Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.
Blowhole
This 15 metre high wind-powered sculpture was created in November 2005 by Australian artist Duncan Stemler who has an interest in kinetic and public sculpture. Blowhole is a large scale public art commission (won through competition) for Vic Urban in Docklands. The armature and cups interact with each other to form patterns, colours and shadows. The cups are arranged to pick up the wind like an anemometer on the top of a yacht’s mast and spin in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction with the rotation speed dependent on the prevailing wind.
Ian Potter Museum of Art director Chris McAuliffe said of Blowhole, it was sensitive to the location and shows a sense of history, which is to say it has something of a maritime, waterfront promenade feel.
Below is a short vidoe of Blowhole in action -
It is fascinating to watch it in action - see the cups how they spin and turn as they are propelled forever forward in motion by the wind.
Usually, the images you see of Blowhole are of the two up top. Below are two not often shown.
Above:Blowhole with rings
The rings are strategically placed around the Blowhole.
Above:Close-up
The rings came up to about waist high.
Today's Quote: Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will ~ George Bernard Shaw
Every year from mid September to mid October Tesselaar's Tulip Festival is held. There are over 100 different types in all sizes and colours.
Above:Tulip Time
Tesselaar's Tulip Farm is in Silvan, in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges about an hour's drive from Melbourne.
Did you know
Tulip images are found as far back as the 12th century where they were used to decorate a Bible. The three petal image of the tulip was and still is used as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
Above:Windmill
There is more than just tulips to see, although the flowers are the main focus. Various windmills are to be found.
Above:A shady spot
This chap looked like he had had enough.
Above:Tip-toe through the tulips
Everyone likes to walk among the tulips.
Tulipomania
Tulipomania began in the Netherlands and the tulip became a status symbol for the rich. The gamble of creating a new colour break was an exciting game to play. Much experimentation was done trying to get the best effects. Wall plaster and powdered paints were mixed into the soil. Bulbs of various colour were spliced and joined together. Rare colours and streaks were also created - later with the discovery of the microscope these variations were revealed to be caused by a virus.
During tulipomania exorbitant amounts of money were spent on the frenzied purchasing of bulbs - houses were mortgaged and people joined syndicates to try the bulbs. Tulips were literally worth their weight in gold. A single bulb like 'Sempus Augustus' was worth more than a house in Amsterdam's best district.
Above:Tulips as far as the eye can see
The first famous tulips in the Netherlands were planted by Carolus Clusias, the curator of Leiden's botanical gardens. He was approached to sell them, but refused. Later they were stolen from his garden. It was these stolen bulbs that created the stock for the booming tulip trade throughout the Netherlands. The Dutch named their tulips after Admirals and Generals in the spirit of the times.
Nurseries were established in the 17th century and as the stocks grew so did the market. The new colour breaks were the most popular and helped maintain the aura and mystery of the tulip.
Above:Tulip Fantasy
It was cheaper to have a tulip painted by the masters of the time than it was to purchase a single bulb. Master painters were commissioned to paint a momento of the tulips grown, these became treasured possessions.
Bulb farms were worked by hand, fields were tilled, drainage trench ditches dug, bulbs planted and dead headed after flowering. The work was labour intensive.
Did you know
The tulip motif has been used extensively in art, as crystal etchings and the shape has been a feature in gold and silver work.
Above:Stall holders
Most all of the stall holders and people working here were dressed in Dutch costumes. There are twelve provinces in the Netherlands and "traditional" Dutch clothing is therefore different in each area.
Above:Traditional costumes
The young lad was working at the bulb buying marquee and was quite happy to pose. The centre couple are members of the Folk Dancers and the lady on the right I just happened to see walking around.
Above:Windmill girl
Another windmill. After this I had lunch. The cafe provided light foods etc., but I wanted Dutch food, so went to the stalls on the other side and had Frikandellen and Reifkoek. Frikandellen are Dutch sausages - like a minced-meat hot dog and Reifkoek are potato cakes. The potato is grated and mixed with onion then fried - very greasy and very fattening! Later in the day I indulged in one of my favourites - Poffertjes. Dutch pancakes. Miniature pancakes - you get 19 of them and I went for jam and cream. Lashings of creams, smothered in icing sugar. Mmmm....heavenly.
