What did I do at Mt Zero?

I thought I'd better show you a couple of my drawings. I do like photographing them, I can look at them with a less critical eye, and, I do think, that they look better photographed!

I couldn't help including textiles in my week away, so I did another of the texture studies. I used some raw linen and much larger needles than before. I did want to get something that is substantial enough and could be finished within the week, with only finishing to go. This mostly succeeded and I am very happy with my little study.

Mt Zero Art Camp

Mt Zero Art Camp, that's what I'm calling it. As with all good things, they don't last long enough. With a trip to and from, it's really only three days of intensive drawing.

Mt Zero is at the top end of the Grampians, turnoff from Dadswells Bridge. The cabins were basic but comfortable. There were five of us with an extra in the tent out back who shared our facilities. So with good company and plenty of food! we were well catered for.

For three days the routine was to rise fairly early in the morning, breakfast and then head off to the site where we would spend the morning, lunch, then off again in the afternoon.

There would be an art gallery showing each evening and it was wonderful to see all the work, analyse your own and decide what to do the next day.

This was broken with a day at the Mt Zero Olive Farm with a lovely hearty lunch with a glass of wine.

On the last day we also did some sculptural work. I made a small, intimate piece which I don't have a good photo for. So you'll have to just imagine from my photo. I was actually quite pleased but you can't quite tell why?

On the road to Harrietville

Getting to a Harrietville weekend is as much fun as the weekend itself. It goes without saying, that good company is a highlight. The driver has to be alert, so you just have to keep talking! (and for some, knitting.....I can't knit in a car....a failing, I know) It's a wonderful way to catch up, plan and dream. However, it's a long journey, so you just have to stop along the way.....

The first stop is compulsory, as the wonderful First Editions live in a big shed at Euroa. As you can pick and choose to your hearts content, it's just good fun. We were the first arrivals, this year. Most unusual. As you see I did make purchases, and a couple are not there as they're already being transformed.

The next stop is the Wangaratta Mills of Australian Country Spinners. They've reorganised and enlarged their bargain room, though I did feel that the better organisation limited the amount of disorganised serendipity. This was an unscheduled stop this year, but we did have a new spinner and knitter on board, who hadn't been there. Suffice to say, I only bought a couple of balls for a customer order. Very restrained.

The next stop was also Wangaratta at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral. This houses the Tapestry 'Into the Light'. This was woven by the Australian Tapestry Workshop, and though it was partially covered for Palm Sunday there was still much about it to admire. A beautiful church and many of the banners were made by local embroiderers and quilters, in all sorts of techniques. Well worth a visit, and with the personal connection that made us stop there, even more special.

On the road Beechworth, where we had lunch in a lovely shaded garden, and a look at The Ardent Alpaca. The softest baby alpaca teddy bears on earth. And I don't think I exaggerate. From some fibre to yarn and clothing this is full of beautiful alpaca products. Worth a look.

The final leg of the journey involved a stop at a quilt shop, just for an experiment supply....really, and the drive through the mountains. This year, unfortunately for us, there was alot of backburning going on, so it was a little hazy. As this is an important function we just admired the view as we drove along. Arriving safe and happy, with a very tired driver and grateful passengers.

Oh My!

I know I haven't told you about Harrietville yet. So much to process, so much to do and not enough photographs. It will happen, but we have been a little overwhelmed by our building works.

On being told that our services were to be cut off for a good couple of days, we decided to head down to Phillip Island.

Having only a limited time together, Peter and I decided we would do the walk up to Cape Woolamai. Basically, we walk along the beach right to the quarry. With the tide right out, this is much easier than usual. Then up we go to the highest point on Phillip Island. It's called Snapper Head and is a whopping 112 metres above sea level.

The views are spectacular all over the island to French Island and the rest of the bay and then all along the coast to Wonthaggi.

On a crowded Easter Weekend, most people are there for the beaches, which are spectacular, the sites, Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, etc and the amusements. The walk to this point is quiet, so much so that we were rewarded with an echidna at the side of the path. Crazy little creatures!

At the top is a beacon which is now automatic and solar powered, but in earlier times the local farmer, a, I think the first name is James, Cleeland, after whom the bay and streets are named after, would ride his horse, daily to the top to light the beacon on the southern most point of the island. The ocean passage being a particularly hazardous one.

The whole area used to be a farm, but they've been revegetating, getting rid of feral animals, and, whilst this is an ongoing problem, the vegetation and mutton bird nests attest to the success.

We finally got back home to find:

We had expected the front wall to come off, but not so quickly! Unfortunately, they've hit rock, so the process has slowed for the moment.

Anyway, more on Harrietville soon.

PS. Saturday I'm giving a Colour Theory and Design Workshop at the Handweavers and Spinners Guild. I hope I'm prepared and it turns out fun!