Reflections on March
In what seemed like a whirlwind, March has come and gone. Early March brought a clutch of amazing women together for the inaugural Women’s Day afternoon tea hosted at our home. Sharing carefully crafted home-baked offerings (Vegan Chocolate and Zucchini Cake OMG) and celebratory beverages, these women lifted my spirits with their generous, warm-hearted conversations. Lightness and fortitude were thus gained in preparation for a month of highs and lows which impressed upon us the essential meaning of life – to simply live as much in the moment as possible.
The gentle folk of Brisbane’s performing arts community gathered for a March event that no one could have seen coming. Attending the funeral of a much loved young woman from within our ranks, we were given a chance to think about the contributions each of us makes, and how they accumulate, becoming our own stories. I will not dissect her beautiful life here, but suffice it to say her passing, the emotional shock and cumulative sadness led me to reflect at length. Taking time to check in with a guide from a few years back, we opened up discussion about the true meaning of my work, the central values and where to journey next. I looked at my passions for art, beauty, joy, wellness, creating, and balanced design for living; my mission for compassion and equity based on ethical, sustainable micro and macro views; and developing my vocations of gardener, writer, painter, decorator, organic cook, collector and wise woman. Together, these element newly coalesce forming an orderly, stress-free portfolio ranging from producer, designer, board member, PR and media advisor, as well as advocate for diversity and for women’s empowerment. And the dialogue continues, centred around helping people with whom I am ethically aligned. Herein lies my daily happiness.
Adelaide
Beautiful art and amazing music at Adelaide Festival reset my arts lens for the year. 2016 Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art showed off substantial explorations within the realms of magical and familiar personal demons in accessible yet high art installations. These included the astounding thread work and photos of Hiromi Tango. Craft taken to extreme also in the glass installation of Tim Moore and the exquisite work of new-comer, 103-year-old Loongkoonan, depicting bush tucker and plants used for medicinal purposes. Word is she began painting at 95. It took two visits to see the whole show, which remains open until 15 May.
This was also the final Festival for Director, David Sefton. On the last night, he delivered several truly beautiful works – too many to choose from for us weekender FIFO visitors. We were treated to his personal introduction to the Magma and SUNN O))) show which left everyone immersed in an enormous noise-scape, stunned and awed. Formed in 1969, Magma has invented its own ethereal language. It was the first time they had ever performed in Australia – a set of just three operatic, intense tracks demonstrated just how unique their work is. Thank you Mr Sefton, it was magical.
Home – Women’s Day Tea time.
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