Tokens

Glossy. Divine.

2012-03-07T07:58:00.000+11:00

Today marks the 24th anniversary of Glenn Milstead's death. Glenn's infamous alter ego, Divine, played jaw-dropping characters in the films of Trash King John Waters. In fact, Divine was the star, no one could hold a light to her vibrance or come near the professionalism of her character portrayals. Who can forget Dawn Davenport in Female Trouble, Francine Fishpaw in Polyester or Edna Turnblad in Hairspray? Divine sung too. Her disco trash album The Story So Far spawned several hits including Native Love, Shoot Your Shot, I'm So Beautiful and the dazzling You Think You're a Man — I recall seeing that song performed live on Countdown much to my parents horror I'm sure. And I freely admit to seeing her live show in a Sydney nightclub — pure filth, wild and fun — in the 1980s.

Found. Not Yet Met.

2012-03-06T08:16:00.000+11:00

Quaint little villages like Morpeth provide fun day trips as well as opportunities to shop. Known as the town that launched the Arnott's Biscuits Brand, Morpeth has another treasure lurking in the back streets: a peculiar Curiosity Sale. The sale tables are littered with cheap gems complete with historical tales about the objects, or who owned them. Written by the crew of old ladies and men who work there, this curiosity sale has charm in spades. I'm told the first Sunday of the month is the time to go.

Roaming. Stepping Out.

2012-03-05T08:41:00.000+11:00

I was intrigued by this King St door sign. Steph sure knows what she wants, where to get it and just how long it will take. Exactly what are potential workers? I think we have some where I work.

Blink. Ping & Bill.

2012-03-04T08:11:00.000+11:00

Underneath a bustling Hong Kong street, Ping (left) was hurriedly eating her noodles. There seemed to be a constant stream from bowl to mouth as she frowned at her fellow diners. Just across from Ping was Jason (right), a man with an extraordinarily long face who kept himself busy with a toothpick as he checked out all newcomers.

Pinboard. New Do.

2012-03-01T17:00:00.001+11:00

Fashion designer Alex Perry seems to have a pair of sunglasses permanently perched atop his bald head. Whether snapped by the papparazzi or walking down the catwalk post show, the sunglasses never move. I wondered what he might look like with new frames and got busy with cutting and pasting.

Roaming. There's Much to Laugh At.

2012-02-29T06:04:00.000+11:00

The graffiti on Newcastle's streets comes in waves, with King Street a popular target. It seems that new trends emerge overnight, leaving little time for the graffiti artists to get their tags down. There have been idiots, toasters, the word annoying - sometimes aptly placed - bread tags, various paste ups including the three man and now stencils of scissors and bicycles. Muttley's made an appearance too. I'm wondering if he'll become a fixture...

Found. Lizzie.

2012-02-28T07:45:00.000+11:00

There must be lots of kids in Canberra, it's where I found lots of drawings. Despite an annoying brother, Lizzie here is enjoying a normal life with nice friends.

Blink. Cynthia & Sandra.

2012-02-27T07:33:00.000+11:00

Sandra (right) wore stupendously large orange beads around her neck. Her very red wiry hair sat tightly against her head, offset elegantly by her layered yet simple black outfit. Sandra directed a question to Cynthia who had just presented her research to a rapt audience at a conference in New Zealand. Cynthia's hair was blonde, her checked dress was of pastel hue boldly contrasted by a black wooly jumper. Everyone's outfit seemed to be in harmony.

Roaming. Bogan Banshee.

2012-02-26T07:36:00.000+11:00

It's a Sunday morning. From my studio I've been treated to the sounds of a saxophonist playing Careless Whisper, the Pink Panther theme and other saxophone classics we've all come to love. A blue kombi slowly passes, its iconic sound conjuring visions of an easier life, coasting. Yesterday, the aural pleasures were quite different. A rare pair of bogan banshees were fighting, or perhaps mating, it was hard to tell.

Art Martha. Neighbours.

2012-02-24T08:49:00.001+11:00

Normally the word Neighbours sends a shiver down my spine, and it has something to do with an antipodean soap uncomprehendingly adored by the English. In fact, it's completely unfathomable how anyone could like that show. Thankfully Rebecca Shanahan's new work Neighbours has pulled up to the bumper; the word neighbours can stand up with pride again. When darkness falls Rebecca hops on her bike — fitted with hi res camera — and steadily rides past the windows and doors of her inner city street's neighbours. It's a whimsical piece, perhaps a little wrong, and therefore very right. The inner voyeur in us all is satiated through this pondering of the public and private space in an era of unimagined surveillance. Showing on a small screen TV at Rozelle's Eastern Bloc Gallery, Neighbours was accompanied by the largest photographic curtain ever seen (above). Sheer brilliance. Alongside Rebecca's work was Damian Dillon's evocative, and somewhat foggy photo-collage of suburban Rockdale, making their Interzone show the first great show of the year.

