I’m a bit of a closet web-nerd. I code in javascript, html and php to build all my own sites, and I really quite enjoy it. That’s why I am pretty excited about html5 coz it addresses many of the shortfalls of html as it stands. I stumbled on a pretty mind-blowing web experiment that  uses html5 to its full potential and mixes it with Google Maps/Earth data and the music of Arcade Fire. To enjoy it do this:

1. Download Google’s Chrome browser.
2. Turn your speakers up.
3. Click here.

Projects like this remind me how incredible it is that Google compiled photos of the whole world. By the way have you been to Mars? or the Moon? Or really looked at the night sky? Or do you prefer Terra Firma?

Amazing!

Jae Copp has a show on at the moment:

“My Illusions Architect” is a new series of works that sees the introduction of a dramatic and exciting Jae Copp. For the past 12 Months Jae has undergone an experimentation process of both medium and technical skills, involving various paper treatments, hand stitching and intricate brush based illustrations. Jae has long used allegories and abstract twists to take personal and social views both good and bad out of context, into a surreal, and at times almost semi- nonsensical way. Through this series the artist evokes stories of a non-definitive space in time that that reflect a post-apocalyptic era, as central figures take form to mimic learning’s of a bygone civilization, in pursuit of redeeming social harmony, respect and understanding for one another and responsibility for the planet they now inhabit. Armed to the teeth with the much needed strength and environmental compassion, his characters begin repairs on the broken in prospects of a new beginning.
— From www.myillusionsarchitect.blogspot.com

My Illusions Architect
Jae Copp
Opens Thursday 2nd September  6:00pm – 9:00pm
Exhibition Runs until 19th September
Gorker Gallery
www.gorkergallery.com
www.myillusionsarchitect.blogspot.com

As artists we know the transformative power of colour, how it enriches our experience of the world. The Lets Colour Project aims to bring colour into the lives of people all over the world. The cynic in me sees this as a clever marketing campaign by some paint companies, but I’d prefer to think that those companies were finally made to realise that they could make a positive contribution to the world.

Anyone else keen to hit up Dulux and see if they want to give us some paint to brighten some dreary place? Or are there any places in Melbourne that could use a coat of paint? Housing estates come to  mind…  any others? Leave a comment.

Acorn has a show opening tonight.

The word planetes is Greek for wanderers, just as planets wander across the sky.

The drawings presented in this show portray nomadic peoples roaming, gathering, and socializing in a seemingly endless forest where all possibilities are considered. Drawings from the forest series are an ongoing project, and they themselves are always expanding, evolving and changing with experience and time.

Originally from the west coast of North America, acorn has been working and living in Melbourne for more than two years. With a focus on traditional mediums he has spent most of his drawing time developing his craft with an ensemble of pens and inks. The characters and patterns in his work stem from no single culture or religion, but are part of an ongoing focus for creating something unique all together. An endless task.

Planetes opens Thursday 12th August  6:00pm – 9:00pm
Exhibition Runs 12th – 22nd August
No Vacancy Gallery, 34–40 Jane Bell Lane, QV, Melbourne
www.no-vacancy.com.au

Some shots of nice old walls, signage and textures from a recent trip to the US.

Space Invaders : Twoone and myself will be showing at the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra).

Circle Tee : Order the new Twoone tshirt here.

Design Files : Interview with me here.

Blah blah blah : My stumbling rant on the recent WF show at Broadsheet here.

Here’s a panorama of the installation of the Wooden Foundations show. Click for the full-size image (600k).

I’m mad keen on signwriting done the ‘old way’ (check out my flickr). I first took an interest in it while at Uni when I would ride my bike around my home town photographing signage and graffiti with my old Yashica 35-ME. My dad brought me that camera back from a trip to Czechoslovakia.  I loved it, it was so easy to use and took great photos, and I’d spend many weekends exploring my city and dropping a tag here and there while I was at it.

There’s so much to appreciate about sign-writing (as opposed to ‘sign-making’). The craft, skill, and years of practice stand out of course, and you gotta respect that, but also the way painted signs decay looks so beautiful. So below I’ve compiled a few videos and links on this dying art. I hope that signwriting will be back in the mainstream and those oldies will be charging primo $$$ for their work.

Read on »

Thank you for the people made it to the opening of Wooden Foundations at No Vacancy on Thursday night. For the people who missed the opening, the show is open until 16th July. So please check it out! thanks to Cam Baker for the sign!