It's officially winter, which is typically the time where we all want to rug up, watch movies, and never leave the house. While I've been binge-watching 'Outlander' and other shows, I've also rugged up to brave the outdoors.
Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney was a spectacular reason to head out of town and was well worth the trip. The annual lights display never disappoints. This year I viewed the installations around The Rocks and The Royal Botanic Garden area. I was most enthralled by the Firefly Field installation, and loved how many interactive displays were available.
'Dead Central' at State Library NSW
Whilst in Sydney I was excited to visit the State Library of NSW to see the Dead Central Exhibition curated by Elise Edmonds. I am fascinated with history (genealogy and ancient history in particular) and couldn't resist. The transmedia exhibition comprised of video projections, interactive maps, old documents about the Devonshire Street Cemetery and Central Station, and an audio tour. Overall, the exhibition was captivating and engaging.
The exhibition is on until the 17th November 2019. PS: I also toured the gallery spaces, because why not?
'The National 2019: New Australian Art' at MCA
Before wrapping up my little road trip, I visited the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and happened to have stumbled upon The National 2019: New Australian Art exhibition. My favourite piece without a doubt was 'Pretty Beach' by Abdul-Rahman Abdullah. The piece was dazzling, with chains that hung from the ceiling dangling crystals above a sea of painted-wood sting-rays.
'Objectify Reveal Party' at Watt Space
Back in Newcastle, I attend the 'Objectify Reveal Party': 2019 Student Art Prize, which this year just happens to being curated by my peers: Amber Shipard, Kylie Moore, Danielle Marrett, and Sam Chant. As third-year Bachelor of Creative Industries students, they have been acting as project managers/curators of the 2019 Student Art Prize as their major project. To show my support I'd gathered a few friends to hit the gallery and the $5 cocktails that were on offer. It was an outstanding turnout with the featuring object being revealed as...cocktail umbrellas!
The exhibition is on at Watt Space Gallery 4th - 29th September 2019.
ASA Online Workshop
The Australian Society of Authors is renown for their impeccable knowledge and expertise in the writing and publishing industry. I've been a member with them since mid-2017, and have finally had the opportunity to attend one of their workshops: 'Money Matters'. I started out handwriting the notes, but only made it as far as the first few sub-topics before giving up. So, yeah, I returned to my trust old habit of typing. At least I can read my notes.
It was an intense day that ended up with me having a headache (probably not helped by the five lots of caffeinated drinks I'd consumed), but the course was filled with great amount of valuable information that I believe will benefit my skillset and knowledge in the future as I begin taking on more freelance work. I can certainly say that I'll be undertaking more courses with them in the future.
Website Revamp
In case you hadn't noticed, my website has a fresh, modern design and a bit of brand-new look. Procrastinating the free time I temporarily had, I did a little re-brand of my website to more effectively represent who I am as an emerging creative - not simply as a writer, but as a creative industries professional.
Images © Halle Murphy, Mia Roman, Keighley Bradford