Dream Thief - Mercant & Onyx

Cockroaches for Lunch...testing

"Amethyst"

Two years ago, when I first moved to the city after five years in the desert the idea of J&H going to an inner city suburban school I think terrified me than them. It was like being in high school again. The mums terrified me in their perfect “pick-up-the-kids-from-school” attire. Their understanding of the ritual of pick up, who was who, what was what. J&H would ask me when I picked them up, “Did you make any friends today?” They were concerned for me as much as I was for them.

Carole, instantly made me giggle, even from afar. She walked at her own pace, sometimes at a run like she only just remembered she had children to pick up; had sneakers as lairy as mine; and a kid called “Wednesday”. Our first conversation went…“Is your name Claire or did I just imagine it cause my mad sister is called Claire? Are you as mad as her?!”. “Yeah probably, but I have to confess, the only reason I can remember yours is Carole because it’s my mums name.”  The friendship was cemented in my mind when I casually said one afternoon, “Cool scarf!”. “Haven’t you heard the story of my gutter scarf!” She laughed and launched into storytelling.

I'm pleased to report, I'm no longer afraid of pickup, I still dress up inappropriately for the occasion (normally I am covered in paint) and Carole and I are finally putting our storytelling on paper.  This is result of  Day 1. Stay tuned for more to come!

Bridge @ Hart's Mill Adelaide

Super excited to be collaborating with my favourite cake-eating friend, Nici Cumpston for Adelaide Fringe show, "Bridge" at Hart's Mill. Opening 23rd February 6.30pm.

School Holidays at Challa

Doodling Toads

Challa Gardens Primary School

Every Friday, I jump in my car and head to the other side of town to the amazing Challa Gardens Primary School where they greet you like a celebrity and treat you like one of the family. At the beginning of the year with council funding we embarked on, "The Stobie Pole Project". I was given strict instructions from the ever smiling principal that the poles were to be entirely the kids work...from the design to the final product. The kids have been champions the whole way. They've brainstormed, shared ideas, argued, collaborated, challenged each other, developed designs, negotiated and charmed the neighbours, while colouring the surrounding streets of their school with totems of who they are as people, what they love learning about, where they are going and what they dream of. We inspire each other and they remind me every Friday the thrill of being an artist. We have two weeks to finish and then we are inviting all their friends and families to the end of year "Stobie Pole Parade"!

P.S Stobie is the pet name for power line poles in South Australia.