New work for 2012: landscape format

New pictures for January 2012 in landscape format.  Something new....

Gabby Malpas Ceramics from 1986

I rediscovered these photos.
Majolica glaze on thrown earthenware made by yours truly as part of her degree show 1986.

I wish I'd kept them.  Sigh.

Older work

Looking through old photographs yesterday I found photos of work circa 1988/1989.
My work has certainly changed over the years - I think I will reintroduce some of these elements.  I love the inky dark backgrounds and bright bright colours.

RIP Yvonne Therese Marie Malpas: 25 Jan 1920 - 12 Dec 2011

 Bonnie Malpas: Dec 2009, at Mission Bay

 Yours truly on the far left

Some of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Our dear mother passed away last week about a month shy of her 92nd birthday.

Although the preceeding days were a little fraught and emotional, the funeral and farewell were lovely.

It was the first time in 42 years that all 10 of us siblings were in the same place at the same time!



The kindness of strangers

While at the PYD design markets, a woman bought one of my bags made from recycled barkcloth curtains. She took a card and said she would get in touch as she had been collecting barkcloth fabric over the years and would I like some....

Fast forward to yesterday.  I picked up a parcel from the post office.  Imagine my surprise and delight to unwrap these beautiful fabrics.

Over the years I have been the lucky recipient of kindness from complete strangers but yesterday's gift was just outstanding.

Thank you Janette Morris from Hornsby, Sydney.

PYD Design Markets, Waterloo, Sydney

The last Mango Frooty market for a while: PYD markets in Danks St, Waterloo on the weekend of 26/27 November.
The wet weather and lack of visitors made for a disappointing weekend for many of the traders which was a real shame.  However, I reported my best result for markets ever.

I must say that the quality of items on offer was extremely high so I was proud to be accepted.  I was next door to Melissa Tan who is a regular at the Rocks markets and is also active on etsy.  Melissa was so friendly and welcoming that the weekend was a lot of fun.

I will be rethinking the market strategy for 2012.

Eugene Wang: Buying art online

I don't have a problem with buying pictures online.  In fact I've bought a number of them without seeing them in person first.

I know a number of you may find this strange - dodgy even.  But why? 

I realise art is an emotional and intensely personal thing but if you like the image, have an idea about the size and the buying experience is pleasant - why not?  Sure, the colours may differ slightly between real life and the image on your computer screen but they are fairly close.

Anyway, above is a little crab painting I bought online from Canadian/Chinese artist Eugene Wang.  He makes beautiful little still life paintings and sells them via his blog.  I've placed the picture next to one of my own above the kitchen table where I work every day.

I'd be interested in your thoughts about buying online though....

Disco Biscuit series: Coming to Bondi Market - Sunday 20 Nov!

So I'm going back to 1984, getting my Buffalo girl stance on and painted a number of tshirts in the Sydney colours of Summer.  That's a one off Gabby Malpas in bold and permanent colours on a cotton tshirt for $30.  Wooohoooo.

References for the motifs are amoebas, mitochondria, seed pods, marine life... I'm thinking: Vivienne Westwood, Malcom McLaren, Keith Haring, Jenny Kee, Linda Jackson...

Coming to Bondi Markets on Sunday 20 November - see you there!

The National Trust Harper's Mansion Still life prize entry

This is my entry to the National Trust Harper's Mansion Art prize for Still life in October.  It was selected to hang but sadly no prize. 

I'll keep trying....

Bro cards

This year's offering of seasonal cards for all those Kiwis and Kiwi lovers out there.  Some of my favourite 'from home' expressions painted up in watercolour.

I am selling cards of these designs for $15 per pack of 5.

See you at North Sydney Market tomorrow, PYD markets 26/27 Nov and watch this space for details of Bondi Markets.