Adam Neates

Im sure I have mentioned this guy before - Adam Neates. He does these paintings and takes photos of them in different locations around the Brick Lane/Spitafields area. On Thursday morning, Phil and I were walking to the tube and we saw one lying on the ground. Thing was, I wasn't sure if it was one of his paintings or not. It was a little more abstract than previous ones. A friend of mine from work is collecting the paintings so I told her to check it out but she couldn't find it. On Friday arvo, I was walking back to the tube and I saw the painting hidden behind a gate so I grabbed it and ran back to the office to give it to my work mate, Agnes. Agnes was chuffed. It even has two paintings on it (one on each side!) See below...

  

The weekend was pretty busy. Saturday, I went up to Leamington Spa by train to visit my Mum's friend (Mum went up Friday and came back Sunday). It was OK but a bit middle England for me. I love London, the dirt, the grit, the bustle of the place. I miss it like crazy when I leave.

Sunday was quiet, Phil worked all weekend and Mum wasn't there so I got on with the housework and cooked a nice dinner for everyone (Avocado & Salmon Salad... nice!)

Monday - I mean how good are bank holidays?? Mum and I meant to go to the Matisse exhibition at the Royal Academy but by the time we got into Central London it was late and we wanted to shop. We had a boozey lunch at a restaurant off Oxford Street (In Barratt Street but I cant remember the restaurant name.) The food wasn't too bad but the service was generally rubbish.

Its only a few more days until Im on holiday!!!!

Spider Leap - Footy!

Spider Leap
Originally uploaded by JordanBrock.

My Mum was at this game (Dockers v Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval) before she left to come to London. She went to Leamington Spa today so its just Phil & I tonight. The Dockers got absolutely flogged in case you are wondering.

In other footy news - Richmond had an awesome win over Brisbane at the GABBA but then got beaten by Melbourne tonight. Nathan Brown (One of our highest goal scorers for the season) broke his leg too.

I bought tickets for the Eagles V Dockers game in London on October 8th at Brit Oval in London. Tickets are £20 and you can find more about the game here

Anyways its 6pm and Im out of here.

Rebecca Horn Exhibition Review

So yesterday, Mum & I went to see the Rebecca Horn Bodylandscapes exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. I had personally never heard of Rebecca Horn and was quite suprised to see the Hayward Gallery completely packed (Although that could of had something to do with the cheap booze and good weather). On entering the exhibition - you are greeted with a video projected on the wall of Rebecca Horn in a gimp mask with pencils contraption, scratching across a piece of paper. I thought they weren't allowed sharp items in a mental hospital. The start of the exhibition just had that feel about it.

Now I think in order for something to be classed as art it must provoke a reaction and/or be aesthetically pleasing. I didn't find a lot of her work aesthetically pleasing but it did provoke a reaction in me. Some of the more interesting pieces were a collection of body extensions - one was a unicorns horn that sat atop her head and another was large circular wings that attached to her arms. A lot of her drawings were too white, too drab to have an impact. The large installations were strange contraptions which featured mechanical parts and water in a lot of cases. One was a bowl of water with a large pole touching the water and creating a big reflection on the wall, another was a spray gun attached to a measure of paint and wine. It had already covered the wall but there was a great sense of anticipation whether it would spray paint when it moved. I think it would have been better if it had, although Im sure there was probably an issue with insurance. Lastly, my favourite piece was a large blue room that almost gave you the feeling of being in a whale. It had a large square area of water and again a long pole that pricked the water to create ripples and reflections on the walls, in addition to this it had lots of projectors displaying large words on the walls and something that sounded like whale songs playing. It felt kinda spooky.

It was an interesting exhibition but not a favourite of mine. It was engaging but not as engaging as Eyes, Lies and Illusions nor as aesthetic as Roy Lichtenstein or Henri Cartier-Bresson. If installations is your thing check it out, otherwise probably give it a miss and head to Frida Khalo at the Tate Modern.

The Castle

Yesterday Mum arrived into Heathrow after a long long flight from Perth. Phil and I were up at 5ish to get to the airport in time. From Bow to Heathrow it took us almost 2 hours... Whilst waiting at the arrivals I remembered how much I hate being at airports or just even seeing the departure/arrival lounges on tv. Its not that I wasn't happy to see my Mum, I really was, it just reminds me of leaving home that first time, being so emotional and scared about it all. I asked all my friends to say goodbye at my house but even with my family there it was too much - I came blubbering into customs. On the other hand, going home myself, the emotional relief of suddenly having your family and friends around you after a long time being in a strange place on your own is overwhelming. I cant even think about airports without it making me a little teary, let alone being in one. I wonder if there is a name for airport arrival/departure phobia? Does anyone else get freaked out by the whole emotional arrival/departure thing?

After we got home, and watched The Castle on DVD, Mum and I went for a swim and steam then walked along the SouthBank and checked out the permanent collection in the Tate. Then we had a roast dinner with a nice red wine :) It was a tops day!

