Perth-based artist duo Pip & Pop (Nicole Andrijevic and Tanya Schultz) will create an immersive and vibrant environment for children and families to explore in this major Children’s Art Centre installation as part of GoMA’s fifth anniversary celebrations.

Drawing on children’s stories, creation myths, Buddhist cosmologies, video games and folktales, Pip & Pop create large-scale fantasy worlds coloured with a bright, often fluorescent palette, using cake-decorating tools, intricate layers of sugar, glitter, modelling clay and mirrors.

Pathways and peepholes will lead visitors to different worlds: a magical forest filled with strange flowers, vines, mushrooms and animals; a cosmic universe condensed into a darkened room with twinkly stars; and a volcanic lake with crystals, mist and liquid pools are just some of the creations waiting to be discovered … releasing your inner child, of course!

Pip & Pop’s installation will only be at the Gallery of Modern Art until March 4, 2012 - so make sure you drop by for a visit!

While you’re there, why not also take a detour over to Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition, ‘Look Now, See Forever’. More information here.

For more information on ‘We Miss You Magic Land‘ + opening hours, visit > www.qag.qld.gov.au/magicland

As one of our top picks to be an artist to watch and collect, we are very excited to hear that Mia Oatley is bringing her stunning works to Gallery One for an up coming exhibition titled ‘Jungle Love’. It’s her first solo exhibition in Queensland, and if you’re a local arts lover you should really try to get along to this one - we’ve been following her work for some time now and she has secured us as big fans! Mia’s portrait of Jasper knight for the Archibald Prize was selected for this years Salon Des Refuses, and her growing national and international appeal has seen collectors Australia wide and from cities such as Hong Kong, London and Paris, add Mia’s work to their collections.

‘Jungle Love’ has been inspired by a recent trip to Bali and the beautiful landscape and incredible tropical bird life Mia encountered there. The result of this visual epiphany has seen her produce a stunning series of paintings that are saturated in bold colours, with Mia’s signature figurative females lounging in a jungle world, surrounded by a lush kaleidoscope of nature and those birds that left such an impression on this talented artist.

‘Jungle Love’ is showing at Gallery One on the Gold Coast from February 13th - 27th. See more of Mia Oatley’s work at www.miaoatley.com.au.

Gallery One > www.gallery-one.com.au

Top: Yayoi Kusama Bottom: Flowers That Bloom at Midnight 2009

Top: Dots Obsession 2009 Bottom: The obliteration room 2011

> Opening Hours (FREE ADMISSION):

10.00am — 5.00pm Monday to Friday

9.00am — 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday

9.00am — 5.00pm Public Holidays

> For more info about the exhibition, visit their website > www.qag.qld.gov.au/kusama

> Visit GoMa’s website … www.qag.qld.gov.au

Splendidly positioned in the Brisbane hinterland, Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard and Stephanie’s Mountain Spa have teamed up to create a new range of indulgent packages just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The ‘Restful Respite’ overnight accommodation package which includes breakfast for two in Mandy’s on the Mountain Restaurant as well as one soothing forty minute massage allows couples to unwind and experience a taste of Clear Mountain Lodge from $259 per night.

The ‘Rest, Relax & Restore’ package priced from $355 per night includes one nights’ accommodation, a forty minute couples massage, scrumptious buffet breakfast, chilled sparkling wine delivered to the room and the luxury of a sleep-in with a late 12 noon checkout.

Designed for those with a little more time on their hands this package will have couples reconnecting with their loved one and re-igniting the romance.

For the ultimate pleasure-seeking getaway, Lodge’s ‘Bountiful Bliss’ package includes overnight accommodation,  a one hour couples massage with a steam therapy lounge experience, a three course dinner and full buffet breakfast in Mandy’s on the Mountain Restaurant.

Priced from $545 per a night, couples will be treated to a late 1pm checkout and will be spoilt with the choice of a bottle of bubbly and chocolates or four Coronas and selection of nuts.

Definitely something to keep in mind for Valentine’s Day!

For further information call: 07 3298 5100, email: enquiry@clearmountainlodge.com.au or visit: www.clearmountainlodge.com.au

Looking for a luxurious getaway these holidays? Then check out Bangkok’s newest Novotel, which is set on top of a shopping paradise!

