Ember Issue Two

ISSUE TWO

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE? This week we discovered something new about each other, we both love conversations that start with "hey, don't you think it's weird that... ?"

The latest online D+M resulted in re:re:re:re:re: and began something like this.

Krystal "I don't believe that everything happens for a reason".

Kate "Whoa, I totally believe that everything happens for a reason".

And thus began a late night email session reminiscent of our adolescent daze, when aliens were high on the list of life's greatest mysteries.

Good story, but what do you believe?

Kate and Krystal xx

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// BEHIND THE SCENES Kate - Editor + Co-founder Krystal - Creative Director + Co-founder Ky Webb - Head Photographer {summerlily} // CONTACT kate@embermagazine.com krystal@embermagazine.com // SUBMISSIONS If you are inspiring or inspired, we want to give you a platform. A place to explore and express your passion, creativity, obsessions and talent. Everything from art, design, photography, music, fashion and life - if it’s exceptional then we want to see it and experience it.

Email us your stories, images and artwork to: submissions@embermagazine.com The small stuff: Ember Magazine Š 2012.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without permission. The opinions expressed in this magazine by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Ember.

Ember Magazine cannot be held legally responsible for any breech of copyright arising from supplied materials or images. We have done our best to credit all content. Oh, and don't copy, that sucks!

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// CONTENT Sarah Fountain - Grafik Lab

8-9

Let Us Now Praise

10-15

My Camera, Your Home

16-23

The Curse Of The Tiger Widows

24-27

Ember Winter Shoot

30-39

Oldest Backpacker

40-41

Illustrator - Rachel Urquhart

42-47

Fertilise Yourself

48-51

Lionheir 52-53 Meet This Photographer

54-59

Makeup Essentials

60-61

A Human Being

62-63

DIY 64-65 Winter Tarotscopes

66-67

Charmaine Olivia

68-71

Books Books Books

72-73

Djuul Price

74-75

Creative Curious Charming

78-79

Studio 13

82-91

pg4 4}

8. 10. 16.

24. 30. 40.

54. 62. 64.

68. 78. 82. {5

THANK YOU We have an amazing list of contributors this issue and along with all the interviewee's we would like to give a special thank you to these writers, photographers and creatives...

Anna HAMILTON

Linda PUETTER

Sarah PETERS

Nat KRINGOUDIS

Noon

Tara PEARCE

Kate HOLLEY

Alana MEVISSEN

Tijana LILIC

Mia BRENNAN

Belinda O'BRIEN

Laura PARK

Karri CROSSING

Steve NOWLAND Our fab feature headings are

by Steve >

Ky WEBB

SUMMERLILY.COM

Sarah Fountain interview by ed.

Q+A How long have you been into photography and graphic art?

I have been a graphic designer for over 5 years and I started shooting only last year on a completely experimental basis. My first fashion shoot was for a friend's jewellery store and after posting the shots online I had people asking me to shoot their look books, portfolios, advertising and events. I have been doing it professionally ever since.

Do you prefer graphic work or photography?

I really enjoy both mediums. I have been on a very different journey with each of them because I completed formal graphic design training but I am a self taught photographer. I have loved experimenting and evolving as an artist. It is a very exciting time to be a graphic designer and a photographer because the digital technology has unlimited abilities.

Can you give us a rundown on the process to create one of these artworks...

The process involved using traditional water colour painting, as well as digital painting and layer masking in photoshop.

Where can we purchase one?

You can purchase one of these pieces as an art print, stretched canvas, stationery card, iphone case or an iphone/ipod skin through society6 at www.society6.com/grafiklab 8}

www.grafiklab.com.au {9

by photographer Linda Puetter

The photographic essay of a 2012 family spending a weekend living back in time in a little village in Yuraygir National Park called Diggers Camp. No technology or mobile coverage, just enough electricity for lights, no running hot water, dunny out the back.

“Back to basics for us as a family, a time to reconnect and enjoy a more simple time.The only technology we had brought… a digital camera. Inspired by Edward Weston and James Agee's book ‘Let Us Now Praise Famous Men".

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pho�to�jour�nal�ism | foto'jәrnә,lizәm, | noun. journalism in which a news story is presented primarily through photographs with supplementary written copy.

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www.lindapuetterphotography.com pho�to�jour�nal�ism | foto'jәrnә,lizәm, | noun. journalism in which a news story is presented primarily through photographs with supplementary written copy. { 15

your home

my camera

we don't know about you but we love to peek inside the homes of creative folk.

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the photographer:

interviewees:

The lovely and talented Tara Pearce. www.tarapearce.com.au

The creative Mariana Garcia-Katz and family. www.m2matiz.com

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Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do, where you live?

I'm a proud wife to Mark and mama to two gorgeous children, Josh [17] and Madeleine [15]. We live in a Californian Bungalow in Thornbury, in Melbourne's inner north.

I'm a graphic artist/designer by profession and later, studied interior decoration and design, wishing to embark on a different career path, after full time commitment to my family. Photography, however, has always been a passion of mine and I decided to try and explore ways to design and produce products based on my photographs. m2matiz has since flourished as a business and I now supply to stockists nationally and sell my products at various designer markets around Melbourne. My work can be seen here www.m2matiz.com

Your home is a mix of eclectic, vintage and modern all in one - do you follow any design trends or just go with the flow?

Both my husband and I are passionate about all that is mid-century, architecture, furniture and accessories. We don't really follow trends, as such. We have been studying mid century design and collecting pieces for over twenty years. I also love found objects and discarded industrial materials that work particularly well in the garden I love turning nature and or natural fibers into art... twigs, pods, wool, etc.

They can be seen in nearly every corner, whether hanging or placed strategically [!] on a shelf. Although our home may seem cluttered, I think it's organised clutter!

Anything hand made with love by a family member or a hand made item purchased at a market also strikes a cord.

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How would you define your design aesthetic?

We adore the works of Charles and Ray Eames in particular. Their whole aesthetic is inspiring to us and, I think our home is a reflection of that.

It's also an extension of our personalities. It's bright and colourful and I hope warm and inviting to others.

I'm constantly rearranging my home. Do you change your interiors around often or not at all?

I've always been passionate about making our house a home.

I'm constantly moving the smaller objects around.

If we had the room to re-configure the large furniture, I would do that too!

Anything in life you're looking forward to?

I'm looking forward to travelling. I'm not sure of our next trip exactly but I'd really love to go back to NY for at least two weeks.

I'd really love to explore the backstreets of Soho, Greenwich Village and surrounding areas.

< thank you > for sharing your home with us. { 23

THE CURSE OF THE WIDOWS. by photographer Tijana Lilic

WARNING: Most of the stories that we feature in our magazine are happy - or at least have a happy ending. This one, does not...

It is simply stunning photography and a heart wrenching story.

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The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is the home to one of the deadliest and most endangered creatures on the planet, the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is situated in the southern region of Bangladesh in the Khulna Division, only 200m across one of the many rivers is a small, mostly Muslim, rural village, Munshi-gong.