Mum & I are going to see Rebecca Horn at the Hayward Gallery tonight...

A spectacular installation bringing together the work of one of the most respected figures in international contemporary art. The show focuses on Rebecca Horn's drawings, and also includes sculpture, film and installations made over a period of thirty years. Much of Horn's work is influenced by her long stay in hospitals and sanatoriums following a serious illness in the late 60s. The show explores how that experience has shaped her work through her constant allusion to the body, to sensory awareness, physical frailty and desire.

Don't Forget to Vote for my Naked & Angry submissions

Thanks to all those people who have voted for my Naked & Angry submissions so far but the contest isn't over yet. If you haven't voted yet, hop on over to Naked & Angry and get voting!!!!

Little Chicken

Chicken in Space


Cheers

Mum & Grandma

Mum & Grandma
Originally uploaded by yahnyinlondon.

Im so excited about my Mum arriving tomorrow.. This is when I was home last (pictured alongside my G - Dad's Mum) when we visited Kings Park. I havent seen her since then so I cant wait until tomorrow morning.

Since this photo was taken she has lost heaps of weight - in preparation for our European Adventure.

I have just booked tickets for us to see The Producers at Drury Lane Theatre and also Guys & Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre with Ewan McGregor. I totally recommend checking out Guys & Dolls, most of June is already sold out so step on it if you want tickets.

Moors, Organic Apple Juice

Moors, Organic Apple Juice
Originally uploaded by yahnyinlondon.

I found this in a fancy organice produce shop near the Design Museum. It was the best apple juice ever. Although this tiny bottle cost about £2. The apple juice even looked like apple juice rather than just pee-coloured water.

Anyways Im just listening to Richmond vs Brisbane and its like a 2 point ball game.. Must listen.. stop writing on blog...

What to do this weekend

Well Phil and I are both scratching our heads and wondering what to do this weekend. Aside from the usual cleaning, washing stuff and Sunday, when we are going to a workmates for Sunday lunch.

A good place to start is the Time Out. Delivered every week it always has heaps of inspiration. So what are the options...

World Press Photo Exhibition
This is free and in the Royal Festival Hall which has recently updated their website - very nice!

Go and see Strings at the National Film Theatre along the South Bank on Saturday afternoon. Its "an epic journey of revenge told with beautifully crafted marionettes and a fine British voice cast" and looks rather interesting. The director of Strings, Anders Rønnow Klarlund is joining after for a Q&A session which isn't really my bag - a bit arty farty cultural for me.

Im going to work on some personal projects some more, do some Arteis work and post some more Flickr photos too and lets not forget Eurovision :D

Design Museum and OMG where did the week go?

Design Museum
Originally uploaded by Beatnic.

Well, I dont have any photos in my collection of the Design Museum so I found this one on Flickr. The weekend was very productive - I did get there on Saturday to check out the Information Design exhibition which was well cool. They always seem to style the displays so well, using the space as well as the exhibitions to reflect the theme. Some galleries and museums just paint the walls but they recreate the space each time. We have an opening to the European Design exhibition which opens shortly.

I didnt get to Victoria Park but I did do my shopping and had a great lunch on Sunday with some work friends. I cooked Wild Rice Risotto which Id give about a 5/10. It would have been better with chicken!

Speaking of chickens I have two entries at Naked & Angry.

Little Chicken
Chicken in Space

And OMG where did the week go? It seems about 30 seconds between last Friday and now.. Its only 5 more days til my Mum arrives too!

Addicted to bike riding

So I didn't ride to work today... I started feeling all dizzy and funny walking to the tube, I just felt so lazy and its like I have to pay how much to get on this stupid tube? pffff. I love getting into work (or home) after riding my bike for 30 minutes or so, Im all pumped up and energetic.

Ive been riding through Mile End park and have been going past a pub called The Palm Tree. Its nestled in the park next to the canal, I can see many a Summer day spent drinking at that pub in the future :).

Anyways lots to do and have the Cruel Sea pumping to get me going all the way to 6pm.

Its nearly the weekend

Which is good and bad. Good because I love the weekend but bad because Phil leaves on Friday to go on his Pinkster (boys drinking) weekend. I mentioned earlier my plans for the weekend. The weekend is my shining light atm. Not that I hate my job, just feeling a bit worn out by it all.

I've been thinking about all the things Mum & I can do whilst she is here... I want to make sure she has a really good time and want to have lots of suprises planned. Firstly, she will be staying in style and comfort in a lovely Ikea sofa bed. Im claiming that was her Mothers Day present.
Now, Ive already planned and booked our holiday for 2 weeks, taking in Dublin, Prague, Bratislava, Ljublana and Dubrovnik. Well, what about the rest of the time? She is visiting the lady she lived with the first weekend, who lives in Leamington Spa for a day or so. She asked for me to buy tickets to see a show. I was thinking of taking her to see The Vegemite Tales at the Riverside Theatre if there are still tickets left and for her birthday, dinner and to see The Producers. Provided I have money left, on the last day Mum is here, I was going to take her to Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Does anyone else have any good ideas? As Mum lived here for almost 18 months she has done a lot of things already. Oh.. and we are going to the Tates.

