Girls on Film Festival (GOFF) 2015

The 'Girls on Film Festival' (GOFF) is coming back to Melbourne from the 23rd to 25th of October for a three day celebration of women on the screen. Women aren't always as well represented as they should be in film or given the powerful roles they deserve, but GOFF is changing this. Presenting their "feminist mix tape" of films, the festival will feature guest speakers, panels, performances and Girl Gems, a special event for feminists of all ages.

Here's the line up:

- Desperately Seeking Susan (Opening Night Party Exclusive To Backers And Vip Guests Of The Festival) 

- Princess Mononoke 

- Whip It 

- In The Turn 

- Fatenah + Black Panther Woman 

- She's Beautiful When She's Angry 

- A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night 

- The Loved Ones 

- Matilda 

- Bend It Like Beckham 

- Romy And Michele's High School Reunion 

- Thelma And Louise

All the information you need about the festival, including how to get your tickets can be found here. They're also on the hunt for volunteers, so if getting some experience in the event industry, making connections and enjoy a few free films sounds like your thing you can apply here.

- Miriam

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

Filtering Instagram Pt. 3.

@anthropologie

I have never visited an Anthropologie shop in my life, however, I can safely say that I am a huge fan! They often post travel shots from places like India and Turkey, capturing amazing fabrics, doors and colours from around the world. Otherwise, they promote their own gorgeous clothing, shoes and homewares (ah, the homewares ... so pretty!). Such a great way to while away the hours.

@arrohome

Arro Home is a gorgeous little homewares company that focus on beautiful patterns and colours which is evident throughout their Instagram page! All of the designers are based in Melbourne, providing us with all of the colourful textiles and ceramics we can get our hands on! :)

@ceramic.life

Need your daily dose of adorable ceramics from all around the world? Ceramic.life is calling you! I may be a bit biased as ceramics is a hobby I've picked lately, but each piece to me seems like it has so much character. I could look at ceramics all day and this page definitely takes over a good 10 minutes of my day.

@kettleblackcafe

Firstly, if you have not eaten a meal yet at Kettle Black Cafe in South Melbourne, do yourself a favour and GET DOWN THERE! I have eaten there once, and everyday I watch their posts flood my newsfeed making me dream until the day I return back. This is definitely one of those Melbourne cafes that you feel no shame when whipping out your phone to take a photo of your food because look at how amazing it all looks (and tastes!)

@riflepaperco

Stationery company Rifle Paper Co. have the most gorgeous floral patterns printed onto fabrics, papers, wraps and wallpapers and as amazing as it is seeing the final products, it's also super cool seeing the processes leading up to it! Rifle Paper Co's Instagram constantly provides the most vibrant, springy images that will make you smile and keep you going back to see their updates! Definitely a page to follow straight away :)

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

'What's In My Bag?' Series: Nicole.

I feel like a peek into my handbag is a glimpse into my soul, but this seemed like a good idea at the time, so here is what I keep in my bag:

• Wallet: I'm not a huge fan of big compartmentalised wallets because I don't hoard discount cards or receipts, so I just use a little purse instead. The one that I am using at the moment is particularly special because it was given to be by one of my good friends on my twentieth birthday. She found the little handmade purse at an RMIT student stall one day. 
• Car keys: I have a Finding Nemo house key because mum knows I like Disney and thought I would appreciate a Nemo key (and I do appreciate it very much!). I also have a little Gorman watermelon keychain that I scored for free after a lovely worker at Gorman said she had a few of the keychains at the back of the store that were old stock. 
• iPhone: I don't really check my phone that much when I'm out, but I always have it on me just in case I need to use maps, because my sense of direction is terrible. 
• Diary: I love being organised, and I always buy my diaries from Kikki K. You're guaranteed to find lots of crammed, colour-coded details on each page. I'm still a fan of having a physical diary - I can't bring myself to use my iPhone to organise my life. I'm a bit of a technological dinosaur when it comes to those kinds of things.  
• Reading glasses: I'm usually wearing my glasses, but in the odd case that I am not, I will have them on me in case I need to read. Which brings me to my next point. 
• A good novel: I can't leave the house without a book in my bag. I am a big reader, and whenever I get to places early or have time to spare, I'll pull out my book and find a quiet little spot to squeeze in some reading. At the moment I'm reading Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, which is really great. I'm such a fan of Gladwell's work. 
• Sunglasses: Because you never know what Melbourne weather is going to bring. 
• Bottle of water: I can honestly say that I only drink two things - coffee and water. Water seems like the safer option to store in my bag. I just recycled my Pressed Juices bottle because I find that square bottles don't crumple up in my bag. 
• Make-up bag: I don't really wear much make-up, but I carry around a little make-up bag with some lip balm, Shea body butter, mascara, an eye pencil, and lipstick just in case I feel the need to touch up, or for when I am meeting someone after work. 
• Notebook & pen: Anyone who knows me know how much I love writing. So it just makes sense to carry around a notebook for when I need to jot down an idea or write something important down.
• iPod: I would usually just use my iPhone, but I recently found my old iPod from 2010 and have been loving it. I cringe at some of my choices in music, then stumble across great artists that I had forgotten about. It's brilliant. 

