Seeing Melbourne through the eyes of visitors.

 

I was fortunate enough to be invited to join in an exploration of Melbourne by some visitors from the UK recently.  In their plans before arriving in Australia, the highlight of their tour of Cairns, Sydney, Canberra, Victoria and Melbourne was to be Melbourne, and particularly the Art Gallery, because they had heard such amazing things about this glorious city.  Unfortunately, the day we set off was a Tuesday, and we discovered that the Art Gallery shuts on Tuesday.  And, it was the first 45 degree day of a horrendous bout of  horrible Melbourne heat.  Nevertheless, armed with water, we found lots to enjoy in the city and I found lots of art inspiration.  And, they now have a reason to return , at vast expense, to visit me again - and, of course, the Art Gallery!

 

There were, of course the wonderful views of the city and the gardens along the Yarra River to be admired.  It always amazes me that more landscape artists aren't interested in depicting this.

 

 

 My two comapnions also introduced me to the brightly coloured painos which were dotted around the river banks.

They also led me to the Eureka Skydeck, with its golden bees and its incredible 360 degree views over the city:

 

 

Next, they led me across a bridge festooned with padlocks,

to where finally I had the chance to show them that I knew something about our city, by leading them through some of the alleys and arcades that make Melbourne so enchanting.

Reverting to ignorance, I couldn't work out how to get to the Museum by tram from the Burke street Mall.  This is where fellow Melbournians (one of African origins, one of European Origins and one of Asian origins) who were travelling on the tram with us, joined in to guide us to getting off at the best stop.  A wonderful demonstration of Australian hospitality, knidness and generosity.

The Museum was a real eye opener to them and a reminder of how good it is to me, with its user-friendly displays, its openness, freshness and fun.  I found more artistic inspiration there too.

First, there was the incredible Federation Tapestry, designed and made by the Victorian Tapestry workshop.  A mini history, humorous, varied and colourful.  Lovely work:

 

We also enjoyed exploring the Mind exhibition, where I found these carvings done by some of the patients of institutions.

An artist can get so much material in the Melbourne Museum.  There are the usual collections of drawable and paintable insects, skeletons, dead animals and shells, but they were dispalyed with imagination.  I was drawn to the fossils:

and the watercolour/ ink effect of some of the rock formations.

This everchanging installation was beautiful, and accompanied the story of the wedge tailed eagle Creator, Bujil.

 

 

We also enjoyed the Te Vainui O Pasifika display of watercraft, although we would have liked a bit more information on the sails.  This bark cloth gave me some ideas for lino prints and inchies.

Outside, the heat continued, but we still managed to find some more art - sculptures, yarn bombing and graffiti.

I definitely have to do this again - on a cooler day- so that I get to know my city better, and to get more ideas.