Express Experience: The Finders Keepers.

The Finders Keepers market was held on the 17^th/18^th October at the  Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. The Finders Keepers is an event that invites all Australian based artists and designers to gather together to sell all of their beautiful creations to the public. You can get your hands on anything from hand-crafted jewellery and clothes to digital prints and letter-pressed cards. The place is filled with colour and life. Once you visit the Finders Keepers market it will keep you coming back.
The next Finders Keepers (autumn/winter) market will take place in the early months of 2015 – make sure you don’t miss it!

What made you decide to visit the finders keepers market?

I have been visiting the Finders Keepers market since it started back in 2010 (it started out in a small shed in Docklands) and fell in absolutely love with the stalls and atmosphere of it – so it was easy to decide to go back and visit it this time around! :)

-C

I went to my first Finders Keepers last year and was absolutely in awe of the place. I went to the most recent market because I thought my mum would really enjoy it. The one earlier this year turned me off slightly due to the density of the crowd it was bringing in but this time I found it so much better to wait until the rush of opening night had died down and go towards closing time on the second day. 
-B

What was/were your favourite stall/s?
There are the regulars that I absolutely love including:
- Bespoke Letterpress (a letterpress-printing company who stock gorgeous cards, gift tags and wrapping papers).
- Emily Green (an Aussie-based jewellery and print maker)
- Ena and Albert (a new jewellery company, creating bright and quirky gems!)

And so many more! Everything was just so colourful and beautiful! I could go on forever!
-C

A few highlights for me would have to be:
-Naomi Murrell (beautifully neat and simplistic jewellery design. My mum and I chose the Deco Droplet earrings and the sherbet Stacker ring for me to get as a gift from her for Christmas and I think they are just beautiful)
-Organics for Lily (a range of therapeutic herbal teas that promote good health, founded by Melbourne based Naturopath Melissa Khonsavang)
-Wirely (funky vintage inspired hairpin-leg plant stands as well as modular tops to transform the stands into a table)
-Bridget Bodenham (creator of lovely ceramic works from Victoria) 
-B


How do you feel after attending the finders keepers market?
Going to the Finders Keepers made me want to own my own market stall! I was totally inspired by the bright colours, different jewellery pieces, prints, clothes and other bits and bobs! With the summer holidays coming up, it made me want to learn new skills! Shortly after, my sister and I booked a screen-printing class to learn that new skill! I can’t wait! :)
-C

I always feel so creative after leaving the market. The homemade nature of all the products and the success of the market just brings on a wave of inspiration. The community feel of it all also leaves me feeling so happy as you know that the majority of products are created by local people and it really sheds light to what others in my own city are capable of. 
-B


What was your favourite thing about the market?
The atmosphere of the market is incredible! I love that Aussie-based designers all gather for this event to provide the public with gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s such a lovely setting in the Exhibition Building in Carlton and it was also exciting that they had a large food section this time around!
-C

Rather than visiting for one or two individual stalls in particular, the beauty of the Finders Keepers market is that you just get to wander around and experience the market itself as a whole. The products would be great by themselves to view in stores down Brunswick Street for example, but the fact that there is such a concentrated collection of such quality items in one place while music is playing and people are enjoying themselves just brings it to a new level. 
-B


Would you go again next year?
Absolutely! Have not missed it since I first went, back in 2010.
- C 

No question.
-B

Emily Green Print 

Ena and Albert Necklace

Bespoke Letterpress 

 Bridget Bodenham ceramic cups and saucers

Naomi Murrell Deco Droplet Earrings in Periwinkle

Wirely plant stands

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

Hardware Societie.

Hardware Societie is a rustic hidden gem in the heart of the city. From the quirky twist on baked eggs, to the incredible twice-cooked pork belly and the phenomenal hot chocolates, this place will keep you coming back! For somebody who is not even a hot-chocolate-drinker, their chocolate ganache and cream in a cup, paired with frothed hot choc in a mini pour jar is a must-get when you visit the Hardware Societie! Followed by that of course, you’d be safe with absolutely any meal! The homely feel to each dish, alongside the use of fresh ingredients is a heavenly pairing, you can’t go wrong visiting this café! Only a short walk from Melbourne Central, if you’re in the city, this is definitely a place to pop into!

