Artist profile: Jenny Coyne (Allyeska)

I spoke with talented young Canberran photographer Jenny Coyne (aka Allyeska) about her work behind the lens and on the stage performing the risque art of Burlesque...

"I'm very much a people person, so I guess my approach to life and photography is ensuring everyone enjoys the process. Life and photography isn't just about the end product... its about enjoying the process - the here and now."

Tell us how your interest (and participation) in Burlesque performance began. I had no interest or knowledge of Burlesque when I received an email through the ANU Psychology Society advertising burlesque lessons. I love dancing and have done many different styles so I talked a friend into going and signed up. Quickly fell in love with it and became hooked! Performing was the scariest thing I've done, and now its one of the things I most enjoy. Its given me a confidence in life that is wonderful - how can you be unhappy when you feel so confident?

What did your mum think!? hahaha. Well they didn't find out until they saw me on Stateline on ABC in a segment they did on Miss Kitka's House of Burlesque. Mum rang me "you didn't tell me you were going to be on TV" and I was thinking "yeah - for a very good reason!". Not so sure what Dad thinks of the whole thing but Mum came and watched one of the shows and loved it! She's my biggest supporter!

And your photography is awesome... what is your favourite subject to shoot? So difficult to narrow it down! I have a thing for sunsets, as my photography friends well know. But I think I like doing pinup (think 50s 60's style pinups) the best. The technical aspect of managing the lighting, as well as the creative side of theme, wardrobe, poses etc makes it challenging and very rewarding. And who doesn't love a good pinup?!

What influences or inspires your work? In terms of pinup photography, my knowledge of burlesque and performing really helps.

"I love the burlesque idea that its what you DON'T show that is most important. A little mystery goes a long way, and it is something that is often missing in today's representation of women and their sexuality."

I enjoy finding cute ways to do implied nude pinups that are tasteful, fun, cheeky with a touch of sexy. Gil Evgren (illustrator) is my favourite pinup artist so I am heavily inspired by his work, and the work of similar artists.

Did you study Photography? I studied black and white film photography 2 hours a fortnight in year 11 just for fun. I guess that kick started my passion for photography. I didn't take many photos though until I got a digital SLR just over a year ago. Then my passion became and obsession!

Do you have any other creative pursuits? I used to love to draw and sketch, and I love making beaded jewellery. Aside photography, I'd have to say dancing is my biggest passion. I also design and make pasties (for performing burlesque... or if you're into that kind of thing, at home ;-)

Check out Allyeska's amazing photographic portfolio here, which also includes some way-too-cool landscapes and abstract patterns... and if you are after a portrait session with a difference, you know who to call.

I covet: Real Estate room

I could die happily now if this is what heaven looks like... I spotted a designers (or maybe just my) dream home in Giralang this week end, for sale by negotiation...

The spec on All homes reads: Architecturally created to optimise space and light this remarkable residence boasts panoramic views across green fields to the snow capped Brindabella Mountains. Complemented by a total solar passive design it offers an ultra contemporary, executive lifestyle that is in harmony with the environment.

Decorated in neutral tones throughout it has accented limed timber ceilings and a stylish use of angles to create an atmosphere of tranquillity and spaciousness. Its sensational and dramatic formal and informal living areas spill out to the front terrace show-casing the breath taking panorama and also to the sunny side deck.

Accommodation is flexible with the potential for two segregated main bedrooms with ensuites or the capacity to utilise one as a consulting area or home office with separate access to a paved courtyard.
Click on the images for more detail and check out more here.
Sounds too faaaabulous... when can I move in?

Absolutely Beautiful Bling: Bijoux

After 20 successful years in business in their Centrepoint location in Civic, fabulous all-Canberran jewellers Bijoux have now opened their beautiful new store in Manuka. And as Canberra's exclusive stockists of Australian Dinosaur Designs, naturally, I couldn't wait to have a look...

The unique contemporary range of Bijoux designs is entirely covetable, and one which has maintained the support of loyal their Canberran clientele. Owners and designers George and Anna Bezos are celebrating Bijoux's 20th birthday this year with a new showcase for their fabulous work including hand made silversmithing and beaded jewellery, complimented by the colour and fun of the Dinosaur Designs range of resin homewares and jewellery...LOVING!

Bijoux Jewellers, Bougainville Street Manuka... oooh fabulous!

Movie Screening: Caberet

Something saucy for your Sunday afternoon, a free screening of ...

Set in Berlin before the Second World War, Bob Fosse's Cabaret is a musical that revolutionised the genre. Liza Minelli plays Sally Bowles, star of the Kit Kat Club. Her exuberance and eternal optimism charms audiences and her ill-fated romances reflect the political chaos that surrounds. Circa 1972, rated M, 124 mins.

2pm on Sunday at The National Gallery of Australia, James O Fairfax Theatre.

Designing mums: Elrock

After admiring these loverly and practical bags, I quickly got in touch with the Canberran creative mums behind the label, Elrock. I spoke with Rosy Winter about the work they create together...

Can you tell us how Elrock began? Rochelle (Morrison) has a passion for fashion and fabric. She had been designing and making clothes since she first learnt to sew but she had a burst of creative energy after her first baby was born. She bought some beautiful fabrics, dusted off the trusty sewing machine and designed and made a batch of baby bags for herself and some friends. While she was at it she made some smaller handbags in a similar messenger bag style with gorgeous fabrics enclosed in feature flaps covered in PVC.

When her maternity leave finished she came back to work and brought in some of her work to show her friends and workmates. When I saw them I went wild with delight and became one of Rochelle's most enthusiastic first customers. I have a background in textile design and enjoy screen printing so when Rochelle then asked me if she wanted to become her business partner and take making beautiful bags a little more seriously it was a perfect match. And that's how Elrock was born! We then got two sewing machines going and spent weekends in our kitchen 'factory' while our children buzzed around us. We started with a batch of 100 bags which mostly sold to friends and family.

