Day Two: (Art) Market research

In stark contrast to yesterday, I woke up this morning to a face full of sunshine and the promise of a fruitful day. Funnily enough, even though I frequented a number of vintage stores and op-shops in Fitzroy, I didn't purchase a single thing. And I mean nothing. I didn't even make it to the supermarket. I'm having water and chocolate for breakfast tomorrow.

Despite the initial pang of going home empty-handed, I took it as market research and noted a few handy tips and observations for next time:

• A good vintage store can be a lot of fun
• A good vintage store can also cost a lot of money
• Just because the stock in a store's window or outdoor display looks dated, doesn't make it a second-hand store - it's just a weird, cluttered, variety store of sorts. With a questionable smell and an even more questionable shop-keeper
• When 'shopping' on Smith or Brunswick Street (or any street, in my case) it's probably best to take a close friend who knows you've undertaken such a challenge. Close witnesses decrease the inclination to cheat, particularly with all the very pretty clothes and shoes and bags and jewellery and teapots available....at a discount price.

Other than that, it was all a bit of a trip down memory lane. Rediscovering what a 90s baby I really am, my recently acquired love for fur anything and that I could probably sit and stroke a glo-mesh purse all day.

I definitely enjoyed it though and am looking forward to visiting different parts of town, albeit with a more considered and hopefully focused attitude.

 

However we did stumble upon the Rose Street Artist Markets, which definitely tested my (not-so-hidden) impulsive buying tendencies. I forgot how awesome a good, creative market space can be. So many wonderful home-made and recycled cuteness stirred feelings of warmth, nostalgia and pure lust within this material girl. 

I was on the verge of buying a couple of pieces - that I initially thought would make the cut because they were crafted out of old bits of cutlery and other randomness - until the obvious question loomed; are these old or new? GAH! I resisted. I thought I shouldn't fold on a technicality just yet....but even knowing that such awesomeness exists and that I may have to wait four weeks before acquiring it will probably drive me bonkers.

Anyhow, opinions on THAT juicy issue would be greatly appreciated. Obviously opinions which would result in me wearing a plastic dinosaur head on a ring would be highly regarded but I am open to all views.

Otherwise, I still love a good freebie. And the cheeky kids at Able and Game were giving away this fine specimen at their stall.

I'm not naked. I'm wearing yellow hotpants like my pal here.

So I guess it was a somewhat fruitful day anyway. Or it was just a great way to spend a day doing something while not really doing anything. It's what a Sunday should be, really.

Day Two and going strong, kids. Proud of me?

K.x

Day One: And they're off...

So I guess today was the best kinda day to start Buy Nothing New month. Grey, rainy, freezing cold with a major game of footy on. Classic Melbourne.


With very little motivation to step foot out the door, I decided to put together the study table my housie had graciously allowed me to use (ha! first borrowed item!), which forced me to move, sort and clear out a heap of shit I didn't realise I accumulated. Another by-product of re-decorating your room however is realising the million other little things you could use to enhance it. Shelves, frames, new sheets, a porcelain statue. 


Luckily, I really hate 12 degree days and so I didn't whip out to acquire said items. Instead I've rationally considered what I might like to source from the many op-shops in my neighbourhood. I'm thinking a lamp, maybe some kitschy mugs to hold random bits and pieces and possibly some art. This all depends obviously on the quality of the items...no more impulse 'just because' buys around here Mister!


Tomorrow's forecast is conveniently more positive, so to Sydney Road I shall go!
Oh. Then I went on eBay and bought a fascinator for the Cup.


BUT it is previously owned (only used once but will still be disinfecting) AND was only $15.00. So there.


I'd like to think that was a rather successful first day. Right? Right.


K.x

Buy Nothing New? Yeah. Right.

So my good friend Suzi first mentioned Buy Nothing New Month to me as she had decided to take part this year, intending to write what will surely be an amazing piece of work for the Big Issue magazine. Then she put forth the challenge to a number of us girls in the hopes we might make interesting guinea pigs. Then, like a sucker, I accepted said challenge.

Since stepping out into the big bad world on my own with some pretty piss-weak savings, juggling a part-time job with 'full-time' study, I have learnt to live a little more thriftily. Having said that, I can't deny my shopaholic ways; the receipts for the past seven days alone are shameful enough.

Evidence of an addiction. I'm so screwed.

