If you want to warm up your home in the middle of winter, try immersing yourself in a world of rich brown ochres, enveloping shades of red, and warm charcoals straight from the palette of the world of First Nations art and design. Gratefully there is a wide range of indigenous decor available at your fingertips that can inject both interest and harmony to your space.One of my favourite interior décor businesses is Willie Weston for their superb textiles. They work in partnership with First Nations artists and “celebrate their diverse artistic output” by producing sophisticated and elegant designs for fabrics, rugs, and wallpapers. Artists are paid for every metre of their design that gets printed. Another is Kakadu Plum Co who also partner with indigenous enterprises to bring a wide range of home products to a larger audience. I love them for their colourful cushions that are so easy to layer into room schemes.Indigenous art is already on the world stage, and you may think this puts it out of your price range but never forget there are always new emerging talents that deserve support. Online you can find both websites and bricks and mortar galleries that introduce these new artists. These businesses form and maintain meaningful relationships with their artists and then present a curated selection for buyers to choose from. Sites like Japingka and the Kate Owen Gallery are inspirational and accessible. Locally, check out Kiama’s Sevenmarks Gallery right now for their current exhibition of beautiful works from communities in the Northern Territory.  If you are like me, decorating your own home is motivated by making it more liveable, more beautiful and bringing more harmony to daily life. The warmth and structure of indigenous designs can help cultivate a sense of balance and connection within your home. 

On Saturday July 13, during Kiama’s Winter Festival, the community was invited to paint Daisy the Decorated Dairy Cow at the Old Fire Station.The day marked a new chapter in the biography of Daisy and Kiama’s strange and endearing fascination with her.“It was packed, I reckon we probably had 500-600 people through here on Sunday and probably almost a thousand on Saturday. But poor old Daisy looks like she's got about ten layers of paint on her,” says Experience Art facilitator Michelle Springett. Springett inhabited the Old Fire Station during the festival inviting visitors to come inside and paint. Whether it be painting Daisy, painting the Kiama mural inside the building or just simply getting some paint and some paper and making something.“One person said, how nice is it that there's six or seven children around the cow painting, and they’re not home on their mobile phones? Yeah, it was really lovely. We’ve had kids hanging around here all weekend and not just adding one piece onto the mural but adding five, six, seven pieces to the mural,” says Springett.But it wasn’t only kids painting their magnum opuses onto Daisy, Kiama MP Gareth Ward stopped in to have a go at it and he says that the festival was an incredible success.“The festival was a success and I just want to congratulate Destination Kiama, Sally (Bursell) and her team, who did a terrific job and I’m just really pleased to have supported them in a request for a government grant to help make the festival a success,” says Ward.Ward says that although the festival brought in a lot of people, he is interested in garnering the response from the local businesses involved as it is important that they are benefitting from all these community events.“I’ll be interested to hear some feedback from small businesses in the main street specifically, as they have to pay ongoing rents and overheads. Just to make sure they did benefit out of it because we need to think about our small businesses and the impact on them,” says Ward.This article is another episode in the continuing saga of Daisy the Decorated Dairy Cow, you can find the previous article here.