Shopping enthusiasts will be in awe with the opening of the NEW Novotel Bangkok Platinum, located in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district and strategically on top of Thailand’s largest fashion shopping centre – Platinum Fashion Mall.

Located on the corner of Pratunam intersection, Novotel Bangkok Platinum is around 45-mins drive from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, and a 10-mins walk to the BTS SkyTrain Chidlom Station near several shopping malls, including Siam Square, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld.

This newly built hotel starts from the 6th floor of Platinum Fashion Mall, Zone 3, which is the region’s top wholesale shopping centre. With a panoramic view of Bangkok’s city centre, the 283 “new generation” guest rooms and suites have been carefully designed to blend ergonomics with spacious, modern designs and colourful décor.

Ensuring practical and technological features, each room consists of a flat screen TV,  free Wi-Fi internet access, and a TV connection panel for USB, audio and video for guests who plan to work in their rooms.

To indulge guests who love shopping, the hotel also provides a “Personal Shopper” adviser and shopping delivery service from Platinum Fashion Mall where guests can shop and have the goods delivered to their rooms instead of carrying it around (how great is that!).

> For more info and accommodation rates, visit their website on: www.novotel.com

This year, Christmas at South Bank is Made with Love.

Sections of Brisbane’s most loved public place will be transformed into a wonderland of authentic experiences where people from all walks of life can create, indulge and celebrate. Whether it is creating memories or even handmade gifts, Made with Love: A South Bank Christmas – presented by South Bank Corporation – will engage and delight the whole community.

An inspiring series of classes will be held at the Christmas Craft Studio (Suncorp Piazza) where from 10 December, twice a day, expert artisans will educate participants of all ages on how to craft their own lovingly handmade gifts − many from up‐cycled and sustainable materials.

From Wednesday 14 December, visitors can also take time out with friends and family at the Under the Trees lawn (Little Stanley).

Soak up the ambience and luxuriate in the holiday spirit by relaxing in the beautifully styled picnic area – complete with bar and entertainment – or challenge a newfound friend to a spot of croquet or lawn games.

In the true spirit of giving, South Bank Corporation will host a private gala community picnic on 17 December, where 40 Red Cross families will be spoiled with decadent hampers and a special night under the twinkling trees.

The Under the Trees picnic lawns will be open daily from 10am to 10pm with drinks and music kicking off from 6pm each day.

Check out www.visitsouthbank.com.au for full details on the whole program and to book tickets for the Christmas Craft Studio.

The full Made with Love program runs from 10 December to 23 December 2011.

Above: Materialistic designer Angie McCarthy and her studio!

View full Tea Towel Range

View full Napkin Range

I was doing some sneaky christmas gift googling during my work day this week (please don’t tell my boss!) and it really got me thinking about making a real effort this year - I want to make an impression on family and friends this Christmas. I want to give special homemade gifts … none of these last minute pre-packaged ‘gift packs’ or ‘this will do, right?’ gifts. I’m secretly fearing the overcrowded shopping centres full of screaming children and rogue trollies.  Im going to be organised and do my best to enjoy the ‘christmas gift’ buying process while impressing my friends and family with my very, very clever, stylish, unique gift giving!

I was thinking … textiles. Hand printed textiles. Locally made hand printed textiles.  Bright, graphic, interesting and fun (and functional!). I have accepted the fact its way too late to create my own home made gifts, potato stamps and acrylic paints just wont live up to the dream … trust me - I’ve tried!

I have always fantasised that my homemade gifts will bestow on me the status of ‘Gift Goddess’ amongst my loved ones. But realistically, I know that if I can’t make them myself then I must hunt … and hunt I did, and boy did I find!

It didn’t take long to come across MATERIALIST (my hero!) online. I found their website and was instantly attracted to their fun, colourful tea towels, napkins and home wares … so many talking pieces! All the ‘perfect gift’ boxes seem to be ticked, I can almost feel that burst of excitement when my gift is ripped opened on Christmas morning (or when the sticky tape is slowly, delicately peeled off the wrapping paper - which fyi actually drives me crazy. Please don’t do it. If you’re reading this and getting a gift from me. Just humour me and rip that christmas wrapping like a wild tiger. Please?