Pinboard. Malfunction.

2012-02-23T08:26:00.000+11:00

Sometimes my laptop camera malfunctions mid-chat on Skype. The video image flips out with weird and wonderful things hitting the screen for both chatter and chattee to make sense of. As quick as a cricket I try to grab as many frames as I can before things return to normal. I wasn't quick enough this time, but I do like the alienesque quality of this shot.

Roaming. Toe Touching.

2012-02-22T08:58:00.000+11:00

I was walking briskly to the train, fearing I may miss it and be late for work. Laden with bags I glanced just behind me and noticed the security guard outside the Westpac bank touching his toes. On closer inspection, I could see he was multi-tasking. He took a drag from a cigarette as he bent over. Still on the bank theme, the work above is surely Mini Graf's.

Pinboard. Multiplied.

2012-02-21T07:34:00.000+11:00

I like to make Photoshop work. When I'm selecting files to add to Turnstile, I often open fifty or more at a time. As the files open a pattern forms. Here's a grab of files from a Newcastle batch process.

Blink. Lanying & Ju.

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000+11:00

Lanying was standing with two male companions outside a Hong Kong university. They were staring blankly at a laptop as people went about their business. Not too far away Ju was talking animatedly with her friends by a fountain.

Mixtape. Back to Work.

2012-02-19T08:30:00.000+11:00

Ever since I went back to work a few weeks ago, I've been mining my music collection for inspirational tunes to kick me swiftly into gear. I rediscovered Hamilton Bohannon's Let's Start the Dance; an infectious disco dazzler repeated almost to ad nauseum, well at least for my neighbour. Grooving seventies sounds soothe with Joe Tex's Congratulations, Abba's I'm a Marionette and Henri Schwartz's take on Womack and Womack's Conscious of my Conscience. Grace Jones pops up with Breakdown, Patsy Cline takes things briefly back to the 1950s with Ain't No Wheels on this Ship while Ghoul's Lodum(Rising) is as close to the current year as I get with this Mixtape. The dancing continues with Zoot Woman's bouncy Seven Days and Echo and the Bunnymen's The Cutter, but after Nina Hagen's Atomic Flash De Luxe, the pace begins to slow, sort of. Two acts that never disappoint are Queens of the Stone Age and Aimee Mann, both slated to have new albums this year. The stunning Make it Wit Chu and the superb Superball, Queens and Aimee respectively, easily make this playlist. Which leaves Jenny Wilson's fabulous Bad Waters from Hardships! though the version I'm loving this time round is the reworking found on Blazing 1. And lastly, German band The Notwist with Pilot, a beautiful slice of melancholic electronica. So there it is, a set of strong and inspirational tracks for what's going to be a tremendous year.

Glossy. Pigeon Fanciers.

2012-02-18T09:51:00.000+11:00

I adore magazines, always have and possibly to the point of obsession. My tally for February so far stands at 108 issues, at a retail value of $777.80 weighing in at 37.05 kilograms. Sure, there is a major artwork in the pipeline, with magazines being a fundamental element of that project. All magazines are fair game, the broader the range the better. For example, this month I've scanned and pulped Ita (yes really), Vanity Fair, Wallpaper* and Oprah. I've started on a stack of rather cool, and sometimes sexist, 1960s Art Direction magazines and have just finished with The Pigeon Fancier. I'm rather fond of the much maligned pigeon, learning this week that the reason we don't see baby pigeons, and hence they have no cute factor, is that they leave the nest fully fledged looking like all the others. The youthful ones are easily identified once you know what you're looking for, a few yellow feathers around the neck. On the topic of magazines, Alana House has written a rather prescient piece on her blog House Goes Home about celebrity.

Flipfactor. Cool Collages.

2012-02-15T07:58:00.003+11:00

I'm not a fashionista, but I adore Elle Collections. I was quick, and perhaps a little bit cheeky, to ask a friend stranded in London due to freezing weather conditions, to grab me a copy before coming back to Australia. Thanks Jane. Like issues before, this one hits the spot. Not only are they right on trend with deco inspired typography, but the accessories pages are littered with cool collages like the one above. I love those Prada heels.

Mulch. Valentine's Day.

2012-02-14T09:18:00.000+11:00

I've been flipping through old Martha Stewart magazines lately. A fact in the February 2008 issue caught my eye. According to Martha, in 2006 an estimated $16.9 billion was spent on flowers and gifts for Valentine's Day. My local flower man confirmed this noteworthy figure. That's a lot of roses, but perhaps not as many broken hearts. Though I imagine there may be quite a bit of unrequited love out there. Meanwhile, leaplings get to celebrate their birthday later this month.

Blink. Amanda & Sally.

