Ferntree

More than a month ago, I went on a drive up to the Dandenongs with my friends Georgie and Amelia. We stopped in a frosty gully somewhere, wrapped ourselves up in blankets and painted what we saw. It was like sitting in a cloud, so cold and bright, the light was perfect. We left as the sun set, feeling exhilarated and free. I look to these paintings more and more as I contemplate where to go next with my practice. 

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"A portrait of my child once a week, every week in 2013."

Casper: Yesterday you walked the whole way to crèche eating a shiny red apple and chatting about dogs and dragons.

Joining in with Jodi. Also on my Tumblr.

Grilling Me Softly

Go check out my interview over at Grilling Me Softly this week. Eloise Grills takes beautiful candy coloured photographs in 35mm and publishes one interview/article a week on her blog. Have a look at her Tumblr too, she's a gem.

The Red Thread

Tomorrow evening is the opening of my first solo show. I am exhausted and happy, having installed most of the works today. Here is the show description:

"Spots of blood, hairs tucked under stitches, stains and smudges. Old quilting folklore states that to protect the owner of a quilt, red thread must be used somewhere in the quilting process. Like veins pumping plasma, the red thread weaves its way through each piece in this exhibition, protecting, overseeing. Ruby Hoppen makes quilts that breathe, blush and bleed."

If any Melbournites feel like swinging past, the show is on at First Site Gallery, 344 Swanston Street, Storey Hall Basement, RMIT. The work will be up for the next two weeks, and I will be sitting the gallery some days like a real adult professional artist who has shows.

I think that's all I can manage for now, Goodnight.

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"A portrait of my child once a week, every week in 2013."

Casper: Sad that you lost your red beanie.

Playing along with Jodi. Also on my Tumblr.

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"A portrait of my child once a week, every week in 2013."

Casper: Tired after a busy day at the rally for refugee rights.

Joining in with Jodi. Also on my Tumblr.

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"A portrait of my child once a week, every week in 2013."

Casper and Mika: Sleep-talkers.

Linking up with Jodi. Also on my Tumblr.

I'll Be Pretty & I'll Be Rare

Today I slept in because I went to a wonderful gig last night and stayed up late. Casper has been so sweet, playing in the cherry blossoms and singing made up songs to himself. I came outside to check on him and he had a crusty snotty nose, his trademark messy hair with pink blossoms floating delicately on top.

Last week I bought a beautiful dollhouse.

Look at those rooms! Yellow doors on hinges! A hand rail on the stairs! Pink walls and perspex "glass" windows! Lino and carpet! Shiny red painted roof! I couldn't resist, I am so in love with it and I think Casper is too- I caught him trying to crawl inside it the other day.

I'm still thinking about what to do for tomorrow's portrait, maybe something to do with cherry blossoms and dollhouses and a certain snotty nosed, messy haired toddler.

Beachy Keen

We went up to Warrnambool to visit family a few weeks ago and Steve took some absolutely beautiful shots on the beach. The wild shipwreck coast is one of my favourite places in the world, I think I want to live near the ocean for my whole life. We found some lovely seaweed, climbed the rocks and tired ourselves out. Can't wait to go back.

The painting pictured above (of the beach at Warrnambool) is going to be in a show tomorrow night at Bruce Gallery in Footscray. It is a salon style, farewell show as the gallery is relocating. Should be a great night so if you're in the neighbourhood just drop in, it starts at 6!

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"A portrait of my child once a week, every week in 2013."

Casper: Splashing in puddles.

Joining in with Jodi. Also on my Tumblr.