Surrounding the area, there are approximately 200 tiger widows surviving day by day, taking any work they can get, often for very little amount of rice. A group of four Hindu women who live with their families in mud huts face prejudice everyday due to high superstition surrounding tiger attacks. They are seen as a bad omen are predominantly isolated because of this, often relying on collecting rice from rat caves to survive if they can’t manage to find any work or help on a particular day.

Sona-Moni, age 60, is one of these women. She was married at the age of 12, which is the norm in this rural community. After a couple of years, her husband was killed by a tiger, while fishing in the Sundarbans. Following his death her mother-in-law threw Sona-Moni and her young son out of their family home for failing to protect her husband. She begged to the local villagers to survive and feed her son, until the village leaders decided to marry her off to her brother in-law, at the age of 16. A year after, her second husband was killed by a tiger while fishing in the forest. Since then she has been known as the ‘devil-woman’ among the villagers’ and struggles to get work as the local people believe that if they let her into their home, they will suffer the same fate. Like so many other widows, Sona-Moni doesn’t receive any help from the government or even her family.

The poverty stricken families that reside in the villages are made up mostly of fishermen and honey collectors, who rely on the Sundarbans as a source of income. To these families it is the case of facing starvation or entering the jungle and facing the deadly tigers.

The Hindu community prey to the goddess of the tiger and the forest to protect them each day before entering the Sunderbans, however, according to local sources there are 1 to 2 tiger attacks a week and 5-6 sightings of the majestic creature. These people rely on the goddess to protect them rather then the forest guards.

Superstition and religious division continue to be the main problem surrounding the tiger widows.

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the end.

You can also view this amazing story via this video.

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persona

1.

3.

5.

2.

4.

6.

Personalised 'Lovenotes' Framed Print - by Coulson Macleod $249.36 Personalised Letterpress Notebook - by Bobalong $17.15

Personalised Pom Pom Nursery Mobile - by littlenestbox $58.49

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Personalised Leather Bound Notebook - by Hope House Press $66.86

Personalised Birth Date Print by modo creative $46.86

Personalised Embroidery Doily Artwork - by Three Red Apples $45.18

alise it...

7.

11.

Personalised London Print Apron Set - by 3 Blonde Bears $53.55

9.

8.

10. 12.

Personalised Play List Cassette Print - by Betsy Benn $50.20

Boy's Personalised Party Bags by Pear-Derbyshire $3.93

Personalised Planets 'Book Belongs To' Stamp - by Bloomfield & Rolfe $49.37

Personalised Wedding Coordinates Print - by The Drifting Bear Co. $61.92

Personalised Typographic Alphabet Print - by Pepper Print Shop $46.86

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Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart. ~Victor Hugo

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ember winter shoot...

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Mimi Designs Bedouin Dress $210 Goddess Of Babylon Garcia Tights Red Clay $109

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Tallow Gallery Lucia Dress $189.95 Myee Carlyle Necklace

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Myee Carlyle Necklace Myee Carlyle Inti Fringed Top Topaz $129.00 Myee Carlyle Topaz Scarf with Fringe $49.00 Rowie Designs Leopard Print Leggings $79

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Rowie Designs Scarf $35 Ghost and Lola Earrings Mimi Designs Pants

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Laughter is the su that drives winte from the human fa ~ Victor Hugo 36 }

Tallow Gallery Sahara Jeans $99.95

un er ace. { 37

Goddess Of Babylon Kyoto Jacket Red Clay $145.00 Ghost and Lola Earings

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photography // ky webb {summerlily} stylist // mia brennan {mimi designs} hair & makeup // belinda o'brien model // talisa {division models} model // renee simone clothing & jewellery// goddess of babylon // tallow gallery // myee carlyle // rowie designs // ghost and lola

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Q+ Legendary Backpacker Keith - age 95 interview by Anna Hamilton.

Some may call him a pioneer, champion, even legend and for good reason. Meet Keith Wright, a 95 year old pensioner living on the Gold Coast with a huge heart and whole lot of love for seeing and feeling the world.

Why do you choose to travel alone?

Well once you have one bad apple on a tour it ruins it the whole trip. I like meeting the young backpackers, they actually play tricks on me all the time, it’s fun. I stay in the same cabins as them and it’s completely fine. I see more Society gives us until were in our 30 something’s to trick and get to places more efficiently. us into thinking it’s time to settle, anchor the boat and put down the masts for our kids to one day sail again.

What are your must have essentials?

Not in Keith’s reality. He is living the life a lot of us only My swag. I can throw it over my shoulder put my shaving dare to dream about, the kind of dreams that make things in it, a couple of t-shirts and I’m good to go. And streamers and glitter almost burst out your eyeballs my Pandora {hat}. I’ll have a coloured ribbon on it when I (and every other orifice) in excitement. go to see Black Caviar race in June.

Chuckling away when he shared some of his fondest memories (and by fond I don’t mean tame) Keith shared a couple of tips for fellow backpackers. He’s got a wild sense of humour and loves mingling with the backpackers and by the sounds of things, the ladies love him, so I took his advice and I think you should too.

Has travel always been an important part of your life?

No not really, although I’ve always had itchy feet. After my wife passed, I left straight away, packed up her budgie in the car with me and went up to Darwin, then around Cooperpedie and back again. After 10 years I was quite vegetated so I decided to travel to Gallipoli. My favourite place is San Sebastian in Spain, the people, the places, it’s great!

A lot of people are concerned about safety while travelling alone, how safe do you find these trips?

As a matter of fact it is a lot safer travelling in Europe than it is here because you have 20 hours of daylight and a lot more time to get back to your hostel! There’s no need to be scared. There’s life out there and it’s a beautiful place, nothing like the travel brochures, it’s the real thing.

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And Keith one last question, what is your secret to being so healthy?

Having no worries. Why do you think people with Alzheimer’s live so long? Because they have no worries, they forget their problems. If you loose your wallet tomorrow what are you going to do about it? Nothing, it just happens sometimes. Pick yourself up and move along.

To call Keith a legend is somewhat an understatement.

Thank you Keith and happy travels x

photography by Ky {summerlily}

+A

â&#x20AC;?My objective is to get across to elderly people that you can do this, I want too see more elderly people getting up and having a go.â&#x20AC;?

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Rachel URquhart

Can you tell us a bit of history about yourself?

I grew up on a farm in rural NSW, which had a huge impact on my drawing – I was obsessed with animals; drawing them, collecting them, devising ways to capture and domesticate them. Also, being stuck on the farm, banned from too much TV and living pre-internet meant that if I wanted to stay inside I had to draw or read, which I did a lot.

Q+A

I’m happy that I grew up without internet access – my parents still have this awful slow internet – but when I was about 15, we installed dial-up and I started looking at sites like Stencil Revolution and Wooster Collective and freaking out about street art… even if it wasn’t that relevant in an area with little-to-no urban landscape. But it totally captured me and, along with artists like Anthony Lister and David Choe, it changed the way I thought about what I could draw and express… It made drawing more fun and irreverent.

When I finished high school I lived in Brisbane for four years, studying journalism. That was probably the height of my whiskey swilling, cigarette smoking deadbeat artist years – it was just unfortunate that that environment wasn’t conducive to me actually creating anything. I moved back to the farm in 2010, gave up smoking, nearly-gave-up drinking, and enjoyed a year-and-a-half of the good life. It gave me a bit of time to work on drawing, even though I was still working full time and travelling most weekends to see my partner.