2012-02-13T10:22:00.000+11:00

The markets weren't on the day I went to Eumundi. The town was quiet with just a handful of people about, including café sitters Amanda (left) and mousey-haired Sally (right). Sally wore over-sized glasses as she sat eating a toasted sandwich. Her glasses helped to reduce the glare created by Amanda's husband's garishly coloured checked shorts; the pattern was creating havoc on the streets.

Pie Report. Shady Offering.

2012-02-12T10:30:00.000+11:00

I can't remember what flavour this pie was, possibly mushroom. The only impression the pie left was on the roof of my mouth, where it clung uncomfortably for the rest of the day. It came from a Tewantin bakery on the last day of my holiday. I recall the rain had started, few people were about and that the town was quite unlike nearby Noosaville or Noosa Heads.

Dry & Dusty

1.50 Pastry
2.00 Filling
1.25 Tastiness
3.00 Structure
1.00 Value

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED | 1.75

Blink. Horace & Andy.

2012-02-11T19:47:00.001+11:00

The Asian man on the left wore a bright white hat with his flashy Ray Bans glinting underneath. His entourage set to their task of photographing each other in front of Sydney's Harbour Bridge on a gloomy grey summer day. Meanwhile in Maleny, the sun was shining as the man on the right waited patiently for his pie to arrive.

Found. What Long Legs You Have.

2012-02-10T08:45:00.000+11:00

It's not everyday you find a beautiful drawing of a young girl with extraordinarily long legs. And it may surprise that such a find came from Canberra several years ago.

Roaming. Gabba Couture.

2012-02-09T08:20:00.001+11:00

A former Queenslander was bemused when I showed them a recent copy of Monocle, Tyler Brûlé's business and culture tome for the well-heeled. In the issue Brisbane's suburb Woollongabba — well known as the Gabba and possibly the capital of cricket — was number one on The Monocle 100 list of favourite spots. It seems to me that Woollongabba has some way to go, but has made a good start. In a way it's like Newcastle, the potential is great but the journey ahead is long. Newcastle could speed things up by ditching the current council. Despite the outstanding work of Renew Newcastle, the state of the city centre is shameful. And then there is the recent fig debacle.

Pie Report. Pork & Apple.

2012-02-05T09:22:00.002+11:00

The face on this pie looks a little piggish, perhaps alluding to the rather delicious content hidden within. I'd forgotten to eat before boarding the train to Sydney, and so when I arrived I was famished. I'm not one to eat from a fast food chain, but Pie Face was the first eatery I saw with any nutritious potential. I chose an experimental Pork and Apple pie, something I'd never heard of before, and I have to say it was tasty. Slightly peculiar I'll admit, but yummy nevertheless. How did it fare?

Pork & Apple

4.00 Pastry
4.25 Filling
4.25 Tastiness
3.75 Structure
3.25 Value — they're a little on the expensive side

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED | 3.90

Roaming. Sidewalk Babe.

2012-02-03T08:31:00.004+11:00

More goodness from Brisbane, this time street art on a work site hoarding. Hidden from general street view, this beauty stared out lovingly to anyone who'd make an effort. I quickly snapped her as surly workmen looked on disapprovingly.

Roaming. A World Away.

2012-02-01T08:12:00.003+11:00

If a city or town has a canal, then invariably they may also have a lovely gondola. This one was spotted in Noosa recently, just before the rains came down.

Doodler. Bearded Fergie.

2012-01-30T08:05:00.000+11:00

Doodlers seem to like beards, often drawing big bushy ones on the faces of beautiful women. In moments, a celebrity's stunning face can morph from drop-dead gorgeous to hideously hairy. But not all beards are bad, with some styles suiting their new owners to a T. No New Idea's cover shows Fergie with stubble, in this case clashing dreadfully with her necklace. Pass the razor.

Roaming. Lone Wolf.

2012-01-29T07:56:00.000+11:00

One of the best things about Brisbane — and there are many terrific things — is the wide array of fantastic street art, seemingly at every turn. On the outskirts of the city centre, this lone wolf gets my vote for best sculpture.

Roaming. Mr Bower's Bird.

2012-01-28T09:02:00.000+11:00

The first coffee of the day was sipped in a friendly Montville bakery, accompanied by a delicious almond and raspberry tart. Mr and Mrs Bower (above) welcomed passing tourists, no doubt keen to see all manner of arts and crafts created by local artisans. On the street below, tarot card readers trotted out their predictions to anyone willing to stop. From high on the hill, a spectacular vista of the Sunshine Coast awaited those willing to get off the well-worn tourist track.

Roaming. Mary Cairncross.

2012-01-27T08:56:00.000+11:00

I've just returned from a short sojourn to Queensland, fleeing just as the rains came down. A highlight was a two day stay in the Blackall Ranges taking in Mapleton, Maleny and Montville. This lichen encrusted sign is from Mary Cairncross Park, a super spot to view the stunning Glasshouse Mountains.

Glossy. Flag-waving.

