thank you for the mention: the manly daily…
Posted in paris: made by hand, sydney July 9th, 2009 by piablog

Piamanlydaily

What a surprise to be featured in my local Sydney paper! Its with much thanks to journalist Kate Moore, who some of us may know better here in the (blog)house as the delightful ms. katiecrackernuts. Kate interviewed me a month or so ago. Thank you Kate, and thank you Manly Daily.

The photograph you might already know, is by the ever-fabulous, David Finato – I love the wonky Dutch buildings behind me on the canal!

xx

PS if you are a northern beaches local, and you still have your friday, July 3 paper, it’s on page 20 in the ‘alive’ entertainment section. Click here for the online version and flick to page 20.

on the table at planet furniture, sydney…
Posted in handmade, homewares, sydney July 8th, 2009 by piablog

ottt

I have always been enamoured with the ceramic (and textile, and homeware, and furniture) collection at planet furniture in surry hills, sydney. And if I didn’t live on the other side of the world, I would be going to their ‘on the table too’ exhibition which opens this thursday 9th july, from 6-8pm. be there. for me?

play me i’m yours…
Posted in artists, music, sydney January 30th, 2009 by piablog

…is a gorgeous public piano project in Sydney right now until February 2. Created by British artist Luke Jerram, his idea is “to challenge pre-conceived notions of city living and enhance our sense of community by providing free access to pianos all over the city”. There are 30 pianos dotted around the city including one at Centennial Park, Circular Quay, QVB and The Opera House (click here to see all the locations).

I did not know about this until I left Sydney the other day. Of course I’m bummed about it as if I had have seen a piano I would have sat down immediately, I can rarely contain myself when I see a piano in a room or space, and I am usually not satisfied until I sit down to play at least one song. So, I don’t know where these pianos were hiding when I was there because French Boy and I were regularly at these locations! Anyway, perhaps one of you would play one for me this weekend? It would make a great Julia Cameron-style artist date don’t you think?

So dear Luke, can you please bring your piano project to Amsterdam this year? I could take lots of great photographs for you. And I would love you long time.


image from street pianos, sydney.

a parting word from down under.
Posted in sydney January 18th, 2009 by piablog

Well this is it guys, French Boy and I are heading back to ‘the mainland’. It’s a strange feeling to be leaving home for home, both being as sweet as each other. But departing from this land does always leave a tiny hole in my heart each time and somehow, it never gets easier.

Before I go though, I wanted to leave you with this little piece you see below. Yes, it’s a new medium for me on the blog because I just discovered that my G10 (you read right, I finally got myself a powershot! It’s so much lighter!) also takes video and I snapped this spontaneous piece a few hours ago just before dusk. This pretty much sums up what Sydney feels like for both a newcomer and an oldtimer. I do hope you enjoy, mes amis

it’s time to draw the name from the hat…
Posted in pia's photos, sydney December 27th, 2008 by piablog

It has been a beautiful few days here in Sydney, and French Boy has fallen head over heels for this part of the world. We have been spending our first week here just lazing about the water’s edge, gently sunning ourselves and dipping into the turquoise H20 to cool down every so often.

I know, it’s harsh isn’t it. I just hope you don’t hate me for this, especially those of you who are stuck in knee high snow at the moment. I snapped the photo above while in Avalon yesterday, after indulging in a rather scrumptious breakfast at The Starfish Cafe (French Boy had never before seen a breakfast menu with so many choices! And I forgot how wonderful it is to be able to ask for (and warmly receive) a loose leaf english breakfast tea with honey AND soy milk!)

……………………………………………………

But let’s get to it – who is the winner of the stunning Dinosaur Designs vase? (which, I must add, to describe as ‘stunning’ is an understatement. must I give it away?!).

Well, let’s see. I’ve put all the names in a jar and am dipping my hand into it now. My eyes are shut. Oh I so wish all of you to win! But there can only be one…

…and the winner is…

Devi! Congratulations you lucky gal!! please email me your address and i will pop your prize in the mail tout de suite.

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Thank you everyone who commented and wished me a happy blog anniversary. I can’t tell you how much your beautiful comments touched my heart. So many of you went out on a limb and commented for the first time, and others that I know aren’t keen commenters did so. Thank you! You have all made my first year of blogging so very special, and I can’t wait to share more with you this coming year, I know we are going to have an absolute blast!

Enjoy the rest of the festive season mes chers amis, I have a few new favourite photos that I will be posting over the coming weeks, and then I will recommence normal posting when i return to amsterdam, rejuvenated and bursting with inspiration, in late january. I’ve only been away for a few days and already my mind is alight with new ideas. Oh it’s going to be a wondrous year ahead. Can you feel it too?

xx

PS I’ve got colours!