I recently relocated to Melbourne with my very kind and tolerant boyfriend – we’re just surviving the winter at the moment.

continued > { 43

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Is your art full time?

No, but I wish it was. I just try and fit it in around working full time as a journalist, which means I’m constantly letting people down, breaking promises and not meeting artwork deadlines.

Favourite mediums to work with?

At the moment, I’m using mostly fine-liners and mechanical pencils, maybe some watercolour or coloured pens in the office, but I think that’s because I’ve got limited time and space. I’ve started relying more heavily on Photoshop for colour and sometimes composition, but that’s not my favourite part of the process by a long shot.

And, although I don’t get time to do it much anymore, my all-time favourite is working on a huge canvas with spray paint, Posca pens and acrylic.

Were you born with your talent or did you learn it?

One of my earliest memories is using a key to draw a massive dragon on the wall alongside my bed. It was about three metres long, mainly a lot of back-and-forth lines and some triangles… I don’t think the quality was especially good, but I was super keen. After that, I invested a lot of time into drawing, without really knowing what I was doing.

One thing I have noticed, especially in the last two or three years, is that the hard work does pay off, that every drawing you fuck up teaches you what not to do next time. None of that time is wasted – everything I learnt was in that trial-and-error way too, I haven’t had any schooling (… which probably shows).

So I don’t think people are born with it – it’s a skill you can learn, just teaching your hand and eye to communicate. That being said, the inspiration part of it, like the content rather than the actual skill, might be what artists are born with. The ability to see things differently, compose, develop symbols, reinterpret ideas – to isolate an idea or a feeling.

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One day left on Earth - $100...What do you do?

It’s in no way shocking or original, but I’d try and spend it with my family and partner. It would probably be a matter of buying the best whiskey bottle/s the $100 can afford and just chilling out, talking about what went right, snacking, listening to music. Preferably on my parents’ veranda, overlooking the farm. Oh, and I guess I could smoke and eat all kinds of horrific food without having to worry about the long-term health effects. www.facebook.com/ RachelUrquhartArt and/or www.digvigilante.blogspot.com.au

the end.

www.melbournenaturalfertility.com.au

BY NAT KRINGOUDIS

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FERTILISE YOURSELF A new ebook by Natalie from The Pagoda Tree is available for download now.

In a nutshell; • • • • • •

It’s a fertility how-to ebook It features a breakdown of what foods make you fertile and why It includes over 25 recipes to help you build your fertile body It helps you create a fertility-friendly pantry, and keep it that way!

It includes a fertile shopping list – for you to print and keep Foreword by Sarah Wilson

This ebook is all about priming your body for fertility, with plenty of tips and tricks for a wellness overhaul, and the 'how to' steps to set yourself up to win. If you're struggling with your fertility, or even just your general health, I know this ebook can help you navigate your way to being fueled and fighting fertility fit!

The ebook also includes general health and wellness tips like this: "Eat foods that are room temperature or warmer especially during winter. This is very important to support healthy gut function and promote great health from top to bottom. Cold foods will lead to phlegm production and may cause disturbances to your health.

This is especially essential for women who experience period pain – warm foods keep the blood pumping."

AND it's not just all for the girls! You can let the guys know: one of the most important aspects of treatment for abnormal and sluggish sperm is lots of regular intercourse. (Thank me later guys…)

continued >> { 49

Nat shares one of her favourite recipes from the book with us:

Image by Chamilka Jayawardana

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SPINACH AND RICOTTA PIE Base Ingredients 2 cups of cooked brown rice.

40gm melted butter.

2 egg yolks (keep whites for pie filling).

Filling Ingredients 500ml ricotta.

2 bunches of spinach or 1 bunch of silverbeet chopped.

2 whole eggs, 2 egg whites (left over from base). ½ tsp nutmeg. salt and pepper to taste.

Method Mix together rice, butter and egg yolks. Gently press the mixture into the base of a flan dish or similar and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or until it begins to brown.

Meanwhile, place ricotta into a bowl and separate using a potato masher.

Add all other ingredients and mix well. Place on top of rice base, and cook for 20 minutes or until top begins to brown.

So simple!

You can add anything to the topping that you like.

Mushrooms would go really well in the filling too!

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lionheir

Q+

interview by ed.

Hey Paul... so, what's your story?

I was born in Adelaide and grew up listening to Bob Dylan's records because Dad loved him. Our family moved around a lot when I was a kid. We went from Adelaide, to Darwin, Auckland, Sydney and now I'm in an old secluded tin shed, on a hill near Byron Bay. I have a 2.5 metre resident python slithering around in my roof and endangered black-striped wallabies in my back yard.

It's a pretty inspirational place to live. I've always been a country boy at heart and moving here two years ago was the best thing I've ever done artistically, mentally and physically. I have complete freedom and a lack of distractions up here, which has enabled me to really delve into my soul and find my own paths. I have German and British blood on my dad's side and Romanian gypsy on my mum's.

How long have you been making music for?

I've been making music since I was ten. I kept dragging this old acoustic guitar, which was my mum's, out of a cupboard when we were living in New Zealand. It was out of tune and had three strings on it, but I still kept trying to play the thing. Mum must have gotten sick off hearing my noise pollution, so she took me to the local music shop and bought me a cheap black fender strat imitation. I've been writing songs ever since. In my teens I turned back to the acoustic guitar and toured from 20 to 24 as a solo folk-roots musician. Only recently with the birth of Lionheir have I switched back to electric guitar.

What made you make the move to Northern NSW from Sydney?

I wrote a song once called City Lights which said "The city lights were a sight from afar, so I dived straight in.

Surrounded by a million lives, I got lost in it". With all the crowds, trends, vested interests and lack of artistic support bases in my local area at the time, The Sutherland Shire, I felt like I was sinking in quicksand. I had to get out.

Whenever I had toured through the Northern Rivers as a solo artist, I always felt more at home than when I was at home. It was a vibrant place with rich culture and 52 }

creativity in its veins, so with no money to my name and hardly any possessions, I made the move. Best thing I ever did.

How do you think the internet is affecting the music industry?

The Internet is leaving the majority of musicians with less money: I think that's a given. Sometimes people don't understand how much artists put on the line to create something most people end up getting for free or little.

Most artists I know are constantly in debt, and sometimes even unable to afford a meal. Most of an artist's money is in live shows now. The internet has created a culture of free, whether it's because of the years pirating programs have been readily available on the net globally or Spotify, more recently, which streams music for free and leaves listeners with no need to buy music. It's a double-edged sword, though. Artists who might never have been able to get heard could get exposure through the web and find a unique audience, giving countless alternative and commercially repressed artists a chance to make a career out of music. And if that's the case, diversity of music, arts and ideas should be growing, which is healthier than having no choices at all.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

If I'm not doing a headstand on an Egyptian pyramid I'll still be making music. As I get older I think I'll make more and more warm acoustic-based songs, a full-circle type journey. I'm also a journalist by trade, so I'd like to be uncovering injustices and feel as though I'm making a larger positive difference to the world as well.