2012-01-26T07:35:00.000+11:00

It's Australia Day. For some a day of celebration, for others a day of hibernation. Across the country men wear board shorts and thongs emblazoned with the Australian flag, some people bake in the sun while others drink themselves into oblivion. Welcome to Australia, a land of curious cultures.

Roaming. Woombye's Main Attraction.

2012-01-25T09:29:00.000+11:00

Blink. Cheryl & Donna.

2012-01-24T08:03:00.000+11:00

It was a warm day in Taupo. People were out and about and the cafés were busy. Cheryl (left) was munching on her salad as her dress did its best to keep her puppies from popping. With hair tightly pulled back, her friend Donna (right) was distracted not only by phones ringing, but by a young girl who had just put her arm in a sheep's backside, making it bleat. The sheep was art, so there's no need for concern.

Roaming. Pig Tales.

2012-01-21T10:22:00.000+11:00

The Muppets are back, and it didn't take too long for someone to take to Miss Piggy with a pen. Red eyes are often apt in Surry Hills though, late nights are a given.

Blink. Gemma & Karen.

2012-01-20T07:50:00.000+11:00

Gemma (left) was busy making coffee in a Greytown café. Her colleague Karen (right) was thinking about Christmas trees questioning whether it was possible for a tree to really cost $60? The day trippers from Wellington waited patiently for their orders as the girls discussed options.

Roaming. Poor Hipsters.

2012-01-19T07:20:00.000+11:00

On a Surry Hills street corner I overheard, as did most people nearby, a couple arguing. The man raised his voice to the woman and said something to the effect of: "Why did you talk to them? Did you forget we hate them?"

Thirteen. Elizabeth Street.

2012-01-18T07:05:00.000+11:00

Found. Bullwinkle Sketched.

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000+11:00

Board games are an essential part of Midweek Social, and one of the more fun parts of bringing the event together is scouting for games and prizes. Sometimes surprises await in the games, like this drawing on the flip side of the Bullwinkle game board.

Glossy. Toiletpaper.

2012-01-16T07:39:00.000+11:00

Artist Maurizio Cattelan is behind what looks like a terrific magazine called Toilet Paper. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy, which is proving difficult here in Australia. Sometimes distance is a curse.

Roaming. Flying Hats.

2012-01-15T07:34:00.000+11:00

With time fast running out on a trip to Hong Kong, I stumbled on this mural before finding a buzzy café/bar that would have seen many return visits. A DJ played great music, the city and harbour were in view and the chocolate croissants were incredible.

Roaming. Fish Tales.

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000+11:00

Before the holiday season kicked in, I stumbled on eight big fish like the one above, who were quite possibly standing in for Christmas decorations. Made from plastic bottle tops, the vibrant fish were eye-catching in their artificial hues, and immediately loveable.

Mixtape. Soundtrack for Summer.

2012-01-12T07:11:00.000+11:00

My music tastes have always been squarely, and unashamedly, in the pop corner. This summer my playlist seems to illustrate that clearly with the gorgeous Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Under Your Touch (from her recent very dancey Make A Scene CD), Abba's That's Me from Arrival and 1984 from Sneaky Sound System's recent offering. The groovin' continues with Chic's 1990s comeback single Chic Mystique, which in an odd way, segues neatly into Mark Ronson's Somebody to Love Me featuring Boy George's best vocal efforts since his brilliant, and overlooked album, Cheapness and Beauty. I'm loving Kasabian's Velociraptor! album, particularly the track Re-wired with its lazy rocky rift. It reminds me of TV on the Radio's staggeringly smashing Wolf Like Me, which I continually hammer along with Miss You by The Rolling Stones, You by Marcia Hines and On The Run by The Flaming Lips featuring Henry Rollins. The pace begins to slow with Cool For Cats by Squeeze, I've Committed Murder by Macy Gray, Roscoe by Midlake, Ode to Boy II by Alison Moyet and finally Crosses by José González. That's summer 2012.

Roaming. Paris is Lost.

2012-01-11T09:49:00.000+11:00

Once black and white, lost posters have embraced cheap inkjet technology to breathe new life into lost dogs, cats, birds and others through the use of glorious colour. The posters come into their own after a downpour, when colours run, merge and fade to produce watercolour-like paintings. Gracing light and power poles around the world, these little works of art are reminders of how quickly things change. The little fellow above is called Paris, and depending on how you look at it, is lost or on an adventure somewhere in the Bondi Road area. Let's hope owner and pet have been reunited. In the meantime, Erik Brunetti's collection of lost posters continues to charm many years on.

Roaming. Cloud Nine.

2012-01-09T08:55:00.001+11:00

I sometimes pass through what is becoming known as the Detroit end of Newcastle's Hunter Street. Up a side street not far from the largest KFC in the southern hemisphere — there's a feat — the building above sits. Obviously the painted clouds are clouds and not mountains as their structure suggests to me. I love the little a-frame sign on the roof, quite useful for passing birds I should expect.

