Fools Paradise and High Tea with the Mad Hatters

Fools Paradise – A state of happiness based on false hope.
Shakespeare first used the expression “Fools paradise” in his play Romeo and Juliet in 1592. In Japanese artists Shohei Otomo’s works currently showing at Lesley Kehoe Galleries in Melbourne, Shohei has crafted these intricate works with a simple $1 ball point pen in the traditional Japanese art of manga meets the modern world of anime. His title Fools Paradise alludes to the Fukushima catastrophic nuclear reactor disaster and the ‘continuing wake up call that paradise comes at a cost and the technology toll master is unforgiving’. Shohei son of the famous Katshuhiro Otomo the internationally known artist and illustrator takes his father’s legacy into a 21st century realm. His art can be appreciated on several levels.

We take ball point pens so much for granted and yet the ball point pen embodies an amazing piece of creative thought. In 1938 László Bíró saw a ball rolling through a puddle on the street and leaving a watery line behind it. He conceived an idea that would go on to change everyday life forever. Based on what he had seen, the Hungarian journalist along with his brother Georg, began to work on the first commercially successful ballpoint pen. Marcel Bich a French pen manufacturer who had bought the ballpoint pen patent from László Bíró – ironed out the remaining design problems (mainly ink distribution) and began huge, low cost mass productions of the ‘bic crystal’. – The Bic Crystal’s industrial design has been acknowledged by the Museum of Modern Art in New York as part of the museum’s permanent collection.

It’s wonderful to think that the creative minds that bring us so much excitement with French fashion have also given us this amazing French technology.

Sibley 1972 – 1976 Kick Gallery Collingwood
This seminal exhibition of works by painter Andrew Sibley from the period 1972-76 are widely regarded as being some of the finest works produced by an Australian artist. Andrew has a most impressive career spanning over 50 years. At the launch of this important Kick Gallery Exhibition, Doug Hall, former Director of the Queensland Art Gallery spoke at length about the contribution Sibley has made to Australian art. Jacob Hoerner, Director of Kick Gallery and curator of the Sibley show went on to talk about the unique and avant-garde nature of Andrew’s innovative multi layered works on Perspex. “This exhibition reaffirms and reasserts Sibley’s pre-eminence as a modern Australian master”.

In 2006 I produced and directed a 45 minute film of Andrew’s artistic life The Man Who Came Through. The film includes some splendid early footage of Andrew Sibley in the 70s from pioneering Australian director Tim Burstall. John Olsen said in the conclusion to my film that “Art for Andrew is everything and I am a collector of Andrews work. Andrew is not a fashion follower and for that we salute you. The thing that counts is to be the real artist and you are one of them”

Breakfast At Sotheby’s
Last Friday began with a chilly early start at the launch of Sotheby’s Important Jewels auction preview in High Street, Armadale. Famous names in the collection included Tiffany & Co, Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Appels, New York.

We were greeted with a glass of fine champagne. It was certainly a great way to start the day and was followed with some delicious breakfast offerings including, a truly creative egg nog and other sumptuous delicacies. We caught up with the ever engaging and ebullient General Manager of Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto, Joerg Boeckeler. His hotel and Sotheby’s Australia have recently partnered to offer Sotheby’s Australia clients exclusive accommodation benefits at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

The jewellery collection was modeled by a statuesque dark haired beauty wearing an elegant and simple black dress from John Cavell of South Yarra. I could not resist the opportunity to try on a superb 1990s 18 ct gold necklace designed as a series of brick links and the matching earrings. I will have to encourage my husband to attend the auction.

Hatters High Tea Party Block Arcade
Later that day we attended Collins Street Precinct’s Hatters High Tea Party for the presentation of the millinery display awards of which I was one of the judges.

This provided a splendid opportunity for me to speak of my passion for the art of millinery. Among the guests were the wonderfully colourful Peter Jago, Paris Klein, Maria Bright, Estelle Annabel, and Anne Peacock. Deputy Lord Mayor, Susan Riley, another of the Precinct hat display judges, spoke of the high standard and creativity of the milliners taking part in this spring fashion event – yet another splendid fashion event in ever exciting marvelous Melbourne.

I was delighted to present the winner of the judge’s award to milliner Louise MacDonald from the Nicholas Building. The Peoples Choice Award went to milliner Karin Goodman. My view is that it needs a good craftsman or woman to make a good hat and an artist to complete it. The placing of the simplest trimming needs discernment and a sure eye. A Hat always adds to a woman’s charm. A woman is sure to find what she’s looking for in life if she chooses the right hat – courage, hope, assurance or new confidence in herself. The charming Anne Peacock announced the winner of the best dressed with matching hat award on the day.

I was half expecting to see famous Australian Artist, Charles Blackman known for his Alice In Wonderland series of paintings, ambling down the block arcade wearing his signature beret and holding a white rabbit.