Some musicians you bow down to?

Bob Dylan for his timelessness, rebelliousness and brains, Gotye for his multi-talentedness, Radiohead for their ability to create beautiful parallel universes, John Fogerty for being as good now as he ever was and too many more to name.

+A Where can we buy your music?

The Lionheir Waterfall single is available at www.itunes.com/lionheir and as a hard-copy at live shows (I personally hand-crafted and inked my thumb print on each copy).

by photographer Polly Armstrong { 53

1.

meet this photographer

ERIN + TARA Tell us a bit about yourselves - how did you meet and decide to create Erin & Tara?

We have always run in the same circles, but only really crossed paths a couple of times over the years. It was coincidence that we both moved from Melbourne to the small (ish) town of Kyneton where we both grew up at the same time. We got together for coffee and our kids hit it off. One day Tara had a great idea. We kept it real simple and called it Erin + Tara (Self amused laugh)… and the rest is history.

How long have you been photographing weddings for?

It is such a huge responsibility; Were you super nervous your first time?

Our very first wedding was last September (2011). We were pretty excited, (but… really nervous too). As soon as we pulled out our camera’s and began capturing the events that unfolded around us, we knew straight away we where meant to be there. It was such a thrill to document this amazing ceremony, to see the love in the eyes of the bride and groom. There is just so much magic at a wedding, there air is full of it and we love it.

Any words of wisdom for photographers out there who want to get into the wedding scene?

Confidence, own your style and shoot from the heart.

What do you love to do on a free Sunday?

We love spending time with our beautiful family and friends. We are surrounded by such beautiful countryside here, we often go for drives with our cameras, looking for an inspiring scene. We have just started tackling macramé.

Macramé is fun!

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What inspires you both?

Our kids are a huge inspiration; they do such amazing, crazy things constantly surprising us with their fearlessness.

Other creative folk, especially other self-taught photographers like ourselves, there is so much talent out there, so much beauty to be inspired by. We get such a rush when we create images that move people. It makes our day. It is such a special thing to capture something magic. We love that feeling.

One thing you live by?

Work hard, enjoy life and eat tons of good (yummy) food!

What do you love?

Tara: - I’d love a strong coffee about now. Seriously I love my cool kids, husband and all that jazz. I have a thing for well designed vintage chairs, the smell of leather, indoor plants, the chocolate that fills end of the cone and can’t live without the feeling I get when I’m behind the camera.

Erin: - My kids and my beautiful fella are number one in my life. I love listening to music and being with my beautiful friends, I love quiet moments (which are rare) to read, nothing better than a book in bed. I absolutely love the start of winter but hate it by the end. I love taking photos and the joy it brings me.

Do you see a big future with Erin + Tara?

We hope so. We’re very ambitious and at the same time we always keep an open mind, what will be will be. For now though, we love where we are, where we are headed and that we’re doing it together.

What other projects do you have on the go?

We have a few cool projects on the go. One we can tell you about is a Erin + Tara Photography Workshop which we are planning for August this year. We both have a passion to share our experiences and all the important bits we have learnt along the way.

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2.

meet this photographer

LUCY RICE You shoot lots of different scenes - fashion, weddings, and landscapes - do you have a favourite? Why? I don't really have a favourite!. I like each one for different reasons I suppose. The fashion side of things gives me more creative freedom and I can just have fun with it. I'm new to the wedding scene and I really don't know why it took me so long to get into it! The idea of meeting people in love and having the privilege to photograph such an intimate moment is so special, I love it! The landscape photos just bring me down to earth. I go hiking a lot and walk everyday...it's so refreshing to be in outside around nature to clear the mind.

Did you find it hard to get into photography? It must be quite competitive with new photographers popping up every day?

I get asked this a lot actually. I have never felt like I had to compete with other photographers. Everyone has something special to bring to the table and I think the more photographers there are, the better! I studied Photography at art school and it just felt right. I eventually purchased my first proper camera and from there I haven't really looked back. I try to keep my photographs raw and as untouched as possible. I think it's important to stay true to the subject and all the beautiful little imperfections. We live in such a visual world so I love seeing new ideas and inspirations, there are so many fantastic photographs out there, but there's no point in wishing you took it! All you can do is follow your own style and hope it resonates with others. http://www.lucyricephotography.com/ www.lamingtonlucy.blogspot.com

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I ran into a friend last week, I noticed how bright her eyes were and how healthy she looked. With this I commented and was surprised with her response. She told me that she was extremely hung over and felt like absolute (for lack of a better word) crap.

They were the three things that she needed no matter what. Her essentials, her makeup essentials!

I thought about this for a while, wondering what the essentials are.

Are they different for everyone? So, while each person may need different products, I think it’s pretty safe to Wow. Really? “How come you look so say there are a few essentials and amazing?” I asked. She answered “Eye routines suitable for everybody. drops, mascara and lip gloss”.

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Makeup: The Essentials

by ‘alana’ {www.makeupbyalana.com.au}

1.Water – Drink it.

2. Beauty Routine.

You want your makeup to look better? You want it to stay on longer and not dry out? Start a beauty routine now using a good quality cleanser, toner and moisturiser.

Serums are great to use before your moisturiser especially in the colder months and don’t forget to exfoliate.

A good eye cream is a must, especially when existing on little sleep. Try Lancôme Renergie Lift Volumetry Eye Double Care. Amazing!

3. Eye drops.

Clear Eyes essentially. Awesome for clearing any redness and making it look like you slept a good 8 hours instead of the reality of 3.

4. Mascara.

Black, always black. Curl eyelashes before for extra eye opening. I love L’oreal Collegene – Extra Volume.

5. Concealer.

On spots, under the eyes and around the nose. Use your ring finger to blend. Ensure your concealer isn’t too dry for the delicate under eye area as it will sit in the lines and give you the opposite effect to that of which you desire.

6. Bronzer.

Use to contour cheekbones and to give a little colour to cheeks forehead and chin. Be extremely careful not to use too much and make sure it’s a bronzer that’s not too sparkly or orange. I absolutely adore Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder – Long Lasting.

7. Lipgloss.

Choose a gloss with a hint of colour, this will brighten up your face which gives your skin the boost you may need. Try Lancôme Juicy Tubes – Fraise.

So if you’re - tired, hung over, sleep deprived, in a hurry, sick, lazy, haven’t a clue about makeup or just plain can’t be bothered, the few things mentioned above will save you. If you look better; you feel better.

HINT: Keep mini versions in a small bag in your handbag for touch-ups and when you need to rush out the door. I like to keep mini makeup and skin care products (given as gift with purchase at most makeup/skincare houses at times) in my handbag. It’s my little bag of tricks.

Makeup - Alana Mevissen Photography - Freya Bland Model - Madeline Taylor { 61

image by tana helene photography

A HUMAN BEING...

CREATING! ~ Noon ~

Rummaging through my cupboard of photos, I stumble across a small book, containing a priceless jewel inside... a sentence I wrote years ago in a moment of stillness.

The greatness you seek lies within you.

62 }

The greatness you seek lies within you.

It has become a mantra of mine, a motto if you like. I didn’t know what it meant but I liked the way it sounded.

