Phil and I were back in NZ for his Omi's funeral, it was a very sad and emotional farewell but still a great send-off. It was also good to see his family and friends again, albeit the circumstances. We managed to get to the art gallery this time, but the gallery with most of the contemporary art in it was closed because they were getting ready for the Auckland Triennial, which I would have loved to see! Still, I got to see some amazing works, especially interesting was a live installation we came across on the street!

Hayley looking 'interesting' in a mirror at the Space Centre (forgot what the place was really called) at One Tree Hill Park.

Dani, Hayley and I came across some aliens as well ...

Phil decided to experiment with a new look ...

And so did Brendan!




We caught Preston having a bath as well!


And... Preston's mum-Belinda! (she knits very cool stuff) :)

The live installation we came across ...

Kristy was quite a pro at pouring the sake :)

And ... for some more final beers before flying back to Adelaide the next morning.

I forgot to add at the start that it was chinese new years eve the night before we flew off to NZ. We had a pretty giant banquet here.. including lobster- YUM.. and then also went to the temple to check out the lion dances - their crazy kung fu, and the fire works that was just let off at the car park across the road! It was packed there and it was a wicked atmosphere with monks chanting and loud drums beating! Lots of incense in the air... And of course, Phil and I got some red packets! :) That night we also saw the Moting Vultures, they played excellently on that exceptionally hot night at the Jetty Road Hotel! Well done guys! Check out Phil's blog for a video of Phil on the theremin!


Heres a couple of pics from Ben's farewell BBQ too...

Ben and Bianca :)

Salad talk ...

I've been slack, no excuses.. its already February! I have been working a couple a days a week at Michel's Patisserie (my uncles shop) for a while now, I tell you, all those cakes and pastries are very tempting! I didn't think I'd go back to working that fast (I mean its only a few days a week..) but the money sure helps with the art supplies. The art is going well, slowly but steadily... one of these days I'll get around to posting a pic or two of my work and face public scrutiny! Working with acrylics, then with oils.. thought I'd stick to oils, but now am considering going back to acrylics again..just trying different things out on canvas I guess.

I've also got a small freelance job for Nature Foundation SA, which is pretty cool, they are a not for profit organisation protecting native endangered animals and restoring agricultural land to native bushland. Am pretty busy with that, then comes along an ad I saw for a casual/freelance graphic designer at a publishing firm producing various trade mag titles. It pretty much suits me to a T, so I applied for it. I sent the application at around midnight and amazingly I got a call back in early arvo the next day to come in for an interview! Suddenly its a mad rush to get my portfolio done; the visuals done for the Nature Foundation!!! My poor painting has taken a back seat ... am feeling a bit bad about it actually because I really want to spend more time doing it. But a casual graphic design job would really be ideal and also the freelancing helps. (House renos and art = $$$)

On another note, Caroline my friend whos been living in Nanjing, China for a while now has come back to visit! Unfortunatley, her husband couldn't come back as well, as they're getting ready for the big move to beijing- pretty exciting stuff.

And, Ben, if you're reading this, IM GOING TO REALLY MISS YOU! But I will come and visit in melb and check out your tres luxurious apartment in the Melbourne docklands!

Oh yeh and had a great time at the BDO and after party! Thx RIO!