas, as they will most likely alter to form a better solution.

   Three words to describe yourself:

   Imaginative, curious, optimistic

   Three words to describe your deigns:

   Clean, intricate, playful

   What is your favourite thing about living in Melbourne?

Melbourne is an exciting place to be for designers, as the city really supports and promotes creativity through its urban culture. I am constantly inspired by what I see around me from day to day. The various amounts of markets and exhibitions is what makes Melbourne for me great, as I can view and admire different creative works anytime I choose. 

Check out Ashley's work and support her here:

Website: http://ashleysimonetto.prosite.com

Instagram:papertattle

-A

Manchester Press.

One of those hidden gems that require serious coffee hunting skills - or a very city savvy friend - Rankins Lane’s, Manchester Press is funky, casual dining at its best. A converted printing press featuring contemporary art, exposed timbers and light fixtures, the café has a ‘junk-shop chic’ vibe and is located just off Little Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

Manchester Press specialises in fresh bagels with generous fillings and an all-day breakfast menu. I chose their delicious mozzarella, tomato, bacon and avocado, sesame seed bagel and have already vowed to return and get my hands on their ‘Vietnamese pulled pork and Asian slaw’ bagel (and their muesli), (and their Nutella and banana bagel), (okay, everything…).  From the friendly service, to the unique detailing in every coffee, it’s the little extra touches that really set this place apart. A word of warning though, be prepared to queue at peak times. I promise you it’ll be worth it.

Manchester Press

8 Rankins Lane,

Melbourne. 

-       - M

*Photo credited to Emily Lewis

Our Favourite Films. Part I

Some of the contributors at Mosaik were asked to write about their all time favourite films this will take place over a series of articles. These films are perfect for a lazy Sunday...



The Virgin Suicides, a film directed by Sofia Coppola, adapted from the novel by Jeffery Eugenides, would have to be my favourite movie. 
The film follows the lives of the Lisbon sisters, through the retrospective narration of their childhood admirers who collect memorabilia of the girls and in their middle age still search for some explanation of what happened all those years ago. When you watch the movie you “[feel the] imprisonment of being a girl,” as the Lisbon sisters enjoy what they can of their short lives. 
The Virgin Suicides reads like a prophecy as it predicts the society we live in today, where a great amount of innocence is lost, paralleling the steady ruin of our natural world. 
The film is sombre and eerie and yet there are glimpses of hope through the nostalgic, pastel dodging of scences that resemble the desires each of us hold. 
But maybe I just like watching it because I like seeing Trip Fontaine walking down the hall in his aviators or Lux becoming Homecoming Queen in her final Strange Magic moment or maybe I like the complete shock I always get at the end of the film despite having watched it over and over again.
 -A

'Oh, was it your faaaavourite?'

My mother often mocks me as everything I watch and see and do seems to be my 'favourite'. This may be aided by the fact that I blatantly call things my favourite time and time again. I read a book and love it so much I proclaim that it 'could be my favourite book' (exact words I said to my boyfriend after finishing The Book Thief two days ago). I sit in smiling silence for a good 30 seconds after a TV episode finishes thinking 'wow, this show is a work of genius' (most recently with the BBC series Call the Midwife). When things are fresh in my mind I guess they seem to surpass everything that has come before. 

This perpetual love for whatever I am presented with leaves me without a definite 'favourite' as the list is endless. All I can go by is what I saw last. The last film I have seen that has left me sitting in silence smiling is Wes Anderson's, The Grand Budapest Hotel which I saw at my favourite cinema - Sun Theatre in Yarraville. A fan of Anderson already and an all round appreciator of aesthetics, I loved seeing all the usual suspects; the meticulously symmetrical settings, the beautiful soundtrack by French film composer Alexandre Desplat and sharp yet subtle comedy. However, I also found this film very different to the many of his other films. Unlike The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou which I struggled to finish the first time I sat down to watch it and even the 1998 Rushmore, I felt connected to the adventures of Gustave H and Zero Moustafa at the famous European hotel. The storyline really grabbed me, which Anderson's films sometimes fail to do (although the set design is always enough to keep me watching). I felt this film was travelling in a direction more like Moonrise Kingdom as it allowed the audience to fall in love with the characters and become entranced within Anderson's colourfully created world. I feel it would appeal to the public more than some of the others and although I am often a criticiser of Hollywood film, I think his films are in no danger of falling into that category and the ups and downs of the storyline and comedic angle only enhance the film overall. This film retains Anderson's usual whimsical quirkiness and common cast members and long pauses and yet it holds another element of excitement that I feel brings it to another level. 

