Art and Industry

After having been immersed in my work for quite some time, or otherwise locked indoors by the incessant rain of a Sydney winter (which always seems to start falling when I’m about three blocks away from home) I was happy to celebrate a break in the clouds with a trip to yet another undiscovered corner of Sydney.  With the last day of Sydney’s Biennale as an excuse, we took the ferry out to Cockatoo Island, one of the Sydney harbor’s many tiny islands of history and mystery.  This former site of a prison, school, reformatory and gaol is now a heritage site, park, campground and, on this occasion, home to art installations both impressive and not.  But what the art lacked the environment was able to inspire.

You can see the rest of my journey in the flickr photos.  A little art, a little industry, some welcomed sunshine and some inspiration to photograph.  What better way to spend a Sunday?

How to Speak Australian Part III: When in doubt shorten it

This is a short story about a uni student who got caught out in the rain while it was pretty full on.  He’d forgotten his brally so he rocked up to an op shop but he lucked out (as in, there weren’t any).  So he warmed up with a hot cuppa and a bikkie before heading out to see the new doco about vejjos.  Then he had to run to meet up with his friends Baz, Gaz, Jez, Sus and Ads for a bit of sport.  Afterwards they drank the all the beers in Baz’s eski while they chatted about the footy.  After having such a good arvo he knew tomoz was going to be a great day.

Happy Anniversary

One year ago today I arrived in Sydney, Australia.

One year ago today I noticed how great the air smelled, even out by the airport.

One year ago today I saw the Opera House and crossed the Harbor Bridge for the first time.

One year ago today I saw my first glimpse of a Sydney beach.

One year ago today I had my first Aussie meat pie.

One year ago today I had no idea what any of the crazy birds outside my window were, but I was amazed at how talkative they all were.

One year ago today I got my first taste of life without insulation.

One year ago today I realized that everyone on TV had an Australian accent.

One year ago today I didn’t really understand what “harden the fuck up” meant.  Now I do.

One year ago today I was so jet-lagged I couldn’t stay up past 8:30pm.  I’ve since recovered.

Thanks for a great year, Australia.