Pie Report. Lamb & Mint.

2012-01-02T11:57:00.003+11:00

Pies and pullovers —not the knitted variety— go hand in hand. Stopped in a Newcastle park not far from Euro Patisserie, I slowly devoured my lamb and mint pie. The heart sitting atop the golden pastry was perfectly crafted, just like the delicious filling inside. A yummy offering.

Lamb & Mint

4.00 Pastry
3.50 Filling
3.50 Tastiness
3.75 Structure
3.00 Value

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED | 3.55

Roaming. Happy New Year.

2011-12-31T23:59:00.000+11:00

Seven Owls is new on King Street. While I've not yet been inside, I have been admiring the changing window displays and the owl mascot above. It's terrific to see new residents on King, a street with many charms. Here's hoping council can get their act together in 2012 and reinvigorate Newcastle's city centre promptly. It is currently in a sad state.

Roaming. Hopscotch.

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000+11:00

Childhood memories came flooding back as I wandered along Wellington's buzzy foreshore. People were out playing and a spectacular Christmas tree ahead beckoned.

Pie Report. Chicken & Cranberry.

2011-12-29T07:30:00.000+11:00

Levin was bustling on a Saturday afternoon as I was driving north with the Art Out and About fellow on a very brief tour of New Zealand. A pit stop before continuing our travels to New Plymouth called for a quick op shop visit and a pie. I'm a sucker for a gourmet pie, despite usually being disappointed by odd combinations. Wisdom suggested I choose something else, but I couldn't resist this festive offering from one of the friendliest pie sellers I've ever met. All up it wasn't bad, let down only by memorability.

Chicken, cranberry, brie and something else

3.50 Pastry
2.75 Filling
2.75 Tastiness
4.00 Structure
2.75 Value

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED | 3.15

Blink. Henry & Rueben.

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000+11:00

At Sydney's Central Station, Henry (left) was waiting patiently with his wife and their luggage for a train to somewhere. By their side a couple of guards chatted animatedly as trains stood motionless at platforms. Earlier in Auckland, Rueben (right) sat eating his lunch with his companion as they waited for a plane.

Mixtape. Heartbreak Shake.

2011-12-28T09:22:00.000+11:00

Little Boots is back with Shake, a terrific track currently on Soundcloud — I quite love the Crazy P remix. Little Boots also dabbles in DJ sets and mix tapes, with past standout efforts Automatic Lovers Mix and Magical Tropical Mixtape being great fun party kick-starters. Living up to all expectations, her latest mix tape Shake until your heart breaks is currently stuck on repeat.

Doodler. Smelling Good.

2011-12-27T07:30:00.000+11:00

Rather than the simple defacement of an image, this Doodler has taken a creative approach to transform otherwise ubiquitous Issey Miyake advertisements into works of art.

Roaming. Mona Encounter.

2011-12-26T09:07:00.000+11:00

I recently stumbled upon what I thought was a — at least at first glance — quite good copy of the Mona Lisa in a Newcastle op shop. I inspected Mona further, wanting to know if she was for sale, and if so for how much. An op shop lady soon appeared to tell me she wasn't for sale and that she belonged to a couple who were in the back of the shop looking for a suitable frame for this wondrous work. In no time at all I was talking to the rather excited couple who informed me that their Mona was a fibreglass coated tea towel. I was astonished, and just a little bit impressed. Apparently they found thirty or so on a trash heap by the side of a road. Meanwhile the Prodigal Daughter above was on Wellington's Cuba Street.

Roaming. Happy Christmas.

2011-12-24T15:47:00.000+11:00

I'm channeling a New Zealand sense of fun this Christmas, where I was recently impressed by Christmas decorations. While the image above was taken at the Stratford tourist centre, a range of humourous Christmas signs in Te Kuiti took the cake. Several shop windows on the main street were painted by a masterful sign writer, who not only took to his task with gusto, but treated each one individually with puns aimed squarely at the businesses within. For now, may the festive season be happy, fun and restful for everyone.

Pie Report. Mince & Herb.

2011-12-24T10:41:00.000+11:00

Heading north towards Napier, Greytown on New Zealand's North Island provided a perfect lunch stop. While the café wasn't too memorable, nor the pie despite a quite good score, Greytown was. Its cutesy Main Street and focus on trees provided a lovely lap of town.

Mince & Herb

3.50 Pastry
3.25 Filling
3.00 Tastiness
3.25 Structure
3.00 Value

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED | 3.20

Roaming. Bulls.

2011-12-09T06:55:00.000+11:00

Whenever I see the Mona Lisa I often think of Bewitched. In episode #124 Aunt Clara zapped up Leonardo da Vinci, who was outraged to learn his Mona Lisa was being used to advertise toothpaste. A series or two later, episode #198 saw Endora cause mayhem with a painting of Grand Aunt Cornelia who had more than a passing resemblance to Samantha herself. In Bulls New Zealand, Mona has horns.