I'm a fan of bigger bags because I usually use one bag for everything - work, university, and for everyday purpose. It gives me space to bring my laptop to work or uni if need be, and is a good incentive to pack my own lunch so I'm not spending so much on weekdays. If you're at university you will be able to sympathise with me when I say that food is one of the great comforts during stressful times, and the money just seem to roll out of your wallet during each semester. 

Now, I bid you all adieu as I go to neatly pack everything back into my handbag! 

- Nicole

People Profile: Douglas McManus.

I first met Douglas McManus last year and quickly becoming aware of how grossly talented this man is, and he soon became one of my favourite mentors. 

Douglas McManus is one of Australia's leading textile artists with recent exhibitions at the MONA dark mofo festival (laundry of the terminal psyche) and the CRAFT gallery (conversation of gentlemen) while also having works among the NGV permanent collection. Douglas' artworks are monumental sculptural installations that explore his concepts of men, masculinity and emotional states of being. His work is dark and striking, yet it has an ethereal ambience and beauty. He uses digital technology to create delicate pieces of artwork that will leave you awestruck. 

Douglas is someone I have wanted to interview for a while (because I don't think he could ever give a boring answer) and his upcoming exhibition Surrender at Fort Delta gave me an excuse.

- Alessandra 

What makes you the happiest? 

 Being in my studio making art, exploring textile ideas using my new high end TROTEC laser cutter.

What are you most excited about right now?  

The arrival of the lix smallest 3d drawing pen I purchased as part of a pozzible campaign. (Yes I'm a tech nerd).

When did you realise textiles and art was something you wanted to pursue? 

Way back at art school when I started putting fabric through print presses. I was so excited by the effects I created my whole printmaking folio out of fabric instead of traditional paper (to the horror of my lecturers) but I didn't care. The switch landed me a residency in Melbourne after graduating and ever since I've been passionate about textiles as medium for art practice.  

What is a fashion fad that you look back on and cringe?
Cut-off denim shorts (I mean really, really arse flashing short).  God I used to wear a pair when I first started lecturing in textiles at RMIT University. What was I thinking?!

Where do you draw inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from life experiences and interactions with other creative minds. I try not to think too much but just make. My latest show Surrender is about giving in to the process and going with whatever happens.

When do you feel most creative?

Just before dawn after doing yoga, I like the space between dark and light, it is where one can be still. This is when creative ideas come to me.

Do you think there is a difference between art and fashion? 

Depends on your definition of art and fashion. I mean my favourite designer Alexander McQueen crosses boundaries with his extraordinary vision. I think identifying and labeling something fashion, art , design or craft is irrelevant for me.

If a biography was to be written about you what would it be called?  

Confessions of The Glass Collector 

I'm intrigued...Why Confessions of The Glass Collector? 

Oh because the first job I had when I came to Melbourne was collecting glasses at an infamous gay pub, where I was able to meet some amazing men who became the catalyst for many early textile art pieces including hair couture 2000 acquired by the NGV.

Okay, please write that book!
Where would you be if you could be anywhere right now? 

Berlin, I love that city.  

What is your favourite thing about Melbourne?  

The creative energy that exists here. Everyone is involved in some project/performance/space. It amazes me the amount of talent in Melbourne.

Catch Douglas' next exhibition Surrender at Fort Delta opening on Thursday the 8th of October.

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