Indulge me for a moment as I present these facts. Women make half the food and fibre in the world. The entire freaking world. Up until 23 years ago any Australian woman filling in the Census could not be categorised as a farmer. Women could be 'farmer's wives' or 'help meets' but even if they … Continue reading One invisible story
Review: Blade Runner 2049
Big spoilers ok? There you have been warned. Blade Runner 2049 is like ice cream. It's good but unnecessary. I happily lived without a second helping of BR, but since it was offered, I took it up. However, if I had been unfamiliar with ice cream, this way of presenting it would have not been … Continue reading Review: Blade Runner 2049
The zine scene
The State Library of Victoria is an architectural marvel of Melbourne, and a pretty inspiring 'suppository of all knowledge' to use an actual quote by a former Prime Minister. It also regularly stages exhibitions. A recent one featured zines. I am fascinated by bookmaking, book art, book ephemera, publishing, and hands on making. Despite this, … Continue reading The zine scene
Virtually, the past
I recently visited the Shrine of Remembrance, Victoria's war memorial (in Melbourne) the other day. I had not been before and I decided I needed to. Mainly for the quiet, but also because of Dunkirk. Then again, a good reason is because of the news lately. So I wandered the galleries and visited the crypt and sanctuary … Continue reading Virtually, the past
Review: Dunkirk, Loving Vincent (& other stories)
It might be that I've seen Loving Vincent and Dunkirk close together but there's something about both of them that appeals to me as a writer. Both go back to primary sources in that they use the letters of Vincent and Theo van Gogh, and the speeches of Winston Churchill in the dialogue to effect … Continue reading Review: Dunkirk, Loving Vincent (& other stories)
Review: Loving Vincent
The Melbourne International Film Festival is on and of everything on offer I have managed to see one film. But it was a good one: Loving Vincent at the Forum Theatre. Twas three sittings to a sell out crowd, if that indicates the interest in this. To understand this work is a stunning creative and … Continue reading Review: Loving Vincent
Review: It’s always got to be blood
Art can be many things, an escape, a refuge, a comforting but stimulating vision of what is immanent and transcendent, or a reflection on the human condition, or a combination of these, or something else entirely. For Science Week, the Science Gallery in the Frank Tate Building of the University of Melbourne opened. It's first … Continue reading Review: It’s always got to be blood
Review: Buddha’s Smile
If you are going to see the exquisite Hokusai showcase at the National Gallery of Victoria, or even if you aren't, the temporary exhibit Buddha's Smile is worth a look, and a listen. I'm not suggesting a direct link between the exhibits, by the way or even a broad, 'let's lump all the Asian art … Continue reading Review: Buddha’s Smile
Review: Syria – Ancient History Modern Conflict
The Ian Potter Gallery at the University of Melbourne is displaying Syria - Ancient History Modern Conflict until the end of August. I took a look because (no surprise at all) I'm fascinated by old things. But also because of a sense of a need to bear witness to archaeological and preservation work that can … Continue reading Review: Syria – Ancient History Modern Conflict
Nightswimming (classes)
Nightswimming deserves a quiet night. I made a decision when I was sick some months ago. Simple as sending an email when I couldn't sleep to change, put things in reverse. And learn. Now in my second term, the water seems more welcoming. Still. It's so much clearer. Each evening I leave my stuff at the water's … Continue reading Nightswimming (classes)
Writing Bec 