First 13. Napier.

2011-12-08T06:54:00.000+11:00

Roaming. Taupo.

2011-12-07T06:56:00.001+11:00

Roaming. Featherston.

2011-12-07T06:53:00.001+11:00

Roaming. Devonshire St.

2011-12-05T08:41:00.000+11:00

First 13. Laneway Behind Queen St.

2011-12-04T08:35:00.000+11:00

Glossy. Black & White.

2011-12-03T08:49:00.000+11:00

I was never much of a fan of (not only) black+white magazine. It seemed so Sydney in that pretentious way that Sydney does so well. That said, this is a stand out cover years on.

Roaming. Big Things.

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000+11:00

As a new Novocastrian, I've noticed an obsession with big things in Newcastle. Not big in the Big Pineapple, Banana or Prawn way, but big enough. So far I've spotted a big tap, a big key, a big golf ball and a big mosquito known as Ozzie the Mozzie. Not too far away is a replica Ayers Rock. Deep in its bowels is as ordinary a food court as you could imagine.

Blink. John & Christine.

2011-12-01T07:18:00.000+11:00

John (left) looked grumpy. The CityRail train was late, and adding to everyone's despair was traveling along at a snail's pace. Christine (right) carried on reading her book, seemingly unperturbed by the agitations of other passengers.

Newsflash. Lurker in Hong Kong.

2011-11-30T07:43:00.000+11:00

Lurker was recently shown in Hong Kong. Five new covers were exhibited as part of the Wearables As Media exhibition along with a limited edition series of zine-like collector cards. The full set of covers will be on Turnstile in the near future.

Flipfactor. Meatpaper.

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000+11:00

Issue sixteen of Meatpaper is out. The current issue is all about bones, as is clearly suggested by their cover above. With a purely meat focus, Meatpaper is both richly intelligent and slightly disturbing. I purchased the thirteenth issue of Meatpaper and was astounded to learn that Nanking is a Chinese city as big as New York where dog is on the menu. Intrigued from cover to cover, I'm all for Meatpaper. It's a terrific read with excellent flipability.

Found. Tag.

2011-11-28T08:15:00.000+11:00

Over the years Sydney has provided many finds, from playing cards to chairs, shopping lists to bongs and well beyond. There's a suggestion of chocolate with this tag...

Mixtape. Trans-Love Energies.

2011-11-27T07:04:00.000+11:00

When bands return with new albums after a long hiatus there is a certain danger that things may have changed. Think New Order and their offerings post Republic. They verged on mediocre following previous high points like True Faith, Sub-Culture or Round & Round. Not so for Death In Vegas who have returned with the highly acclaimed Trans-Love Energies. The album is a moody affair with electronic wizardry and understated vocals. Its glimmering beauty burns slowly rewarding with each subsequent listen. While The Contino Sessions and Dead Elvis are still at the top of my list, Trans-Love Energies is welcomed with open arms.

Blink. Edmund & Phil.

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000+11:00

Aboard the Maitland train, a security officer (left) looked a great deal like American actor Telly Savalas. His smile beamed as he checked tickets. The man on the right was intently tuned into his iPod. The line of his hair bun linked to the cord of his speakers.

Doodler. Dog.

2011-11-25T07:30:00.000+11:00

Dog doodles are something new. This clever pooch seems to have developed a mean streak and a dumbo ear.

Pinboard. Midden.

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000+11:00

There is a work underway. What stage it's at I can't really say. Regardless, it involves squillions of plastic bottle tops in as many colour options as possible. Donations are gratefully accepted. If you have any I can be contacted via the contact link above right.

Thank you to Jennifer Edmondson, Denise Ferris, Dale & Jamie, Stephanie Jones, Melissa Lee, Marcia Lochhead, Jenny Lyons, Peter McLean, a super thank you to Jean McGhee, Peter Murray, Vanila (Rita) Netto, Ngoc Minh Thi Nguyen, Sharon & Finn O'Connor, Our Lady of the Rosary School, Joanna Pagan, Rebecca Shanahan & Billie too, Stephen Southwick and masses of thanks to Susan Werner.

Roaming. Foveaux St.

2011-11-23T07:30:00.000+11:00

Newsflash. Collaboration.

2011-11-22T08:08:00.000+11:00

The Wearables As Media (WAM) exhibition recently closed at Hong Kong's Koo Ming Kown Exhibition Gallery. The project considered collaboration as a way to create cross-disciplinary art work. The WAM project was conceived by artist Tricia Flanagan as a way for students to work collaboratively in the production of photographic images representing the creative visions of WAM students. The project was extended to the Printmedia and Photomedia departments of the University of Newcastle with staff Jonathan James and myself (respectively) leading the project on Australian shores. Our students responded to the work from Hong Kong initially. They then produced their own work in collaboration with each other responding to place, in this case Newcastle. Staff also presented work with a separate show taking place in the ground floor exhibition area. The work above is a collaboration – and a Wunderwall of sorts – between Jonathan James and myself. We responded to Newcastle photographically as we're both relatively new to the city.