It’s only recently that I have grown to understand its meaning.

Stressful right? Well the same can be said for thinking about things that make you feel good. Its just that we seem to find it harder to do. And so in my time of chaos I made a conscious effort to draw good thoughts to my head. If a bad one crept in there, I recognised it and turned it into one that made me feel good.

Have you ever pondered the words ‘human being’? Sure, it’s just a term we use to describe what we are in the animal kingdom. I think it’s much more. Try putting the word ‘just’, in between the two words and you’ll get a better understanding of what I mean. A human just being.

Do you know... the more good feelings and thoughts I had, the more great things materialised in my life.

Playing the blame game is completely unhelpful too! It brings you no justice to blame someone or something else for your situation. You just give your power away.

Excluding children, I only know two people in my life who are great at ‘just being’. There are scarce moments in my life that I can recall truly just being. Those times when you’re in the moment, when your head isn’t plagued with a highway of thoughts, and you become minutes, hours, days ahead of yourself in thought and consumed by everything except for where you are right now in that moment. And so since we can probably all admit to being pretty crumby ‘human beings’ filled with thoughts about so many other things, I’d like to share with you a few gems I’ve discovered in my life so far to make the journey a bit more fun.

So ‘the greatness we seek lies within’. It sure does! Only we can choose our thoughts, no one else. It is every person’s right to enjoy a life creating. It all starts with your thoughts, you are your own life’s creator, and your greatness begins with you and your thoughts.

I’ve had a huge year, one that had many of my friends wondering how it is I can still put a smile on my face. Well why not? I had the choice to think about the negative things in my life or the good stuff, and since the good stuff made me feel good, I went with it. Have you ever noticed how you can think of one bad thing and like snowball there are more negative thoughts that gravitate and before you know it, you’ve created a monster!

There’s still a way to go on my journey after the mountain that was placed in my life this year, but I have so very much to be thankful for. I don’t have loads of friends but the small handful that grace my life are loyal, genuine and kind. My gorgeous children and my husband are seriously priceless, and we are all healthy. So even in a year that could have easily had me on my knees and crushed to the core, I have so much to be deliriously happy for.

So think big, I know I am.

{ 63

DIY HERB HOSTESS GIFT by ‘laura’ {www.agirlwhomakes.com}

Materials needed: - - - - -

64 }

Potting soil 8” ribbon or yarn Small pair of scissors Coffee mug (the one shown is from anthropologie) A herb (the one shown is chive)

STEP 1: Place about 1" of potting soil into the bottom of your mug.

STEP 2: Plant the herb into the mug and fill the remaining space in the mug with potting soil. Gently press the soil into the mug to secure the herb. You want the herb to have a snug fit.

STEP 3: Trim the herb plant to your desired length and shape. In this case, the chive was a bit long, which made it bend, so I decided to trim it to about 12" so it would stand up straight.

STEP 4: Using the ribbon, tie a pair of small scissors to the handle of the mug.

There you have it! A planted herb in a mug. These could be given as shown, or loosely tied up in cellophane for easier transport.

I gave these out as hostess gifts to people who threw me bridal showers and I'm thinking they are perfect for friend's birthdays, neighbours or teachers gifts.

Who doesn't love ready to use herbs?

Laura…x

“Laura Parke is a girl who makes. She enjoys crafting and designing and making people laugh. She is an optimist who favours sunny days and endless crafting afternoons. With a penchant for all things sweet, she believes a bowl of ice cream is a perfectly suitable dinner option. She likes to make neat things for nice people.”

{ 65

Winter Ta

Kate Holley is a Sydney based intuitive tarot reader. She loves hula hooping, animals and has a passion for music. After many years as a stress head, she now cultivates calm. She hopes to help others do the same and get in touch with their intuition.

For personal readings please visit her website: www.kateholley.com.au

66 }

arotscopes Aries – (21 March – 20 April) Your creativity is at a peak right now and big ideas will require quick action to make them happen. Synchronistic messages will help clarify your next step. Be prepared to deviate from your current plans and listen to your intuition about travel.

Libra (23 September – 23 October) A surprise ahead will bring everything you have learnt so far into practical use. Boundaries will be required, as will self control, but once this is out of the way you will feel more free, strong and calm. This change will bring an exciting new beginning.

Taurus (21 April – 21 May) Self discipline will see you make big strides towards your goals during this period. In situations that feel “stuck”, look at the bigger picture. There may be financial help from unexpected sources and those looking at new cars are likely to find the perfect one.

Scorpio (24 October – 22 November) An important time of transformation is upon you. Events outside of your control will change your view on life and possibly your direction. Time outdoors brings balance.

Make time for pampering and love as your sensual nature is likely to be heightened.

Gemini (22 May – 22 June) There may be confusion about your life direction, especially with other people having differing opinions about what you should do. Choose your battles wisely. It is not the best time to make big decisions, but do make time to do things you know you love.

Sagittarius (23 November – 21 December) After some challenges, hope returns for you. Make your wish on a star. Envision what you want in all its glory and look to how you can make it happen in your life. The power is in your hands. This new journey offers financial and material satisfaction.

Cancer (23 June – 22 July) Situations are likely to bring back memories of past hurts. This offers you the chance to forgive and move on.

If an ex-partner reappears, do not rush back in. Financial discipline may be required to ensure there is enough to go around. Ensure you get plenty of rest.

Capricorn (22 December – 20 January) Patience may be required in order to find out if the work you have done towards your goal has been successful. There is good news for promotions or recognition from those in authority. Try not to engage in petty battles, instead take the high road.

Leo (23 July – 23 August) This is a period of heightened emotion for you. Some time out and a change of scenery will prove beneficial, as will getting involved in creative projects. There may be some delays, but try not to let them get you down.

Focus on gratitude and being in the moment.

Aquarius (21 January – 18 February) The time has come to step into your own power and stand up for what you believe. You are being urged to get back into enjoying life. Find a sport you love, take a drama class or even host a dinner party to channel your energy into something magical.

Virgo (24 August – 22 September) You are being asked to look at what you can do to make a situation work for you. It's unlikely that you can just walk away from this situation, but you can find a compromise. Go with the flow (especially with work colleagues) and see where it leads you.

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) You are not as stuck as you may feel right now. The time has come to stop allowing your fears to hold you back.

Take time to get back in touch with your faith. Through this strength you will find the courage needed to take a brave new leap in life and love. { 67

Charmaine Olivia interview by ed.

Q+A When did you take the plunge in becoming a full time artist? in 2009 when I moved to San Francisco. It just kinda happened very organically.

The women you paint, do you know them? Some look really similar to you... Are they drawn from real people or your fantasy?

Some of them are friends, girls that pose for me, other times I'll use myself as a model. Artists always put a bit of themselves in to whatever they create, kind of inevitable, so there are definitely facets of myself reflected in my girls.

They're usually a vicarious experience for me.

Your work has a dark side but is so feminine at the same time - Do you have to really think about what your about to paint or does it just come?

I usually start with a very basic outline, and just follow it to see where it wants to go. My girls are very alive to me, so I usually let them drive and they'll often tell me where they want to go. It's so fun for me to get to know them as they come alive.

