Show at Chapman and Bailey

I'm taking part in another show, this time all entrants are given a 35 x 35 cm stretched Bell Arti canvas as the starting point of  their artwork. I can't wait to see what the other entries look like, it will be interesting to the different approaches and mediums used. 

"above the clouds" By Sai-Wai Foo

I managed to snaffle a lovely natural linen canvas as the base for my piece. Here's  a sneak peak of my piece. I have to admit I had a blank canvas for months in my work space just lurking & glowering at me. Typically it came together quite quickly once the deadline was looming - after all the paper folding. I think the process of cutting and folding a paper helps me think through ideas and I find the whole process to be very relaxing and a bit a meditative state.
My piece above is a small flock of cut paper birds circling above a mass of pleated paper clouds. It's titled "above the clouds" and below are images of the work in progress - the canvas was blank for quite a long time....

2012 Belle Arti Prize hosted by Chapman and Bailey

12 December – 26 January at 
Chapman & Bailey Gallery, 350 Johnston St, Abbotsford  
Opening on Wednesday December 12, 2012 between 6-8pm
Facebook event page here

Love Miss Foo XXX

World Aids day & Toy to the world!! Beware the bear!!

Today is world AIDS day & I thought it would be timely to mention a project I am involved in.

I am decorating a 15-inch vinyl bear! YAY! Which is part of  a campaign named  "Toy to the World".

My blank bear has been sitting by the telly all white and naked in its vinyl glory. I am working through some ideas on how to decorate this little darling I think it will involve glitter, sequins & pleated paper...

my currently very naked bear...

There was an artist day on 17th of November at Section 8 where artist were doing live workshops & painting demos. Was I a bit miffed I will not be able to be there for that one :( but after all a large family event is taking place that day to I can't beg off to paint toys and drink beer! Have a look at the pics of the launch from their Facebook page. 

The event is being run by the dynamos at Pencil Neck Productions and it is the 2nd year of the this event. Monies raised are going to the Aids Council of Victoria and funds go towards projects like HIV prevention, treatment, research and education .

During the Midsumma festival here will be an exhibition of the bears in early January culminating a silent auction which will run during the duration of the show. I've taken part in charity auctions like this before & I have to admit I do get a bit competitive when it comes to the funds that my work raises!! Ok I admit it I am competitive but it's for a good cause so there!! 

Also to help fund the project they are crowd sourcing funds via Pozible so get in before the 22nd of December to show your support!! 

Stay tuned for pics of my bear!

Love Miss Foo XXX

Thinking pink....

"I adore that pink! It's the navy blue of India," 

 Diana Vreeland

Detail shot of 2 pieces in the "Think Pink" show titled 
 LEFT "Tickled Pink" & RIGHT "Pink perfection"  by Sai-Wai Foo

I am taking part in "Think Pink" a group show at the Firestation Print Studio in Armadale. The theme is anything to do with pink. 

The show will be raising funds for the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) from 22nd October to 4th November.  It is being run in partnership with the Pink Lady Art Exhibition (see link for previous blog post) The official opening is on Saturday the 27th of October from 10am to 12pm - morning tea!

I have 3 pieces in the show and again fabulous birds are the subject matter,  this time a pair of flamingos and a very over the top parrot! 

"her signature colour was pink..."by Sai-Wai Foo

I have always had a fondness for pink. To quote Shelby from Steel Magnolias  "pink is my signature colour..." It's a film that can still reduce me to a quivering sobbing heap! If you haven't seen it do there's lots of big hair, southern accents, Dolly Parton, a bleeding armadillo cake & Shirley MacLaine is awesomely grumpy.

Truvy: What are your colors, Shelby?
Shelby: My colors are "blush" and "bashful."
M'Lynn: Her colors are "pink" and pink."
Shelby: My colors are "blush" and "bashful" Mama!
M'Lynn: How precious is this weddin' gonna get, I ask you?

Love Miss Foo XXX
 

Firestation Print Studio

2 Willis Street

Armadale VIC 3143

Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm or by appointment

Workshop Hours: available for booking, 365 days a year. 
Below are images of the studio & gallery space.