That led to a second, bigger batch and the rest is history... Above, Rosy and Rochelle at the launch of Elrock in November 2007.

What do you find inspires or influences your work? When you have design ideas floating around in the forefront of your mind inspiration tends to jump out at you wherever you look. Recent trips to Paris and London and of course our own fashion Mecca – Melbourne. We both love cruising the web and drawing inspiration from textile designers and other bag makers. When it comes to designing our own textiles the inspiration generally comes from nature - a flower or leaf from the garden.

"One of our aims is to develop something that is truly Canberran and truly cool."

Elrock aims to make a range of bags that are beautiful and colourful but at the same time hardwearing and simple. The style of Elrock bags is a perfect combination of arty and delicate with urban and sporty. These bags can withstand being thrown into the car, slung around to your back when riding a bike and any accidental lip gloss spills can be wiped perfectly clean without fuss. These bags don't have the gold bits of bling that you might find on other bags that you see around. Elrock bags won't catch or scratch. They are practical and gorgeous.

What is in the future for Elrock? We are working on developing our range. We will be bringing out some different styles: a smaller bag, a tote, a nappy bag, a travel wallet, beach bag and more! We are also exploring some more creative use of fabrics so that each bag is an artwork in itself. These felt designs have been a huge hit with our customers and each one is unique. Right now we are creating more unique felt bags and also working on designing and printing more of our own fabrics which is very exciting and loads of fun.

Elrock is currently stocked in Canberra at 4 Corners Framing, Canberra Centre Ground floor , Hive Gallery , Braddon and Giftpod, Gold Creek Village. Bags can also be ordered directly from the Elrock website.

Celebrate Winter: Fireside festival

Celebrating winter will be easy this August with the Fireside Festival kicking off today...
The sound of clinking glasses and a crackling fire, the smell of hot chocolate. Immerse yourself with delicious food, fabulous wine, art and experiences during the Fireside Festival 2008 throughout August.

At the Fireside Festival you can sip on exquisite cool climate wines, taste the delicacies from the region, meet local artists with a passion for their craft, or just relax and warm yourself on open fires while you listen to fine music and talk amongst your friends.

A range of businesses will be hosting varied events throughout August as part of the experience including participants found in Bowning, Yass, Hall, Murrumbateman and the Canberra region and include boutique gourmet businesses such as Poachers Pantry, Grazing Restaurant, Lambert Vineyards, Redbrow Gardens, Country Guesthouse Schonegg, Bison Pottery, Crisp Galleries, Geranium House Day Spa, Mt Majura Vineyard and Lerida Estate.

Check out the Fireside website for more info and how to make bookings for the events.

Winter warming Thursday: Kuma

Something new from Canberran designer, the lovely Amy Kerr...
This playful little kuma wheat toy is a wonderful companion. He is filled with wheat grains and designed to be a heat/cool pack as well as a fun-filled, functional toy. Like a juggling bag, he can be thrown, tossed and played with...and when you are all worn out you can heat him/cool him and sit down for a cuddle.

He is a lovely robust oriental-esque toy designed to provide amusement and comfort for all his friends. He has been lovingly handmade from a mixture of beautiful fabrics - original hand-dyed and hand-printed yukata cotton is used in conjunction with a variety of colour co-ordinated cotton & cotton/linen blend.
Get yours at Amy's Etsy store, or meet Amy at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston on Sunday.

Under construction: Belconnen Arts Centre

Project Co-ordination is wasting no time getting started at the site for Stage One of the Belconnen Arts Centre on the foreshore of Lake Ginninderra.

"The inspiring sculptural design of the Centre, by Williams Ross Architects, will be a striking addition to the lakeshore and the Belconnen Town Centre, and will strengthen Canberra's reputation as a vibrant arts community and support the cultural needs of Belconnen and Canberra's northern communities"

Stage One includes a visual arts gallery and outdoor gallery, a large foyer and meeting room for community gatherings, dance and rehearsal studio, two classrooms for the visual arts, three studio areas for artists and arts-based organisations, a kiosk/café and administrative areas. Improvements will also be made to the existing Belconnen Theatre at the Belconnen Community Centre.

Stage Two includes a major performing arts theatre, additional studio, classroom and administrative spaces, and a major café restaurant. Stage One of the Centre is scheduled to be completed in mid 2009. Display panels detailing the design will shortly be erected in a number of community sites in Belconnen.

Japanese Cherry: Arboretum plantings

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and His Excellency, Mr Takaaki Kojima, Ambassador of Japan today planted the first Yoshino Cherry tree at the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens.

"Today, we embark upon the planting of a grove of 320 Yoshino Cherry trees, to mark the 15th anniversary of our sister-city relationship with Nara, the ancient capital of Japan," Mr Stanhope said. "This is a significant milestone in the development of the Arboretum and symbolises the close relationship Australia shares with Japan." The iconic Yoshino Cherry is probably the most popular cherry tree in Japan and is most readily associated with the hanami cherry blossom viewing.

The Yoshino, a deciduous tree with an impressive spring show, can reach up to nine metres when mature. It has delicate almond-scented blossoms in white or pale pink which open well before the leaves. The summer foliage of young leaves is bright green, with hues deepening with the changing autumn weather to a palette of orange-scarlet, and yellow.

"The Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens will be a unique and lasting legacy for Canberra and the Australian community. " The Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens will feature rare and endangered trees from around Australia and the world, as well as a mosaic of permanent gardens.