68 }

www.charmaineolivia.com

continued >> { 69

70 }

Do you ever loose your flow? How do you get it back?

Not really, things always flow in cycles for me. I'm constantly going through phases, evolving and learning. I create my best work when I'm having fun, in the spirit of play. Sometimes I can catch myself falling in to a pattern where I'm not having as much fun or it's starting to feel like a chore, and that's when I know that I need to change something up, make it exciting for me again. Whether that means adding a new colour to my palette, getting a new brush or tool, switching up the size of the piece, or changing the medium entirely. Lately I've also been finding the art and beauty in other actives too, like cooking, cleaning, organizing, gardening, it's all fun for me, and it all feels very creative, and helps enrich my work too.

What's been your biggest goal or achievement so far?

The opening of my own online shop.

We have an operation now and a whole print team that helps run it. It's been amazingly freeing for me to have assistance. I reached a point last year where I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really handle doing everything on my own anymore.

It's so fun to watch things grow and change.

the end. { 71

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY review by ed.

72 }

OK, so I'm talking about Fifty Shades of Grey, the first book in a trilogy of erotic fan fiction, it has sold over 10 million copies worldwide! If you haven’t heard of it you must be living under a rock or you don’t have any mummy friends on facebook, cause it has been described as "Mummy Porn."

It's ebook has also gone viral as these Mummy's discover a discrete way to satisfy their curiosity.

So, not one to pass up a hype read, I decided to give it a go. I launched into the ‘50 shades’ world thinking I was about to read my first ever romantic fiction novel and had no other description other than the porn reference.

Unexpectedly, I could not put this book down and finished it over

2 days but this leaves me very confused. Throughout the book my subconscious was in a violent argument with my ‘inner goddess’ as to whether or not I should be enjoying it. I don't relate but I want to keep reading, or do I? From a literary point, terrible! It reads as though its written by a teenager with the repeated use of annoying, half baked phrases and descriptions... "inner goddess", "he touched my sex."

He touched your VAGINA ok, say it!

To be honest I am still torn about my opinion on this book. Can you hate something and love it at the same time?

Did I hate this book? No! Did I love this book? Not really!

Will I read the next 2? Definitely!

In a nutshell: take Twilight, substitute vampire for billionaire, add some spanking & nipple clamps and there you have Fifty Shades of Grey.

If you haven't read it, it seems like the real drive behind the book is people wanting to join in on the conversations surrounding it. So, not great literature, but an easy, fun read.

Get it. and join it!

Laters, Baby (pun intended).

SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK? Didn’t know what this book was about.

Glad I didn’t start reading it in public! A bit repetitious in places. Overall though I thought it was a page-turner book.

Rachel As a 50+ SINGLE vibrant woman...I am now ready for love. This book has awoken the goddess within.

Dianne Half way through the first book, I thought they were overrated, but now almost through the 3rd, I’m addicted. I like the storyline and the kinky sex is a nice bonus! I'll be gutted when its over.

Gwen

Wow! What a read! So hot you can't put it down... Your husband will thank you. A must read for any housewife, the ultimate fantasy novel. Thrilling, sexy, eye opening and very addictive.

Lauren Fifty shades of fuck all! If you ladies want to read bout sumthing big and hard you should subscribe to rugby league weekly! That is all.

Anonymous Husband

{ 73

DJUUL PRICE interview by Karri Crossing I was a little excited to ambush one of my favourite artists for an interview, Djuul Price. Djuul grew up in Byron but has recently been skipping around the world, peddling his artistic wares to filthy rich American philanthropists.. and other, normal people. He has been gone 7 years (long enough for every cell in the human body to regenerate) and he’s been drawn back to the shire by the promise of “tropical hermitage and a lack of restrictive footwear”.

We are in a local café where he sits surrounded by empty coffee cups, pencils, and a large, tattered open art book.

The pages are covered with pencil sketches and coffee stains.

radish I can find. Just kidding. I um... refuse to answer the question on the grounds that it may incriminate me….. er…more so.

He is very relaxed with showing me his art, I feel like there is something almost audacious about the way he displays his ability. All hope of a serious conversation is quickly dashed as the caffeine fuelled chat turns to animated discussion of which animals we would like to crossbreed. Giraffe and crocodile? Eel and wombat? A toaster that can produce rainbows when your toast pops up? I try to steer the conversation towards an interview.

I’m curious. What’s the most romantic thing anyone has done for you?

Hmm..I actually lost my virginity quite romantically. Under a huge fig tree over-looking Baywood Chase on a warm summer eve. It couldn’t have gone any better. Oh wait (groans). It could have. I’ll tell about that another time.

So, what’s your favourite smoothie then?

Coffee and banana. I call it a donkey kong shake.

What are you working on at the moment?

It’s a commissioned piece to garnish a renovated guest house here in town. It’s a big, vibrant painting. It’s a symbolic eco system where a floating heart is growing a tree. The tree is forming a thunderstorm in its branches and sparking the heartbeat with lightning. The storm is raining down to sustain the roots to grow the tree. It’s about forming a relationship between elements in painting and having those elements interact and feed of each other.

Right now you’re drawing the characters surrounding you. Is this how you find your inspiration?

Not really. This is just practicing. I find inspiration for my work in recognizing when I’m inspired. A lot of people don’t notice when they are inspired.. they will do something physical or interact with a friend. I try to identify these moments and be playful with myse…. Wait.. scrap all that! Whorish blondes and choking on lego inspire me. Also, molesting my adenoids with the horsiest 74 }

It’s quite exciting to meet a real artist like in the movies!..I mean, is this actually your job?

Really? Is that really a question?

What materials do you use?

Ink, jesso, acrylic’s, gold leaf, nail polish, pressed flowers, pastel, blood, sweat, ectoplasm, whale sperm, and biscuit crumbs.

Who are your influences?

Ralph Steadman, Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake, Kris Kuski, Mat Groening, Kurt Vonnegut Jr…and Jed Tissot. .Jim Henson because he never condescended with his art. He made it accessible to everyone of all ages. And he was really shy too.

What’s your spirit animal?

A rooster. But conversely I have a bit of a rooster phobia.

We had a rooster called Hendrix when I was a kid. I remember waking up and hearing mum rescuing him from a fox and for weeks he was walking around with a bent neck. It slowly straightened up.

What’s your favourite object and where did you get it?

It was a strange little, squashed piece of thick wire I found on the floor of a factory warehouse I was living in.

I named it the international symbol of truth and beauty. I carried it around for a couple of years then I misplaced it. I found it in the same position on the floor on the day I left as the day I moved in.

Thanks Djuul! Oh wait, where can we find you?

Google knows where I am!

Q+A

{ 75

The coolest designer boys wear for little legends of tomorrow

www.ivyandcharles.com

Luxe fabrics & sweet prints Proudly stocking the divine Australian labels Mista TJ & Miss Emily J as featured.

ivy&charles

1

GELLASKINS

Express your individual style and customize your digital devices with interchangeable, protective art prints that go anywhere. They've also made it possible for you to be the artist and design your own. Make something one-of-a-kind, just like you.

