where is the creative hunger?

The very important issues of providing a well-rounded education to rural populations is close to my heart. It is inevitable that small communities may never have a chance to recognise or experience some of the ongoing opportunities of their city counterparts, but as technology and communications reach heights unimagined in the past, we can only hope to push the boundaries here in the bush. I believe that developing creativity is a vital ingredient in educating our youth. I have a deep conviction that there is a power in making art, music and literary texts that can turn back the tide of depression and delinquency plaguing our culture. Kids need a rich internal dialogue to keep out the boogeyman.Suicide is an issue in rural Australia. Too much external suctioning of the joy that should be inherent in our young people robs them of their creative life. In my classroom, I observe the amazing healing properties of using colour and form every day. So why is this not a priority in many homes? Do adults think they should stop being driven by the urge to craft stuff? Is filling a supermarket trolley the new flower arranging or embroidery? Is buying more clothes than we need a replacement for the tactile satisfaction gleaned from painting, drawing, sewing, knitting and spinning wool?

Portraits are friends......

Portraiture...always a way for an artist to 'talk' to oneself when the urge for deep conversation occurs.

Portraits are friends who can speak volumes or just be quietly present...

Chewing from the dailyplateofcrazy.com

I have been thoroughly immersed in The Daily Plate of Crazy a few times lately and find it full of wonderful discussion. I reminded myself how technology has changed the way we feed our emotional need to reference ourselves as I was reading posts. The anecdotal, the anonymous and the familiar are absorbed during pensive scrolling. Is it a way of being a loner and a voice central to a conversation?

lindaswinfield.wordpress.com is a fabulous resource for artists too.

The Pandora Group: six women artists: The Pandora Group: a history

The Pandora Group: six women artists: The Pandora Group: a history

Spending my Sunday trawling for inspiration, I came across these women and their work. Inspiration indeed. Well worth an hour of your time if you are searching for some time with really good art...

Farewell

Here's to the Elegant Bohemian,
I salute you for the decision to stop blogging for an indeterminant period of time. I was a member of fb for about three months before deciding that it just wasn't for me. My decision was easy but did however, impact upon those close to me and I have to be content to be 'the last to know' many things. I wish you well and thank you for sharing your love of fashion, creativity and female focused viewpoints as you have.

I take my hat off to....

How beautiful are these guys? I love their energy and how theatrical their taste. In a life peppered with uncertainty and sorrow, they epitomise the true human spirit. Has anyone been to the French-Congo as it was known? I would love to hear from you or have a look at images of Brazzaville.