 

 

Mini the wonderdog wanted to have a sticky beak in the studio

 

Finders Keepers market & other bits and pieces!

After my visit to the Finders Keepers in April this year I was really keen to take part in their next event. So I am happy to say that I have a stall at the upcoming October market, it opens of the Friday evening & runs all day Saturday! Going from the last market it should be a busy, fun market. Here's are the links to the designer directory  and the Facebook invite 
Just a gentle reminder the when the market is on it will be just over 2 months to Christmas.... seriously it feels as like it is just getting faster & faster!! ARGH!
If you can't make this market there are always my regular retail stores see my facebook for the listing of stores that stock my work.

Also I will be taking part in Markit at Fedsquare again on 25th of November... by that stage it will be exactly on month before Christmas so the panic should really have set in eep! For both markets I will have market specials and stock exclusively for the markets so pop by & grab a bargain - it is a reward to getting your chrissy shopping done early!

Also if you are thinking about getting portrait of your fluffy creature for yourself or as a gift you can contact me on pleatybunny@gmail.com if you want a quote or have any questions.

I love working on commissioned pieces as the subjects are always really fun and I do like the reactions I get to the finished piece! 

Here's are some images of comissioned work that I have completed recently: 

"Pinot"

Pinot looking handsome!

Pinot the handsome - a commissioned portrait of a very loved and handsome Chi/Jack Russell. The brief was for a portrait with airmail collar, I think he looks rather dashing with his starched collar and his little pearl button!

"A bad bad Bunny"

"A bad bad bunny" - a commission for a birthday gift, the brief was for a sweet but bad-ass bunny who had a bit of attitude witha vintage map paper collar.

"Oliver"

"Oliver" - a gift for a fresh baby, request was for a sweet looking bunny with patterned blues

love Miss Foo XXX

Small show, doggies & knitting

A small show....

I've been very kindly offered a small gallery space upstairs at Open Drawer until the end of the month. I have just dropped a selection of work off to the ladies so it being hung over the weekend. It's a small show with some of the Pleatybunny menagerie that will be happily residing upstairs - pop by & see them. There are doggies, bunnies, song birds and parrots galore! (see pics below of some of the work)

Open Drawer

1158 Toorak Road,
Camberwell (Hartwell Village) 3124
(Mel. Ref 60 C6)
Tram No 75 - Stop No. 52

https://www.facebook.com/opendrawer

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am – 5.00pm

Thursday 10am – 7pm

Saturday and Sunday 10am – 4pm

"The Siblings"

"Beauregard" the Frenchie &"Pinto" the chihuahua 

Some mad parrots

"Cicely" who has a penchant for Champagne & "Roxie"

Of doggies.... 

I am very fond of the friends of the fluffy four legged variety so artist's who deal with this subject matter are very close to my heart. My former printmaking lecturer Deb Williams has recently been interviewed for the series "Inside Art" on Channel 31 Wednesdays 8.30pm. 

Below is the link talking about the dog as muse. 

Check out Deb's Website as there is some really beautiful work in the galleries http://deborahwilliams.com.au/

 

Rather chuffed as Mini the Wonder dog's excellent snout makes a (small) apppearance in the clip... yes, I am a proud & tragic stage mother. I had taken Mini over to Deb's studio for a  snout session as Deb was looking for dogs with interesting noses for a series of prints. Mini has a particularly noble nose.....

Mini's snout in the bottom right hand corner! Work pictured is by Deb Williams and image is from a screen capture from Inside Art 

Left:Deb in her studio Right: Mini in Deb's studio walking around like she owned the place 

Of Knitting.....

The lovely people at Australian Country Spinners have free knitting patterns!! There is a great selection at online that are based on their archived vintage 80's patterns - I am particularly fond of the bobble knit cardigan! Patterns can be downloaded here

If the thought of a whole garment is too scary; you're looking for a little project or you're a novice knitter and want some practice have a look at Knitting for Dog Rescue Groups. 