-C 

The Secret Life of Journals.

I am a self-confessed journal hoarder. At this current moment I own twenty-one journals. I have a whole desk drawer full of journals, and each holds a different purpose. I thought it would be fun to share a few of them with you, explaining what their main focus is. I have never let anyone read my journals, so I'll do my best to explain the contents of the pages so that you have some sort of understanding about how my journals and my odd little mind works. 

Journal 1: The First Journal. 

This journal was the beginning of my love for journalling. I bought it in 2009. Looking back, it is painstakingly embarrassing, but it makes me laugh so much. The theme of this journal was 'love', and it has a strong soppy teenage love story undercurrent throughout - it contains quotes from my favourite romance films, song lyrics, lyrics that I wrote in 2009 and 2010, poems from my mum's old journal that I found in a box in the shed, and a lot of tumblr images and stories. I even made a pocket at the back of the journal called 'Nicole's Pocket Full of Love' (I just face-palmed at my fourteen-year-old self). There was a lot of highlighter used in this journal for decorative purposes. I had to wear sunglasses when I was flicking through it today. I'm glad my aesthetic style changed over the years. 

Journal 2: The Warm Fuzzy Journal.

I probably pull this journal out most frequently. Written in it is quotes from messages I've received from family and friends. The quotes are of really beautiful, kind, and/or heart-warming things that people have said to me. Some quotes are as little as one line, whereas some are whole paragraphs from messages or cards I've received, or from conversations I have had. I read over this journal whenever I am having a bad day, or when I need some cheering up. It makes me value and appreciate the people in my life. 

Journal 3: The Recollections and Thoughts Journal.

My Recollections and Thoughts Journal is a bit of an 'everything' journal. I write in it whenever I want to record memories of a particularly happy, exciting, sad, or odd day. Side note: I bought this journal in Japan. Stationary in Japan is amazing.

Journal 4: The Lyrics Journal. 

My good friends Steph and Sarah bought me this journal for my sixteenth birthday. I took it with me to Europe, and I was writing so often over there. I don't have accompanying music to many of the lyrics I've written, but I enjoy reading over the lyrics because they remind me of my thoughts and feelings about certain people and experiences I went through during my late teen years. I still write my lyrics in this journal today.

Journal 5: The Teaching Journal.

This journal is one of my favourites (though, I say that about every single one of my journals). It is my 'teaching' journal, where I write down things I have learnt on my practicums at high schools, interesting things I have learnt from studies on teaching, learning, and behaviour, lessons I learnt from my year twelve teachers about life, and observations or cases I have dealt with working as an integration aide, and what I have learnt from those cases. Because my mind is constantly thinking about my future classroom, I jot down exciting classroom activities and ideas I have for certain topics that will be covered in my future media and english/literature classes. In flicking through this, I can follow my journey towards becoming a teacher. I enjoy looking back at even just my first year practicum reflections (which are seen below) and seeing how much my ideas on what an 'effective teacher' is have changed. 

Journal 6: The Inspiring Quotes Journal.

This journal contains quotes from (mainly) historical figures and authors. Whenever I read books, I underline stand-out quotes in pencil. When I finish the book, I flick through the pages and transfer the quotes into this journal. I love how this journal's pages are set out - on the right-hand pages are quotes, then on the left-hand side there are tickets, photographs, magazine clippings, and stickers from stand-out events and experiences.

Journal 7: The 365-day Journal. 

I can't believe I committed to this in 2012. For my final year of high school I made sure I jotted down the happenings of each day, and my feelings each day. I read over this sometimes and it brings back so many memories. Because I wrote in it every day, you can see such a big transition in my character and attitude as the year progresses. It's a really interesting journal to read over, and I'm really happy I kept up with it for 365 days. Funny story: It got to half-way through the year when I realised that it was a leap year, and what I really needed was a 366-day journal. 