From scratch-resistant skins for any device, to the sturdy HardCase for iPhone, they've got you covered. www.gellaskins.com

78 }

1

3 2 Emily Green x Lucy Hall Scarf Colour block knit scarves in vibrant neon colourways,100% cotton - $160 www.emilygreen.bigcartel.com

2

3 Pinterest Of course you know about Pinterest, who doesn't right, follow me here > wwwpinterest.com/orphandesign/

4 Vanbloom Candles Aromatherapy scents & crystals in the form of candles and a range of cards with inspiring quotes. www.vanbloom.com.au 4

5 iBark Unique bamboo iPhone, iPad and iPod cases, LOVE THESE! $69.95 www.ibarkcases.com.au

5

6 White Horse Home Cushion Simple pleasures for the home enthusiast, 100% Australian! www.whitehorsehome.com

6

7 Little Printer Little Printer lives in your home, bringing you news, puzzles and gossip from friends. Use your smartphone to set up subscriptions and Little Printer will gather them together to create a timely, beautiful mini-newspaper. http://bergcloud.com/littleprinter/

7

{ 79

ROWIE

WINTER 2012

www.rowiedesigns.com

Live Everyday Like

IT’S A HOLIDAY

Myee Carlyle is a sensuous, feminine, & free-spirited women’s fashion label based out of Byron Bay, Australia.

Discover our collection and experience what it is like to “Live Everyday Like A Holiday”.

www.myeecarlyle.com.au

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STUDIO THIRTEEN

by Sarah Peters

Once Upon a time...deep inside the land of Rabbit and Cocoon there was a little shed called Studio Thirteen.

Inside this little shed lived a modern day Goldilocks and 3 Bears (who had finally forgiven Goldilocks for breaking an entering, and who were now doing their best to live out a happily ever after in this little corner of the Gold Coast.)

Marked by a lone fire hose outside its doors just down from the very brightly coloured wall that may or may not give you flashbacks but will I’m sure have you craving fruit tingles, the Studio can be found by those who listen out for an eclectic mix of music and shit talk that emanates from within on any day of the week.

Now this little Studio is also home to a sarcastic and slightly neurotic narrator (that’s me) who will guide you through this messed up fairytale and give you a background story on all of its unusual, determined and sometimes paranoid characters.

But firstly it was not always this way. (Yep have to add in the back story!)

You see, Studio Thirteen was once The Dojo, inhabited primarily by Jasson Mackay and Dan Lemisio (who are not, despite the fact they probably think they are, the offspring of one Mr Chuck Norris) until the addition of brother and sister team Kate and Steve (K+S) in early 2012 and then myself, finally, just to stir the pot.

So what follows is an account of the goings on in the within Studio Thirteen and an introduction to its residents.

DISCLAIMER - Most of what is within is true...and some isn’t.

Some is slightly exaggerated and other parts are flat out lies.

But it sure does give you the feeling of what it’s like to be a part of Studio 13...yep we don’t take ourselves too seriously but we do take our art, design, fashion and world domination very, very seriously. So please don’t stand in our way....we are here to make waves....and pretty things, and sometimes slightly messed up things. Check us out...just be sure to come loaded with cash...and coffee...lots and lots of coffee. Please read on... { 83

Jasson Mackay. The Anarchist.

Working as a tradie, Jasson was no stranger to getting his hands dirty. Watching all the drones pass by day by day, it wasn’t long before he was sick of ‘working for the man.’

One day, when he had just taken his first bite of one of many Four ‘n’ Twentys, he decided enough was enough and began to throw them at anyone who in his opinion, was a conformist. Those that personified the ‘status quo.’

And anyone with a mullet.

This temper tantrum took him out of the city and into the land of Multimedia. Not satisfied with this he turned his attention to design which he used as ‘dazzle camouflage’ in an elaborate plan to create an army of nonconformists and freethinkers. And thus Jasson had made his first strategic move in the Art of Streetwear War. Evilemerican was born. But you see, in any war there are always victims and his penchant for throwing objects proved somewhat lethal. It is a little known fact that the Episode of the Simpsons where Maude was killed by a shirt being launched into the crowd was actually inspired

by Jasson’s philosophy of ‘taking down one follower at a time.’

84 }

Undeterred and still more than ever wanting to spread his message of provocation with mottos and slogans like ‘Not all are born to follow...’ Jason has taken a slightly less forward and aggressive approach and now uses bold colours and clean design to bring us all thought provoking messages that enable us to question the world we live in.

Today, Jasson desires to establish Evilemerican as a force to be reckoned with. One designed to annihilate mega corporations in the name of the fiercely independent and radical thinkers of this world, under a banner of good design and politically charged messages. With such grand plans Jasson is highly suspicious of everyone, especially Steve, who may or may not have Jedi powers. In any case Jasson is on to you Snowland!

But at the end of the day...it is all about World Domination, one t-shirt at a time. “ Evilemerican wasn’t ‘founded’ so much as stumbled upon when we yanked ourselves out of the polluted river, rushing downstream, and decided to walk back the other way. The path is arduous, the river banks muddy and potholed, but the liberation we felt when we finally stopped being manhandled by the current has made it all worthwhile.” { 85

Steve - The Middle Child Described by his sister as an antagonistic bastard and fuelled by coffee and cigarettes, Steve is the force behind Dusc:Art/Design/Illustration. Self confessed immature and awkward Steve is also determined and curious (it hasn’t killed this cat yet) and is inspired by all things Pop Culture.

Steve’s work definitely has that ‘Cool Factor’ everyone seems to be chasing. Which is why his portfolio consists of advertising, branding and illustration work for local and interstate clients and some of the world’s best know apparel brands. He is also proving himself instrumental in the current uprising of artists within the GC district, with his own work and support of local existing and emerging talent.

When asked what advice he would give to other artists Steve says... "If it ain’t happening move on to something else. Just get it out there and move forward. There's often something bigger and better just waiting to come out.

That's the only way I think you'll ever truly grow as an artist."

Hanging out with Steve at Studio Thirteen, I am often left feeling like I am in the middle of a scene from Clerks, ripe with bad jokes and run on dialogue. “Hey what you want, Grizzly Adams?” Despite this Steve is very passionate about the work he does and the growing Gold Coast art scene.

So should you ever run into Steve either in the street or in the studio (he’s the one that looks like a lion... apparently)....please be advised never to talk of yellow brick roads as this will have him reminiscing about road trips and rabbiting on about Tin Men, Scarecrows and some wench named Dorothy.

86 }

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dusc: is the art, design and illustration work of Steve Nowland. Combining a variety of inked, handmade and digital mediums, Steve's work borrows inspiration from all forms of art, typography, music, film and photography. Complimenting a style that has grown and is constantly evolving from over 10 years in the design, advertising and fashion industries. Now based out of Studio 13 at Rabbit+Cocoon on the Gold Coast, Dusc has evolved rapidly from a personal side project into a full time operation, providing graphic design, advertising and branding services, as well as creating prints and illustrations for some of the world's best known apparel brands. The last few years have also seen Steve concentrate more time back into his personal art endeavours, exhibiting pieces in a number of local and interstate art shows, as well as releasing a line of Dusc apparel and other limited edition products. To keep up to date on new work, projects, and art, find Dusc:Art/ Design/Illustration on Facebook.â&#x20AC;? { 87

KATE - The Hippie Kate, I’m pretty sure, was born in a field of daisies where she spent her childhood frolicking in overexposed polaroid days playing with fairies and wearing flowers in her hair. With her quirkiness and passion for vintage fabrics and whimsical styling, Kate was once the Mother of The Fairies... or at least their creator... making them out of Barbie dolls as a teenager, sewing up their outfits from scrap fabrics and doilies. So when others insisted that she start making these clothes for ‘Grown ups’ and the excess of glitter got a little too much, she took up the challenge.