Add to that, upcoming events which would traditionally be no-brainer excuses to hit the retailers - namely my cousin's wedding and the Melbourne Cup - I am definitely in for an interesting four weeks.

At best, I will learn to become more creative, resourceful and appreciate the many things I already have. At worst, it'll be a daily Moan Bitch Cry via this delightful medium. Sorry guys. 

K.x

PS. Anyone with an extensive (and expensive) wardrobe consisting of mainly size 6s (in shoes AND clothes, because I'm coordinated like that) should drop me a line. 

C U N T

Still kickin'. Keepin' it crass and sass, while maintaining a fine ass.

Especially for one Miss Markoff.

K.x

Motivation Pt. 1

Image: Banksy (again)

“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.”  - Zig Ziglar


So I've been playing a pretty constant game of cat and mouse with motivation of late - and by 'of late', I actually mean 'forever' - and it's incredibly frustrating. I know it is largely self-induced and I know it is largely to do with my fear of doing what I really want to do. Always assuming things are going to be too hard, I'm not fit for the task and rejection or failure is sure to abound. What bullshit.


I'm not talking about anything in particular. I might actually be referring to everything. I don't know. But you know that creeping doubt that paralyses your motivation to just get your shit done? Yep. I know it. And I hate it but find it impossible to shake. Though I'm 'bout to give it a good kick in the crotch because it's shittin' me to tears and seriously cramping my style.


And so begins the hardest challenge of my life. The maintenance of motivation. How does anybody do it?


K. x

You've got mail!

Don't you love a good parcel? Especially when it's as cute as this one!

A few weeks back I entered a comp via Beci Orpin's blog and scored myself a ticket to hear her speak at Carbon, as well as one of her limited edition prints; and here it is!

So lovely!

K. x

'Look at these Mad Bastards'

Confronting and heart-warming, the film Mad Bastards lets audiences into the broken homes of Indigenous Australians. It’s a worthwhile journey but not one for the faint-hearted.

Image courtesy of Transmission Films

There’s a lot of stigma placed on the issues faced by Australia’s Indigenous communities but little has been done to really explore and understand where these issues stem from. Recent Indigenous films such as Bran Nue Dae and Samson and Delilah have helped to shed light on the realities faced by these communities. And now Mad Bastard, which was inspired by the oral stories of the Kimberley people, aims to do the same.

In his feature film debut, director Brendan Fletcher takes a raw look at the lives of some deeply troubled Indigenous characters and their continuous struggle with violence, alcoholism and broken families.

Set mainly in the majestic Kimberley region of North Western Australia Mad Bastards follows TJ (Dean Daley-Jones), a hard-drinking ex-con, as he makes the physical and emotional journey to meet his 13-year-old son, Bullet (Lucas Yeeda) for the first time. Bullet’s mother Nella (Ngaire Pigram) has her hands full, juggling her pyromaniac son, abusive partners and alcoholism. Nella’s father Texas (Greg Tait) is the local cop and takes it upon himself to set a good example and help improve his community’s situation.

The stories of these characters are almost one and the same, as each has his or her own demons but ultimately wants to conquer them for the benefit of the family. I should warn you; this film does not tiptoe around the issue. Anyone with aversions to violence and coarse language should probably stay away, as most of these characters do not use delicate language. I think that’s the beauty of these ‘mad bastards’ – the characters, the stories and performances are all so raw.

The cast is made up of non-professional actors, many of whom have lived the stories they’re portraying on-screen. I particularly loved Greg Tait’s turn as one of the only positive male role models in the movie, as well as Douglas Macale as the adorable Uncle Black. But overall, the actors’ performances were honest and refreshing and add to the authenticity of the film. Make sure you sit tight for their candid interviews at the end.

Image courtesy of Transmission Films

The film is scored throughout by the beautiful melodies of the Pigram Brothers, which at times felt a little more Hawaii than Kimberley, but provided a certain dreaminess and hope to the bleak storyline. This distinctive soundtrack also helped to tie in the many contrasts between settings and events throughout the film.

Mad Bastards really gives the audience an intimate look at an aspect of Australian society that most of us would not normally be exposed to. It’s confronting, heart-warming and enlightening. I found myself completely immersed in the journey and, in the end, I was as hopeful about these characters as they were.

Trailer courtesy of Transmission Films

K. x

Mad Bastards is screening now in selected cinemas across Australia. Visit madbastards.com.au for more details.

This review was first published on upstart magazine on 11 May 2011.