We have so many talented Australian designers selling their products in local stores and online - I feel like I just want to shout it from the roofs - wake up people. Its so easy to buy affordable, local, unique gifts and home wares!

So, in the lead up to Christmas Im going to hand pick my fave Australian online designs weekly! Starting here with MATERIALIST. (Disclaimer: My co-worker actually brought to my attention that Materialistic is listed in the current Spring 2011/QH issue under the Design + feature. What a very naughty employee I am - not paying enough attention to features in the actual magazine I work for! If you did want to pick up the issue - find it online here > Materialist features on page 21). The range of eye catching fun tea towels and unique napkins pictured are my top picks.

I will leave you with this little quote by Materialistic designer Angie McCarthy … “My designs are based on things I love and would like to see in my own home, and what my friends would love to receive as a gift – something creative, that’s unique in colour and design, yet simple in form. My products aren’t things you can’t live without – they are things you love and just have to have.”

View Materialistic’s BLOG > http://www.materialistic.com.au/blog/

Oh, if you have any Australian made gift ideas or fave local designers - email me! joanne.thies@graphicpublishing.com.au

Happy gift hunting!

Joanne Thies - QH online

With Christmas just around the corner, this quirky Pop Up shop by Everingham & Watson is the perfect place to pick up some unique, Australiana treasures.

The 4-day Pop Up shop will feature loads of unique and beautiful gifts with an Australiana twist and also a great range of vintage furniture.

This Pop Up shop only runs from December 1-4, so make sure you don’t miss out!

WHERE:

29A Logan Road, Woolloongabba (Next to Crosstown Eating House)

WHEN:

Thursday, December 1  9am-8pm

Friday, December 2  9am-8pm

Saturday, December 3  9am-5pm

Sunday, December 4  9am-5pm

> Keep up to date with all their latest news … like them on Facebook!

> Check out their website … everinghamandwatson.com

‘Cut Throat’ Razor

Left: ‘Powder Puff’ Compact, Right: ‘Mirror Mirror’

Brisbane’s Spiro Grace Art Rooms (SGAR) is putting the ‘art’ into artefact in MADE, an exhibition drawing on the enduring appeal of one-of-a-kind collectables through the inspired works of five of Australia’s finest creatives – from November 4 to 26, 2011.

This latest SGAR offering features wholly unique and limited edition works by leading Australian artists and designers KT Doyle (QLD), Matt Dwyer (QLD), Cinnamon Lee (NSW), Stuart Williams (TAS) and Susan Lincoln (QLD) based on a multiplicity of forms including sculpture, print, wallpaper, timber, light and other materials.

Top & Right: ‘Plume’ Hand Fan‘Perfum’ Left: Perfume Bottle

Think an exquisite limited edition Matt Dwyer feather and black coral Plume fan resting atop your mantelpiece, a distinctive Susan Lincoln antique moulded glass Hydrangeas light illuminating a nook in your lounge room or a one-of-a-kind Stuart Williams digitally imaged marine ply Lake Burbury Cabinet on show in your hallway.

From the uniquely intimate blink-or-you’d-miss-it domestic gallery space of Spiro Grace Art Rooms to your very own lounge room, these are artistic treasures to engage, enrich and inspire the beholder for generations to come. They are objects MADE to last!

> WHERE: SGAR (Spiro Grace Art Rooms) – 255 Gregory Tce, Spring Hill, Brisbane

> WHEN: Friday November 4 to Saturday November 26, 2011

> ENQUIRIES: + 61 (07) 3839 8925 | info@sgar.com.au | www.sgar.com.au

> GALLERY HOURS: Thursday to Saturday 11-3pm or by appointment

You’ve gotta be proud to be an Aussie. With young designers like Flynn Talbot, Daniel Emma and Elliat Rich combing forces and taking the world stage, these guys are certainly putting us on the map!

Their exhibition ‘The Other Hemisphere’, featuring in Milan’s Design Week was a way to take their work to the other side of the world and put their stamp on the unique Australian design style. The group of seven are on their way to international acclaim. Watch this space!

> To see more on these talented designers and their exhibition go to theotherhemisphere.com

- Despina Papamanolis, QH Guest blogger