The thing I love about journalling is that by looking over each journal, I can clearly see how my thoughts have changed over the years, and how I've changed as a person. It not only captures events and experiences, but also emotions and feelings. I love that each journal I own serves a different purpose. I would encourage everyone to try journalling, but I don't want you to get too attached to the craft like I have. It's unhealthy. But then again, it's healthy, too. Do you know what, just go and buy yourself a journal. Start documenting your life. You'll thank yourself in years to come. 

- N

Filtering Instagram.

Instagram is the app we all love that allows you to follow people with similar interests and aesthetics, creating a community of inspiration and beauty (using filters to make the world a better place, or at least look like a better place.)  
Mosaik has decided to curate some of our favourite Instagram accounts, so have a stalk and do some double tapping. 

-A

@amalia___

Stop and smell the flowers

Voted the most colourful and eclectic profile on Instagram. Candid photos, nostalgic hues, suburbia and florals, Amalia manages to find beauty in the everyday, as well as the many #catsoffitzroy.

@marieluises

 Somewhere between Melbourne & Berlin 
An Instagram from where we'd rather be. Whether it be a flea market in Berlin or a beach in Vietnam, we can't help but be a little envious. Her book posts also have us making a reading list. 

@willdarbyshire
The filmmaker and Youtuber also perfects Instagram, capturing the perfect little details of London. 

@annieleelarson
The lady behind ALL Knitwear, based in Brooklyn, New York. With a perfect eye for detail, colour and pattern, her classic fairisles can be found among other photos of her colour blocked world.

@letsbebuddys

Plots for humanity's destruction on a daily basis

Our favourite snapchat cat has made it to Instagram and boy are we happy! This Burmese feline rules, in more ways then one. If you want to know when cats are planning on taking over the world just check out this cool cats Insta.

@livingthehealthychoice

A food blogger and photographer from Berlin, she sure knows how to make healthy food look mighty delicious. 

@yourgirlchuck

Better known as Chuck Grant or Lana Del Rey's sister, this NYC/LA photographer is making us double tap on every photo she posts.

@ausballet

Caring for tradition, daring to be different.

Just when you thought pointe shoes and leotards were getting old school along came the Australian Ballet with their Instagram, making us feel simultaneously untalented and unfit. They've got us looking forward to #TutuTuesday every week.

@saintrecords

I be taking pictures.
Solange, better know as Beyonce's sister or that girl that attacked Jay Z in an elevator that one time, has one of our all time favourite Instagrams. Vibrant, colourful and super unique.

@anothergemma
 Not just another girl. She is amazing, with an eye for beauty and a sense for ethical and sustainable fashion, her Instagram is a hub for design. 

@facehunter

If you ever want to be hunted by anyone its this man. He won't shoot you with a bow and arrow but rather with a camera, and when he does it, he does it right. Travelling daily and capturing the beautiful people of the fashion world, we defiantly want his job.

@humansofny

New York City, one story at a time. 

If you haven't heard of this instagram you probably live under a rock... far away from New York. This is the Instagram of life.  Capturing the most intimate, intense and beautiful moments as each person shares a uniquely wonderful story.

@letthelordbewithyou

From the constant sarcasm to the narcissism, our favourite member of the Kardashian clan, Lord Disick, makes our wasted hours keeping up with that family worth while. His self made memes and quotes from the show are always on point and he was recently listed among "Stars Who Prove They're Ridiculously Rich With Lavish Instgram Pics!" to which he commented "Finally someone gets what we're trying to do here." We love you LD.

@papertattle

The name alone is awesome and then the illustrations and designs by the super talented Ashley Simonetto make it even better!! We are truly in love with this Insta and her. 

