Sydney Trip

What a wonderful time I had on my Sydney trip, catching up with my family, meeting my new great nephew, seeing old friends and making new ones. Not to mention the exhibitions, festivals, beaches, mountains, food and wine!

The Vivid Festival

One reason I went at this time of the year, was to see the Vivid Festival in Sydney. Buildings are covered in light shows with music and there are light walks and sculptures to wander around. I was at the opening of Vivid, sitting by Sydney Harbour with hundreds of people, looking at the Opera House when the lights were all turned on. It certainly was a sight to see, as were all the other buildings lit up. I also was there at the closing of Vivid with a friend, and thousands of other people, so got to see more of the festival again including the light shows and installations in Martin Place.

The weirdest part was walking up the middle of George St in the city with no cars about. They had closed at least 6 blocks to traffic and it was fun wandering up the street to the railway station for the train ride back to the mountains. I am enamoured of the Sydney public transport system. So efficient and easy to get around on.

Good Friends

One of the highlights of my trip to Sydney was catching up with an old friend, spending time in the Blue Mountains and meeting new friends. One of these was Graham Hallett, a very talented artist and a lovely man. I was lucky enough to be in the mountains when Grahams’ new exhibition was opening at the Lost Bear Gallery in Katoomba. It looked wonderful… strong vibrant colours and clean, clear lines and I very much admire his work. The exhibition opening was fun and a chance to have a good look at Grahams work and the gallery. The after party was even more fun!  Graham kindly gave me permission to use one of his images here, “Shelter.”

Click here to go to his FaceBook page. He is represented by the Lost Bear Gallery, Katoomba. Click here to go to their website.

Graham also kindly played tour guide on a couple of occasions and took me to some truly beautiful places. I had forgotten how spectacular the Blue Mountains are, and one of my favourite places was Sublime Point. Perfect time of day and weather to be here. Graham is very knowledgeable on the area, and seems to know every little nook and cranny.

I also finally got the chance to see my good friend Michael Mandelcs‘ latest public sculpture, Phantom Falls at the Katoomba Cultural Centre. I had seen it in photos but to actually be there looking at it, seeing the textures, how it gently sways was wonderful and I am in awe of this mans work. To have Michael explain the creation of it to me and see  the drawings, models and the work and preparation involved was an added bonus. He is also represented by the Lost Bear Gallery, Katoomba.

I was sad to say goodbye to my family…Cath, Bob & Margie (sorry we missed each other by 10 mins at the airport Anna and Simon), Rod, Cecilia, Maddy, Peta and Alex, Paul, and my Aunty Didy and Jojo. It was so good to see you all and thankyou for looking after me so well. And a big thanks to Michael and Graham for some great nights and days and guitar.

I need to remember that Sydney isn’t on the over side of the world, it’s only a hop across the Tasman!