Above:Folk Dancers
While eating my lunch, just as I was finishing, I heard an announcement that there was to be Dutch folk dancing in the centre bit near the souvenir shop. Wasting no time, I walked there - there was a very large circle of chairs placed around, and I espied two empty chairs. Needless to say, I made my way quick smart to the appropriate empty chair(s) and sat down on one. Lucky for me that I did - soon there were many, many people standing in rows behind.
Below is a video I took with my camera. I didn't capture all of it and alas stopped in mid-air so to speak - before a dance ended. (I wasn't sure how long the battery would last, plus my arms were tired from holding them up to film)
Above:Melbourne Tukkers
The group is called the Melbourne Tukkers and I thouroughly enjoyed watching and listening to the music.
I found my toe a-tapping for most of the performance.
Above:Dutch Beauties
These lovely ladies were part of the folk group - as you can see they are all smiling and happy.
Above:Under the willow
After lining up for about 45 minutes to buy poffertjes, I saw this lovely old willow and was quite taken with the serenity of the scene.
Spring has finally come to Melbourne!
After a cool four weeks, Spring has arrived. The skies are blue, the flowers are out and it's short sleeves and 3/4 leggings. The gardens are blooming, it makes you feel happy, you could shout with joy at the fragrance of roses so sweet, the scent you inhale as you take time to wander around your neighbourhood and local parks.
It's Springtime now
The flowers are out
The trackies have gone
We're gadding about
In cool summer cottons
And hats on our heads
It's welcome to Spring
In our pinks, greens and reds
Dining with Dinosaurs?
I just love this wonderful piece of glorious graffiti don't you? I noticed it while on one of my Melbourne Walks. They say art imitates life, well imgaine if art came to life - think of the mad scramble there'd be!
I don't think many would want to be din-dins for this fellow! Look at those teeth...
I'm late, I'm late for a very important date
You don't have to be in Alice In Wonderland to attend the Mad Hatter's Tea Party - just come to Melbourne. This darling display of beautiful hats by various Australian Milliners was in the Block Arcade during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.
We promenaded along Collins Street and viewed the "Hats Off To The Races" exhibition. After voting for your favourite display, you received a gift bag of samples and vouchers.
Lilac Luscious
Wondering what to buy for that special lady in your life? Then look no further ~ imagine the admiring looks she would receive wearing this beautiful creation of midnight blue adorned with mauve flowers around the crown and a dark violet organza ribbon bow. The perfect accessory for a Sunday afternoon stroll.
Lemon Fantasy
What lady wouldn't want to be seen in this gorgeous piece of millinery confectionery? Featuring a gun-metal grey straw crown overlaid with chartreuse tulle and a silk band, finished with a large silk rose and feather.
Midsummer's Night
For that special occasion ~ a darling little confection of organza beaded swirled ribbon overlayed with butterflies of pastel and the palest of gold satin flowers with diamante centres.
The Cheesemaker
And for every day wear, this practical pink straw with magenta single flower and a swirl of delicate azure netting.
The Milliner
One of the milliners next to her array of hats. The Guest Judges were the Lady Mayoress, Emma Page Campbell; Deputy Lord Mayor, Susan Riley; and Millinery Master Peter Jago.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, the Hatters High Tea Party was held in the Hopetoun Tea Rooms.
Today's Quote: A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armour, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothing and wearing a costume; it's the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it's the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat ~ Martha Sliter
On the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Lane is a beautiful piece of art work. Titled Beyond the Ocean of Existence, this patinated bronze sculpture was created by Loretta Quinn in 1993. It comprises a single large ball surrounded by eight bronze coils and a series of smaller balls and lengths of column, both triangular and circular in cross-section, surmount these coils. At the sculpture's top is a stylised angel. The work is a mounted on a granite plinth of dressed and polished blocks.
About the artist
Loretta Quinn was born in Hobart and studied sculpture at the Tasmanian School of Art and the Victorian College of the Arts. She was commssioned by The City of Melbourne in 1992 to create Beyond the Ocean of Existence as part of the Swanston Walk redevelopment. The sculpture was unveiled the following year. The city also commissioned Quinn's Within Three Worlds, located in Princes Park
Beyond the Ocean of Existence demonstrates Quinn's reflective approach, and it is a work replete with religious references. There is a sense of 'folk religion' in much of her art, and whether the symbols derive from the mystery of a Latin mass or the animist universe, a Celtic myth or a Japanese garden, she says they are 'visual references to which others will relate'.