Bottle House

Bottle House
Originally uploaded by HearSeeNYC.

This is cool... there are so many strange photos on Flickr.

Im also in a group called One Letter which led me onto this little app.... Spell with flickr

Dreaming of the weekend

Well its just me this weekend, Phil is off on his boys weekend so Im thinking about what mischief I can get up to. On Friday or Saturday I was thinking of riding to the Design Museum for a visit. Their current exhibition on Information Design closes on Sunday and I really wanted to see it.

On Saturday I want to work on some personal project stuff which I'll keep under wraps for now but its going to be cool. Its a long long way off being complete but the idea is there. I also want to create a logo for Phil. I bought him a domain name and he wants to get a site up there, so just start off with a logo first and see what comes of that.

I'd also like to go for a bike ride to Victoria Park which is a short ride away from our apartment... After that I think I'll follow it up with a nice spa.

Saturday night Im going to have a cosy night in with some dvds - possibly Twin Peaks but fingers crossed its Sex & The City. I never got to see the earlier seasons.

Sunday - Im having some friends over for lunch. One of them is vegetarian so Im having a good think about what to cook. If you know any good recipe sites, comment below!

Only a few more days!!!

Twin Peaks and booze

I had my three of my old flatties over for lunch yesterday. Cooked a lovely roast with juniper berries and bay leaves with lots of roast vegies, peas and gravy. Even had nice choccy puddings with whipped cream for dessert. It was a great arvo. We headed down the Newark bar after for some games of pool and more brews. Needless to say there was some sore heads amongst them. Im still on my drinking in moderation bandwagon. I had some wine with lunch, a couple of beers and that was it. Although I had work to finish which was my main reason for taking it easy.

Phil bought the Twin Peaks dvd set the other day... as well as like 4 or so others. He was so excited when he got all his packages. He said there is a suprise coming for me and I really really hope it is the Sex & The City box set. OMG I just checked my Amazon and someone ordered something through my site.. whoever you are, you are a champ(s). The last book below is something Phil bought for us to qualify for free delivery. We are planning on seeing more of the 'countryside'!

  

OMG Clothing

OMG so like I was surfing on Saturday morning like and like I saw this site yeah called OMG Clothing. I kept wondering why I saw them on Threadless and so I clicked yeah and then I realised. You can submit slogans!!! Cool hey? Well yeah but no but yeah but (sorry too much Little Britain) and I submitted one. You can vote for it here Chickens with Lips.

Still super busy at work hence the lack of posts... Last night we went out to Pride of Spitalfields. Such a cool little bar, even somewhere to park my bike. We were standing outside the bar which was nice. They have some strange beers including one called Brewers Gold which no one could remember the name of and just refered to it as golden shower. Nice. The bar stuff were quality and it was a total get ratarsed have a laugh pub rather than omg like look what she is wearing.. did you hear that Tracey hooked up with like Ben.. like OMG. I hate those pubs so POS is cool. I was hungry so an ex work colleague Ev bargained us a deal on Brick Lane - main meal, pappadums, naan, rice all for £7, which he paid for (there was 6 of us). It was such a sweet thing to do. We had another drink at the Big Chill but it was like completely packed.

Im just hassling Phil to get me some breakfast... mmm hungry!

The internet, snooker and hell.

The Lemon: History Of The Internet
Lol.. asshats... reminds me of the days of skulking around on YayHooray

Its my last game of netball at White City, although as much as I enjoy it Im glad that I dont have to trek out there on Wednesday again. It seems so far there and back. Unfortunately we are going to be short so if we use someone who hasnt played 4 games then we forfeit the match.

I cant believe I actually got into snooker over the world championships (Thanks Phil!). I was glad "tubby" Murphy won although Stevens played pretty well too. Another show that has left a big gaping hole is Hell's Kitchen. I wish Kellie had won though because I thought she controlled everything well even when things went pear-shaped. The actual restaurant was in Brick Lane, the street our office is on runs off that but Im not sure where it is..probably hidden in one of the breweries.

Threadless Tees

I finally got around to posting a few photos of Phil in his Threadless tees.
Consumable
Radios

More to follow - have a few in my wardrobe and Phil has 3 more also.

Bike Riding in London

Phil and his bike
Originally uploaded by yahnyinlondon.

Yesterday we went on our first bike ride together. I bought a new bike (although the piccies of me are on Phil's camera.)



Here is a piccy of my bike from Halfords where I got it from - prices are good but the service sucks. Its an Apollo Charm.. I got it because it has shockies and it was a nice cyan blue colour.

We did some more Ikea shopping. Just had to get a sofa bed for when Mum is here and some frames for our pictures. Thankfully we dont have to go back there for a very very long time. You know that Ikea drives me crazy doco? That about sums it up.

If you want to order cycling guides go to Transport for London - Free Cycling Guides.