Goddesses of Earth and Sky

Some time ago I found these images online and I thought that I would share them as these creations are just spectacular. The headdress of the top model is reminiscent of two new works which I will be unveiling at my new exhibition next month. Both works utilize antlers as a symbol of primal power crowning goddess-like female presences.

To A Young Lady, Who Was Fond Of Fortune Telling

For each of my exhibitions I like to find a poem which encapsulates the emotional state I am in while creating a new body of work. For my up and coming exhibition 'Cabinet of Curiosities' I have chosen a wonderful poem by British poet Matthew Prior entitled; 'To A Young Lady, Who Was Fond Of Fortune Telling.'

I will post the poem and the work it has inspired on the night of the opening here in Perth but I thought I would share with you the biography I found on Poemhunter.com. Prior seems to have lead a very exciting life but what really fascinates me is the fact that he was born in 17th century but lived until the 20th!

Yes I know it's just a typo but what an exquisite one at that.

Matthew Prior by Thomas Hudson

Matthew Prior, poet and diplomat, was born near Wimborne Minster, Dorset. His family moved to London while he was still a child. He was educated at Westminister School, but was taken out when his father died and apprenticed to his uncle, a tavern-keeper. In 1680 he went to Cambridge on a scholarship from the Earl of Dorset and while there he co-wrote with Charles Montague, The Hind and the Panther Transversed to the Story of the Country and City Mouse (1687), a burlesque on Dryden's Hind and the Panther which cuts it down to size by making it absurd.

Prior held various diplomatic posts, and in 1700 entered parliament with the Tories. He was Ambassador at Paris when he was recalled at the death of Queen Anne in 1715, and imprisoned for two years. During his time in prison he composed Alma or the Progress of the Mind (1715), a sceptical and humorous poem for which he is best known today. A folio edition of his work was published in 1719 and secured him a profit of 4000 guineas. He died in 1921 in Down Hall which he had purchased two years previously. At its best his work stands alongside Swift, and was admired by Samuel Johnson and William Cowper. He is buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.

Living Art

For many years our house had been a rental and when we bought it the garden reflected the lack of care and neglect that is so typical in such properties. Our first job was to remove all the plants and start with a blank canvas. We added high jarrah sleeper beds to the garden proper and planted such fruit trees as the Tahitian Sapote or Chocolate Pudding Tree, longan, mango and many more. In a closing down sale we found a pair of Indian gates studded with brass flowers and this wonderful garden gate opens onto a small walkway where I have begun to plant a succulent garden. It has become a great adventure trying to source new specimens for this garden as I adore the sculptural qualities of these hardy plants. Until now I had held a conservative view of what could be achieved with succulents but as one search lead to another I found a whole world of inspiration from other artistic succulent lovers. The idea of succulent topiary can add such charm to a garden, especially one which has to deal with Perth's harsh summer climate. 

You can use this simple method http://lenkindesign.blogspot.com/2007/09/succulent-topiaries.html to make all kinds of wonderful objects:

The Rusty Trowel

http://genosgarden.blogspot.com

http://www.bridetobe.com.au

As succulents are so easy to propagate I am going to give this a go, it looks like such fun and can be really effective.