Further information about Loretta Quinn can be found at the Harrison Galleries.
In the background
The tall Gothic building in the background is the Manchester Unity building built in the 1932 and designed by Marcus Barlow which was once Melbourne's tallest building, the modern piece of architecture slightly to the left and in front is Wales Corner (Bank of NSW) 1973 by Wolfgang Sievers. And if you look very carefully through the trees, you can see the Painted Poles in City Square.
Today's Quote: It is not known precisely where angels dwell - whether in the air, the void, or the planets. It has not been God's pleasure that we should be informed of their abode ~Voltaire
Mingary ~ A peaceful sanctuary for people of all cultures and religions. Mingary is a Gaelic word meaning 'the quiet place'
Here, rocks, water and light have been brought together in harmony. These elements are the ancient and contemporary symbols of life, strength and spiritual elevation.
Mingary has been developed as a place for quiet reflection and offers an escape from the hectic demands of city life. It is a place for solitary contemplation. Mingary is dedicated to healing, restoration, inspiration, vision and empowerment.
The feature light which is 2 metres across and wall lights were designed by Stephen Hennessy Art & Design and made in 1999.
Water
On entering the gates, you will see a rough-hewn rock. Water falls down it from above reminding us of the gift of life coming to us, unsought. At the base, are numerouse small stones representing us as individuals.
Mingary
The lighting is subtle and unobtrusive, providing a relaxing glow in the room. The small candle lights define the edges of the space, and the large feature light, situated directly above the sculpture, illuminates the scultpure without drawing too much attention within the room.
Bowl of Welcome
As you enter the sanctuary, you see the Bowl of Welcome - it is set on two stones. One, a fragment of green marble from the island of Iona, the other, a gift from the Aboriginal Mia Mia tribe who it is believed once lived on this sacred site.
Water flows down the table-rock and into the Bowl of Quietness and Peace.
Seating
Plain chairs are placed around the room close to the walls.
Enter in silence ~ leave in silence.
Garden
Part of the garden around Mingary. Mingary is part of St. Michael's Uniting Church 120 Collins Street, and you enter from Russell Street.
I found this place quite by accident on one of my city walks. The place was empty when I arrived, thus I was able to take photos. Other people came and sat down. It was a very peaceful experience and it's really wonderful that Melbourne has such a place to offer for those just wanting some time out from their busy lives.
About the artist
The sculpture was created by the Japanese artist, Akira Takizawa and called in Japanese, Seinaru-ishi - sacred rock. It is composed of three large rocks, a surge of white marble, and the magnificent water bowl at the base. He was born in Japan and has been resident in Australia since 1978. He has responded to many commissions in Melbourne and Osaka, Japan and has participated in many solo and group exhibitions. (Photo from State Library of Victoria)
Today's Quote: If you reflect within yourself and find nothing to be ashamed of, how could you have anxiety or fear ~ Confucius
These two large sculptures are carved from Italian statuary marble and clad with ceramic tiles by a then, local artist, Simon Rigg. The square based mounting of the larger statue depicts the four elements. The smaller Guardian reveals a woman's head looking through the hole of the larger sculpture, and hints at the source of all images, beyond our plane of vision.
Facing south
The Guardians, by Simon Rigg were unveiled in November at Melbourne's Southgate precinct near the Crown Casino, the commissioning body. Information from Artlink
Facing north
Another side to the Four Elements - Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
You can see the Crown Entertainment Complex in the rear. The Guardians stand at Yarra Promenade just past Queens Bridge. There is seating nearby - and a nice area with trees. A quiet place to sit in front of the river and enjoy a coffee or read a book.
Today's Quote: The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty ~ James Madison
Webb Bridge
This spectacular bridge is a showmanship of technical design and elegance. Connecting Southbank Promenade to Docklands and panning 110 metres across the Yarra River, it is user friendly - wheelchair access is provided - pedestrians and cyclists use this bridge every day. Designed by Melbourne artist Robert Owen with Architects Denton Corker Marshall, the design is an analogy of Koorie fishing traps, drums, baskets and the gestural flow of the river below.