First 13. Central Hong Kong.

2011-11-21T07:30:00.000+11:00

Mixtape. Take Me to the Disco.

2011-11-20T07:30:00.000+11:00

In Warholian guise, Billie Ray Martin returns with killer track Twisted Lover. I hope it's not another loose track and a new solo album is waiting in the wings. Since Billie's last album in 2001, there have been many terrific tracks but no long player. The electrotonic of Undisco Me harked back to the Electribe 101 days while No Brakes on My Roller Skates was fantastically frantic. I somehow missed Sweet Suburban Disco from earlier this year, but I'm happy to have found Twisted Lover. Billie's honey tones are always welcome.

Blink. Tiffany & Sarah.

2011-11-19T09:35:00.000+11:00

Tiffany rode the Newcastle train for a long time. For most of her journey she was attached to her phone speaking loudly to her bogan friends. Meanwhile, a relaxed Sarah sat back and enjoyed the view from behind her big black spectacles.

Found. Cake Eating Saints.

2011-11-18T19:55:00.000+11:00

Everyone loves cake, even saints. Today's Found comes from a photo album picked up at Marrickville's Bower Shop. The album contained many photos of brothers eating and sitting.

Mixtape. Jenny's Back.

2011-11-06T17:15:00.001+11:00

The Question is a new Vindahl track written with Jenny Wilson for Vindahl's upcoming album. With the inimitable Jenny on vocals too, this winning sultry track heralds summer in on the other side of the world.

Newsflash. New Tokens.

2011-11-06T09:21:00.002+11:00

Turnstile Tokens is in the process of becoming Tokens. Over the next week or so the blog will take on a vibrant new look and format. If things look a little out of place or a little odd, please bear with me as the new formula is nailed.

Glossy. Birthday Boy.

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000+11:00

I'm astounded that in 1976 you could transform a kitchen for $60 and lose a stone in eight days simply by following the Israeli Army Diet. In the same year a handsome Prince Charles featured on the cover of The Australian Women's Weekly with this breathtaking photograph. It's one of my favourite covers despite the Weekly's ghastly masthead.

Roaming. Halloween in Hong Kong.

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000+11:00

With bloodied limbs dangling overhead and creepy creatures hovering above dark lane ways in Hong Kong's Central district, there was little doubt that Halloween was approaching. Big Fun!

Roaming. Street Art in Hong Kong.

2011-10-23T05:30:00.000+11:00

I stumbled upon several lane ways in Central Hong Kong that were filled with subversive street art. I'm quite liking Mao's makeover and his fetching yellow bow.

Roaming. Water Boy on Hollywood Road.

2011-10-22T04:00:00.000+11:00

Early evening on Hollywood Road saw this man busy with his work. As he pushed the water bottles down the street on his trolley beautiful light shone through the towering buildings above.

Found. Shenzhen.

2011-10-21T12:49:00.000+11:00

Coming down the steps of one of the most hectic shopping malls ever, I stumbled on a drawing as I attempted to jump over a group of lunching people congregated on the semi-spiral stairs.

Roaming. Shark Suits in Causeway Bay.

2011-10-19T15:01:00.000+11:00

In the capital of hyper-consumerism – Hong Kong – shop window displays pop. This BAPE was an assault on the eyes with chameleon neon flashes while the coolest shark suits ever stood motionless.

First 13. King St.

2011-10-02T18:27:00.000+11:00

You may not know it, but King St is Newcastle's grand entrance to the city. Problem is King St is a busy traffic thoroughfare and the city is empty. Nevertheless, 1980s charm abounds.

Pie Report. A Podgy Affair.

2011-10-01T09:06:00.001+10:00

Often bandied about, the term patisserie is often used to describe an average pie shop overcharging for standard, not to say bad, baked goods. Snow's Patisserie is possibly just a notch up, but nevertheless the Moroccan Lamb pie sampled didn't set fireworks alight. Stout and chunky, this pie's pastry was saddled with the task of keeping a bland and brawny filling in place. I may be judging it a little harshly against a posh pie at Buzo Wine Library in Woollahra, which was at least twice the price with all its elements working in harmony, but at best Snow's offering was just on average all things considered.

Moroccan Lamb

2.25 Pastry
3.25 Filling
2.75 Tastiness
2.75 Structure
3.00 Value

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED | 2.80

Found. Killer Kangaroo.