@nicolegiannenas

Quirky, funny and super cool, with her awesome style, the coolest blue bird we have ever seen and the best collage of Evan Peters, we are loving Nicole Giannenas Instagram.  

 

@straysodas
Looking at this Instagram you feel a little bit less cool than you did a few seconds ago (Maybe its just the dreadlocks?) But seriously some of these photos should be album artworks. 

@januaryjones

An Instagram where, if everything wasn't ironic or sarcastic, it would be seriously cringe worthy. (She should really make that her bio) 

January Jones AKA Betty Draper from Mad Men is the queen of awkward throwbacks and extremely long and incredibly funny hashtags. We'll leave you with this tip from the lady herself #alwaysposebyatoiletifyouarefeelingsassy

@miamoretti

Searching for the perfect beat (and beet...)
We are girl crushing on Mia. The DJ from the music group Hooked on the Dolls defines the word exotic. She is always somewhere between Morocco, Venice and New Orleans and always wearing the most beautiful outfits. She is not just an artist but also a muse, with Katy Perry writing the song International Smile about her. We can't help but see her as a modern day Frida Khalo.

@aleksandarjason
This Australian photographer captures the most rare and natural forms of beauty. His minimalist approach and simple aesthetic has got us loving him.

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk.

When I was six I remember seeing a taped video of Madonna performing Express Yourself  in her infamous cone bra. I stared at the TV wide eyed and completely in awe because 1) it was Madonna and 2) she was wearing a CONE BRA... even at the age of six I knew the significance of that costume. 

The cone bra is one of the many garments that is featured at the National Gallery of Victoria's exhibition The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk. An exhibition with over 140 of the worlds most influential haute couture garments displayed on talking mannequins.

I have been anticipating this exhibition since I first heard it would be arriving in Melbourne after its success in Montreal, Paris and New York. However,  when I heard that Jean Paul Gaultier, himself, would be here for its opening I acted out erratically, entering numerous competitions, looking for one of the many sold out tickets and emailing anyone I knew that was remotely connected to the NGV, all without success. 

So I gave up, and instead read Vogue Australia's exclusive interview with him titled  "And God created Gaultier", and accepted, with a heavy heart, that I would not get to see Gaultier himself but I would eventually get to see the exhibition. 

And then God sent Gaultier. In some twist of fate my university class was invited to the media launch and we were allowed a glimpse into the eclectic world of Jean Paul Gaultier. 

The exhibition is ultimately a retrospective of Gaultier's life work, featuring the first dress he created in 1971 through to his most recent haute couture collection. It seemed as though an exhibition like this would have been reserved and curated upon the designer's death, as is the case with most artists. This was thankfully not the case and Gaultier's presence made the entire exhibition more exciting. It all felt extremely relevant, compulsively contemporary. It was not only an exhibition on the development of fashion and Gaultier's style, but it was also a reflection on the evolution of art, music, film, history and social equality. 

The display made the inaccessible world of haute couture attainable, giving visitors the opportunity to sit front row at a Gaultier show.  It was an absolute dream and quite possibly my favourite exhibition of all time. Jean Paul himself said  it was the "best exhibition ever done," and perhaps it is. It is difficult to put into words how I felt entering each of the seven sections of the exhibition. I think it is something that each person must experience for themselves. 

Later, I stood by as Gaultier was being interviewed, listening to his thoughtful answers, taking time to articulate himself. He never really allowed himself to be the topic of discussion, instead he talked about art and film and music and muses, he did not want to have the spotlight on him and then he said it very quietly, a mutter, almost inaudible among the clicking of the cameras, he said "I am a man of the shadows." 

That was it, a man from the shadows, and his designs have come from there too, a darker and deeper place where life is observed  and translated. 

-A

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
17 October 2014 – 8 February 2015
NGV International
180 St Kilda Road Open daily, 10am – 5pm
Entry fees apply
Adult $22 | Child $10 | Concession $18 Family $60 | NGV Member Adult $17 NGV Member Family $48 

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 

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