Chantal and her mother Pierrette are two lovely ladies who are behind this not for profit group. They knit and also coordinate volunteers to knit doggie jumpers to give to Australian Dog Rescue groups for their old, sick and hairless dogs. They can be contacted via their facebook page or else via email on knittingfordogrescue@hotmail.com if you are able to help in anyway!

Chantal is super talented she makes amazing and intricate leather guitar and bass straps. As well as working in the film industry look at the film & costume gallery as you will definitely recognize much of her work!!! (all I can say is AWESOME!!)


Check out Chantal's Website here: www.pccord.com

Left: Chantal hard at work in her studio Right: one of Chantal's beautiful leather guitar straps

Images from Chantal Cordy's website www.pccord.com

love Miss Foo XXX

Clover, Doggies and a Farewell

I have a new stockist for  Pleatybunny by Miss FOO - its a great little store called Clover Clothing

It's primarily a clothing store but has a mix of toys, homewares, accesories and artwork too. It is the spot to pick up Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Diane Von Furstenburg, Anna Sui -  overseas designer brands hard to get styles. They stock some Japanese labels & a selection of local brands too. Has a slight Japanese bent - so my well dressed bunnies are fitting in quite well in the store. They will be stocking Pleatybunny original artworks, artist prints & accessories.

Clover Clothing 

404 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy 3065
Tel: (03) 9419-9180
Melway: Map 44, Ref A1

 

   

This week I had the pleasure of meeting the brains behind Best in Park Christine and the muse, supermodel, all singing, all prancing Walter the dog; who gives the best doggie smooches & cuddles! 

Best in Park have a divine range of dog collars, leads & accessories for even the most discerning pooch. Very old school aesthetic; checks, bow ties and classic styling, as you know I am fond of a dapper dog!  Also it's nice to know that AUD $4 from every Best in Park® local web-shop order over AUD $100 is donated to the PALS (Pets are Loving Support) program run by the Lort Smith Animal Hospital

(images from Best in Park website) 

My fondness for well dressed dogs is pretty well documented! "Leo" the Pug looking very handsome, Rollo the Frenchie with his Francophile pleats & Christian Dior pearl buttons, below "the Perfect pair" looking rather prim!

I do take custom orders of pets inquiries can contact me via email pleatybunny@gmail.com love to hear from you.

 

I also managed to get into town to see my lovely friend Dean who is one half of the dynamic duo behind Madame Virtue. Mind you I used the pretext of a doggie date for Mini and Maude (is a shar pei as well as being shop security and the hardest working sales girl at MV) but really I just wanted to play with handbags and shiny things!

on the path to Madame V if you see Pellegrini's you are heading in the right direction!

Madame Virtue is a tiny jewel box of a store tucked in Crossley Street - between Bourke & Little Bourke - Easiest way to find it is to find Pellegrini's and you are heading in the right direction.It is filled with archival Japanese designer pieces, Dior, Gucci, Lanvin, YSL, Chanel (Lady Gaga bought a Chanel beauty case from here), Hermes just to name a few. They also have the Madame Virtue in-house brand - they have dressed clients for events like the Oscars, no Browlow dressing here! 

There is some amazing jewellery in store at the moment which the boys have designed... mmmm shiny.

 

  

 

Maude & Mini on Crossley Street

MADAM VIRTUE & Co.

5 Crossley Street  Melbourne VIC 3000

03 9663 8669

It's a sad farewell to Job Warehouse  which has been on the same site on Bourke Street since 1952 when it was opened by Jacob Zeimer who emigrated from Europe after World War 2. After Mr Zeimer passed away in 2005 his son David took over the reins. 

A decision has been made to close the store this Friday. (See the article that appeared the in The Age here) Anyone who sewed, studied fashion or was involved in the rag trade has a story about this store. Many about being thrown out by Mr Zeimer for browsing, but some were lucky enough to be taken in hand to the treasure trove upstairs.....Oh the memories & the dust!

Love Miss Foo XXX