2011-09-30T15:34:00.001+10:00

This crafty kangaroo was found somewhere in Canberra. In Canberra kangaroos are often found on the sides of roads, run down by motorists in the darkness. In some quarters they see kangaroos as pests. I've always found that to be an absurd argument and consider humans to be much bigger, and more damaging, pests. However, common tales persist that kangaroos can not only drown dogs, but sneak up and attack people...

Flipfactor. Smith Journal.

2011-09-28T17:44:00.003+10:00

It is fantastic to see a new magazine hit the streets with a creative cover that stands well out. The new Smith Journal, from the publishers of Frankie, is elegantly designed, has quirky but smart content and is lovely to hold. It's very flippable with much to read and ogle inside. It was certainly a coup to get Alain de Botton as a contributor, who again astounds with his prescient observations. $11.95 well spent.

Blink. Archie & Edward.

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000+10:00

The man on the right slept for most of the journey to Sydney. He must have been quite tired to sleep through the constant chatter and laughter throughout the trip. Just off Hunter St the young man to the left - who looked a little bit like Jughead from The Archie Show - jumped on the train. He wore an everlasting smile and alighted at Hamilton.

Found. Showing Out.

2011-09-23T11:36:00.000+10:00

Years ago I found a few old photo albums in a junk shop. All four were filled with quite bad photographs of doll collections and shows from the 1970s and 1980s including this corker from Rev Raywood's exhibition for the elderly, if the caption on the back is to be believed. I'm a fan of the wallpaper.

Roaming. Winning Streak.

2011-09-20T08:37:00.000+10:00

There's a café by the beach in Newcastle that not only has a winning view and very good coffee, but amazing food. With my preferred salad choice over for the day, I had to make do with a salad built around chick peas - I'm not a fan - or resort to a less healthier option. I'm pleased to report Estabar scored another winner - yummo!

Blink. Phyllis & Janie.

2011-09-18T07:30:00.000+10:00

Heading to Telarah, a mother (right) with her children and their grandmother (left) laughed and joked bringing a light mood and fun to an otherwise dull train journey. The grandmother wore a pair of hyper bling, supersized D&G sunglasses that glinted in the sun.

Found. Bag Pride.

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000+10:00

Last week we met the Tattooed Pirate Girl from Canberra. This week we have her friend, a bald headed young girl with fetching handbag. She's shapely and I love how her waist extends well beyond her legs. With a Mannerist neck accentuated by her small heart necklace, this girl stands proud.

Roaming. Super Colon Man.

2011-09-15T07:43:00.000+10:00

Some things stop you in your tracks. I was intrigued to hear of a giant inflatable colon showing at a nearby hospital in Waratah. On foot I made my way there, where sadly the colon was already deflated preparing itself for its next destination on its tour. At least I saw Super Colon Man, a super hero with unimaginable powers.

First 13. Darby St.

2011-09-14T07:39:00.003+10:00

Following a lovely stroll along Merewether Beach, I stumbled upon number 313 on Darby St.

Blink. Ed & Rapunzel.

2011-09-13T10:00:00.000+10:00

With goatee and beanie, the man on the left waited patiently in the cold for the very late train to arrive at Adamstown. Heading in the opposite direction a girl with very long plaits boarded the Sydney train where adventure no doubt awaited.

Roaming. New On King.

2011-09-10T20:20:00.001+10:00

Aside from the annoying tags that seem to have appeared overnight on King St, there is now a terrific little Japanese eatery called Asa-Don. With simple and delicious fare, not to mention friendly staff, it's no wonder this little is already a hit with locals.

Found. Tattooed Pirate Girl.

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000+10:00

Perhaps stereotypically, I always think of males when I think of pirates. The clichéd pirate with patch and peg leg just doesn't transfer to the female form. Of course the smoking Pirate Girl at left doesn't really conform anyway. She's wearing a peace emblazoned, fringed Star Trek uniform top coupled with a flared floral skirt - I can't think of any pirates dressed like that. This drawing was found in Canberra years ago with a second one of a very macho looking girl. She would have made a much better pirate, stay tuned for a future Friday Finds to see. Both drawn in red, they reminded me of Arlene Texta Queen's drawings in more ways than one. For now I'm mesmerised by Pirate Girl and her eyes, which to me at least, seem to have been drawn upside down on her face.

Doodler. Amore.

2011-09-08T08:30:00.000+10:00

It seems apt to be listening to Groove Armada's fabulous Lovebox as I post this Doodler from an issue of Voyeur. While I'm not sure about the monobrow and goatee on the fetching model, I can say I'm quite impressed by the drawing of the little soccer playing Lego man. This found issue of Voyeur had lots of terrific drawings throughout, and you can see another one here.

Blink. Laura & Madison.

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000+10:00

The woman at left was very busy texting or Facebooking at Wickham station. She was so busy that she almost forgot to get on the train. Meanwhile the ticket inspectors were busy writing up a fine for the unimpressed woman with a shaven head as she was traveling without a valid ticket aboard the Maitland train.