On the bridge
Ever seen a snake's skin once it has been shed? Well this is what this bridege reminds me of - the delicate and intricate curves all connecting in one beautiful pattern.
Webb Dock Rail Bridge was the original bridge and this pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Yarra river, as part of a public art project re-uses the remaining sections. The bridge comprises two distinct sections: the 145m long existing structure and a new curved 80m long ramped link.
Metallic Arches
The hoops vary in width from 5 – 8.7m and in height from 4 – 8.9m high. They are constructed from steel sections 15 x 150mm, occurring at varying centres along the bridge. These are interconnected by a series of steel straps 150mm wide. The steelwork was made in prefabricated sections and then assembled on a barge that was floated in at high tide. At the northern bank it starts as a series of plain hoops that grow further apart towards the middle of the span. As you approach the south bank, the hoops regain their intensity and evolve into a filigree cocoon.
A Spaceship? No, it's the bridge!
Webb Bridge appears as a delineated structure, a sensuous volume, light and linear. Space is seen as atmospheric, dynamic and transitional.
Bridge with a View
You can truly appreciate the surrounding views and activities along the river. Here I was facing east - you can see part of Spencer Street Bridge with its cream uprights and red. And of course the Eureka Tower which stands out like a beacon.
A Collins Street Classic - Romance at its Best
Said by some to be the most romantic restaurant in Melbourne, this beautiful Italian restaurnat at 80 Bourke Street is a master of perfection. If you wish to impress, this is where you go.
Only the best when only the best will do - from the Florentine wall murals to the gleaming chandeliers, with a wall of mirrors on one side. White tablecloths, starched table napkins, cutlery polished so brightly you can see your reflection, opulent and luxurious timber panelling, leatherbound menus and accented waiters who are as efficient as they are charming.
And a wine list that is as extensive as it is expensive - this is the place to take that special someone. Owner and executive chef Guy Grossi and Chef De Cuisine Chris Rodriguez make this one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.
Check out Grossi Florentino and read about their beginning, fascinating murals, menu, wine lists.
Today's Quote: Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays ~ Henry Youngman
Street with a view
This is the scene you see when standing on the roundabout at the intersection of Point Nepean Road and Ocean Beach Road facing the sea. If you were to walk down the hill and turn left at the Esplanade you would be at the Sorrento Queenscliff ferry wharf.
Above:The Pathfinder
Photo taken facing west.
The Pathfinder (aka The Hammer Thrower), is a bronze sculpture created by John Edward Robinson in 1974 and stands proudly in the Queen Victoria Gardens. The hammer held by the figure has been stolen several times and duly returned or replaced by another.
About the artist
John Robinson was born in London on 4 May 1935 and died on 6 April 2007. He was evacuated to Australia as a child during WWII to escape the Blitz. Returning to Australia in 1952, he lived in South Australia until his return to England in 1969, where he devoted himself to sculpture full time. His major commissions include four sculptures for the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Gymnast for the New Olympic Museum, Lausanne, and The Pathfinder and Water Children, now with the City of Melbourne.
Above:Facing east
This shows the garden bed in which The Pathfinder stands.
A bit of trivia
The Pathfinder was initially commissioned by mining giant Conzinc Riotinto (now known as Rio Tinto) which they planned to have on display in their proposed new building, but when it (the building) failed to go ahead, the statue was placed on long-term loan with the City of Melbourne. The Pathfinder was unveiled by Lord Mayor Councillor Whalley in April 1974. Information taken from eMelbourne
Some other works by Robinson
For those interested in art, I have included some of his other works.
Above:Bonds of Friendship
Bronze sculpture, 1979 and is 45 x 25 cm.
Above:Abstraction, sculpture pyramidale
Brass 1983. Stands 91 cm high.
You can find more of Robinson's works here.
Today's Quote: Sculpture and painting have the effect of teaching us manners and abolishing hurry ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hello, I created this blog because Melbourne is my city and I want people to see what a beautiful place it is. So come with me on a journey of discovery as we traverse the dining precincts, the culture, the laneways and hidden gems that make Melbourne marvellous.