Initially she found that her creations were a bit too way out to begin with and were rejected by the public.

Somewhat slightly urked by this, Kate now uses bright colours to dazzle you and then steal your wallet... or your watch... or even your hair piece. OK well that’s not true, she wouldn’t steal from you, but walking into the studio you cannot help but feel you have just walked into a rainbow.

Taking this all into consideration you might find it safer to buy from her online store on Etsy where funky bed vintage sheets found in op shops are now getting a second life as dresses and flares and custom designs.

The thing I like about Kate is that she mixes well with Sangria... kind of like winding up one of those toy monkeys that beat the drums or symbols... highly entertaining! Kate also has a lot of animals but she doesn’t eat any of them (yea whats with that?) Oh and please girls...(and tragic hipster metro/ Jersey Shore wannabes) don’t come into the studio if you have gone nuts with fake tan... anything that resembles an Oompa Loompa will have Kate lying on "Blending a passion for vintage fabrics and whimsical styling, EvieGreenPixie clothing and accessories invoke a the floor in the embryonic position. thirst for individuality and fun. Romantic garden florals, teamed with vibrant psychedelic prints and ethnic batiks, each handmade creation is unique and one of a kind. Flowing patchwork dresses and goddess skirts, kitschy tea party frocks and groovy flared pants form an eclectic and colourful world that is quintessentially EvieGreenPixie. Established in 2004, EvieGreenPixie clothing has been available predominantly online for the past 7 years, 2012 has seen Kate relocate to the Rabbit+Cocoon arts precinct in Miami on the Gold Coast, crafting and showcasing her designs from Studio 13 and the monthly Miami Marketta."

88 }

Dan - The Silent Assassin Dan Lemisio is out causing his own form of havoc. Hailing from an oceanic background and now thrust into an urban setting, these influences are evident in the mixed bag that is his work. Giving a contemporary twist to traditional patterns and motifs Dan’s work is striking... from his carved boards and their oceanic influences to his dark but mesmerising painted creations.

Dan himself is a comic character come to life and could very well be the creation of some Graphic Novel Deity who has landed Dan smack bang in the middle of a real life Comic. An insane talent, Dan’s creative genius spans Art, Illustration and sculpture.

Years of copying comics and comic book characters has helped Dan develop a keen eye for the human anatomy, something that may help him if he ever decides to become the next Dexter. Drawing on his own inner world he brings to life the human condition, something that could prove useful in his upcoming Graphic Novels.

You can’t help but wonder if Dan is exorcising his demons when you view some of his paintings. And you may be forgiven for believing that he has a split personality when you contrast them to the beauty of his hand carved boards.

Though Dan is one to get suspicious when things are going well (Yes he will avoid high traffic areas and heavy machinery) his advice to other artists to ‘Just keep Painting,’ echoes the ‘Just keep Swimming’ slogan Nemo is best known for. OK, there’s your ocean reference. Thanks man, you know what? I think I will!

“Having an oceanic background and living on the Gold Coast makes for a good combination for traditional art forms utilizing modern materials. Surrounded by the concrete jungle and a natural seascape gives the lifestyle on the coast a very contrasting feel, which can be seen in the people, architecture, surf and also in the creative arts. Embracing my pacific culture on a contemporary level I use surfboard blanks as my canvas. Carving into the blank with traditional island patterns layered with seasoned colours and industrial materials. These designs are influenced through my culture and the urban society I live in, helping me to articulate my life experiences. I also enjoy the use of mixed media on canvas or board, which also helps to express my world. All artwork and sculptures can also be commissioned for individuals and organisations.” { 89

Sarah - The Defiant One Oh and then there is me who is slightly chaotic and some would say feisty (I prefer passionate), and who is currently finding it hard to write about herself because she doesn’t want to sound like an asshole. Oh well here goes.

I have always been creative in some form or another, whether it was making crayon masterpieces on the walls, or making up stories to get my younger brother in trouble (ps. he deserved it for making me share our parents love!).

Anyway, I was always vivid as a child, once believing the moon had fallen into the pool when a tree had crashed down in our front yard, and there have been times where I believed that I was a unicorn... mind you a bad ass one! Nowadays I am called Dark n Stormy (from my Rollerderby days), I tend to drink too much coffee but not enough Scotch. I can’t live without eyeliner. Nirvana will always be my favourite band and I still do and always will hate being told what to do.

Consistently inspired by music, art, film and all things dark and surreal, my son describes me some days as beautifully evil and on others as ‘more than you could handle’.

Encompassing art, illustration and alternative creative education, The Dying Sun Academy is currently being brought to life. The result of a lifetime of creativity and a stint in prison, The Dying Sun Academy is a place for all the rebels, misfits and alternative free thinkers to come together to voice their opinions and to push the boundaries of what they can do creatively. It is also a place for me to create images of half naked, semi dangerous women who may or may not be representations of myself, people with animal heads and anything else that arises from my slightly morbid imagination. And my new mini zine - The Descent into Madness.

The Dying Sun Academy is also a place to share stories, real or invented, with a mantra that the truth should never get in the way of a good story... something else I learned whilst teaching concept art and basic drawing skills within the male correctional facility aka Jail.

I've also discovered the transcendental nature of images and storytelling, something I have found invaluable whilst putting together the courses for The Dying Sun Academy.

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Cast of Characters Jasson Mackay - Evilemerican www.evilemerican.com Dan Lemisio - contact through Studio 13 Steve Nowland - DUSC www.dusc.com.au Kate Nowland - EvieGreenPixie www.etsy.com/shop/eviegreenpixie Sarah Peters - The Dying Sun Academy www.thedyingsunacademy.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My experiences, my passion, my ideas, my images and memories are all that I know of this world... and they are enough. The Absurd Hero. Distort perceptions. Alter your consciousness. Go beyond your preconceived limitations. Push boundaries. Explore the Forbidden.

Uncensor Ideas. Be curious. Ask the hard questions. Face your shadows. Dream and discover a new depth to the human experience. Be Defiant and Anything is Possible".

the end.

Rabbit + Cocoon is an artist-run creative industries precinct on the Gold Coast.We provide creative individuals, businesses and cultural groups with spaces and resources to produce, showcase and market projects, businesses or events directly to the public.We also regularly host, and assist with, signature cultural and educational programs that promote a more vibrant and sustainable arts community. - http:// rabbitandcocoon.com { 91

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coming soon...

With each new issue of Ember we are surprised and delighted.

The talent of our contributors and the support of our readers pushes us to keep creating this beautiful collaboration, thank you.

Kate & Krystal xx

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