So much so that yes, it is one of many 'favourites'.

-B

Flipped: One of the very rare cases where the film lives up to the brilliance of its original book, Rob Reiner’s ‘Flipped’ (2010) explores the awkward and uncomfortable nature of growing up and experiencing your first love.

While demonstrated through the complicated relationship shared between two eighth-graders, Bryce and July, the messages communicated are far more adult. The importance of kindness, forgiveness and standing up for what you believe in, the complexity behind each individual’s character and most importantly, the way our perceptions of others and the world can change with time are each examined in an extremely sweet and moving way.

Predominantly set in the early 1960s, the rich, warm hues on screen transport the viewer into the world of the characters, aided by the accurate wardrobe choices and the film's catchy vintage soundtrack. Madeline Carroll and Callan McAuliffe act with such natural ease. Their portrayal of their characters is believable and remains true to their representation in Wendelin Van Draanen’s novel. I’m also sure it’s not okay I find the young Callan McAuliffe as attractive as I do – he’s just so darn cute! 

If you’re looking for the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon film with both intelligence and heart, I could not recommend Flipped more highly.

- M

*Mosaik Magazine does not take credit for any of the images used in this article

Ayers Rock, Yulara

Visiting the Red Centre had been proposed by my parents a number of times over the past few years but it wasn’t until very recently that we journeyed into the Australian outback. I really didn’t know what to expect as it was the first trip since before I can remember where I didn’t pour over travel guides and trip advisor reviews, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the adventurous four day trip would become one of our most memorable Australian holidays. 

DO: Astro Tour

I have always been fascinated by astronomy and the universe. On a clear summer’s night there’s nothing I love more than staring at the stars; unfortunately, living close to the city has always hindered viewing just how beautiful the night sky can be. So imagine my delight at being able to walk out into a secluded section of the Yulara desert (only five minutes from the town centre) and watch the sky illuminate with countless stars, and even a few planets. With highlights including the Milky Way, shooting stars and the rings of Saturn, I’ve truly never witnessed anything as beautiful. The tour guides were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, willing to answer any questions, debunk incorrect myths and tell a few corny ‘dad jokes’ along the way as well.   

SHOP: Craftworks

With the resort centered around tourists exploring the desert and embracing nature, shopping in Yulara is extremely limited. Despite this, I really enjoyed the selection at Craftworks, an art and design store located in the town’s centre. Housing accessories and prints crafted by their current resident artist Lesley Chaston, the pieces draw on the landscape of the Northern Territory and traditional Aboriginal art, making them the perfect choice for your souvenirs. 

EAT: Gecko’s Cafe

It was hard to pick a favourite eatery as each place in the town centre served a unique purpose; whether that be a quick lunch, sit down dinner or take away option.  What stood out about Gecko’s Café in comparison to the other options was its varied menu, ensuring everyone will find something to enjoy. Their generous portions at reasonable prices will leave you satisfied after a long day touring and trekking.  

TIPS: Uluru Tours and Weather 

It is no longer considered culturally appropriate to climb Uluru due to the location’s heritage and the negative impact on the environment, and its popularity is subsequently on the decline. There are still ways however to explore the natural surrounds in a socially mindful way. SEIT run intimate base trek tours; the six hour, 13 km walk allows you to explore the area, with the running commentary providing interesting information about Aboriginal cultural and the morals learnt through their cultural fables, fables which link directly to the markings on Uluru.  Sunrise and sunset tours are another beautiful way to relax as you watch the colours of the sky and Uluru slowly transform before your eyes.

Timing your stay is also essential. I recommend traveling in winter, you’ll miss the fly and wet seasons which are notoriously unbearable and while the temperature overnight can reach as low as -1/-2 the days are sunny and pleasant