We are 12 minutes into Australian directors Jack Clark and Jim Weir’s debut feature film Birdeater when the title finally appears on screen. In those masterful first 12 minutes we are introduced to a couple.Most nights he, Louie, lies and says he is going to his dad’s place when really he is going to a golfing range. And she, Irene, for some reason never leaves the house at all, and is sleeping most of the time.All of this is conveyed through little dialogue, repetitive sequences, montage and spectacular cinematography. And even though not much is happening in the film, you’re on the edge of your seat. Something is off here…“We started with this relationship. Having a relationship where the couple had separation anxiety … We have this couple that need to be around each other and eventually you separate them and see what happens,” says Weir.And what better way to separate a couple than at a buck’s party. So the main plot of Birdeater unravels as Louie, breaking tradition, invites girls to his bucks party. And the film basically roars on from there.“As soon as we had the buck’s party element then we had almost a new genre of film that we were looking at and that's when it really became what it is. Taking a close look at how groups of men behave and how groups of men react to bad male behaviour,” says Weir.In April, The Australian Institute of Criminology’s National Homicide Monitoring Program found that 34 women were killed by an intimate partner in 2022-23, an increase of 28 per cent on the previous year.And although Birdeater doesn’t concern itself with these extreme cases, it aims to explore the problem of toxic male behaviour at its root. With murderers, it is easy for men to detach themselves from the behaviour of those characters whereas with Birdeater the duo wanted to force men to confront themselves.“We wanted to try and hit closer to the bone, go after the more kind of insidious types of abuse that we think is actually common with guys that we grew up with and went to school with,” says Weir.“So we wanted basically a shifting scale of different kinds of men in our ensemble in a way where, hopefully, no guy watching this would feel totally safe. Everyone would be able to see themselves in some way depicted on screen and have to reckon with that.”Birdeater was filmed in the small village of St Albans in Hawkesbury, NSW and despite exploring such universal themes, the film still feels very Australian and this is a translation of the duo’s individuality and identity which is daring in a film culture that is led by other countries.“We have this idea of mateship in Australia which is something that we build a lot of our identity around,” says Clark. “But it does feel like it's somewhat exclusionary to women - it feels like it's structured around men being friends.”“So the film was a little bit about how that makes people outside of that circle feel, and people are able to really easily translate that into a similar part of their own culture. So by finding something specific to Australia, which I think it is, that specificity helps.”Weir and Clark met each other whilst studying at AFTRS, a film school in Sydney, and they say that it is through their collaboration, that this film was such a success.“Often we will be arguing about something and we essentially never compromise - we never really meet in the middle we try and work out which idea is better and quite often that means that there's actually a third idea that neither of us have thought of and it ends up being what we go with,” says Weir.The film will be released in cinemas on July 18. The characters are interesting, the ideas are thoughtful, the score is inventive and the overall look of the film is mesmerising. Even though it is Clark and Weir’s first feature film, Birdeater shows that they have a strong command of their ideas and know how to communicate them visually in creative and stunning ways.Birdeater

To celebrate NAIDOC week, two First Nations artists showcased their work at the Old Fire Station in Kiama.The exhibition entitled Keep the Fire Burning, was based on the theme of this year's NAIDOC week Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. It presented the work of artists Richard Campbell and Kay A.Richard Campbell's paintingsRichard Campbell was born in Kiama NSW, from Yuin Nation South Coast Australia and his paintings are influenced by stories and symbols passed down through time.“My paintings are all passed down from generation to generation, every single one of my pieces tell a story. My paintings depict everyday life of the past and present. They’re about saltwater country, garden country, the south coast and what it means to our people,” says Campbell.Exhibition at The Old Fire StationKay A is a proud Wiradjuri Woman of the Galari Clan, Cowra. She was born on Gadigal Land and now lives on Dharawal Land in Gerringong and this informs her paintings as she is more concerned with the present day connection with the land.“Because I’m off-country and because I’m a guest of the Dharawal people here, I’m based in Gerringong so I tell stories based on my experiences with the land here. A lot of my stories are explaining how the work is inspired by the connection to country,” says Kay A.Both artists believe the exhibition is a great opportunity to educate people about their culture and their history.Photo credit: Lleyton Hughes“The benefit for me is that it actually explains to people in a nice quiet way what the difference is when we step on country, how we connect to country, how we introduce ourselves to new country when we stand on country, when we introduce ourselves to spirit and we acknowledge the people on country. So, for me it's like getting those stories out and educating the public,” says Kay A.“Aboriginal people have got to shine. If we don’t shine through football we shine through art, dance and song,” says Campbell.The exhibition was from July 4 to July 10, but if you missed it you can get in touch with Richard Campbell through his website: www.gumaraa.com.au, and Kay A through her website: https://andonopouloskay.wixsite.com/.

Cin Cin Wine bar celebrated the vibrant opening of the newest exhibition ‘Strong Women’ by Kathy Karas. Special thanks for Michelle Springett from Expressive Art Wall Trail for her invaluable support in bringing this exhibition to life. It was announced that all commissions from the exhibition, along with a portion of Kathy’s sales, will be donated to Women Illawarra.Kathy Karas

On February 16, 2013, writer and filmmaker Bill Bennett wrote this sentence in his blog: “I have a particular need to walk the Camino in Spain. And yet, I’m not sure what that need is.” Exactly 11 years and 3 months later, The Way, My Way – the film based on Bennetts’ experience of walking the Camino – was released in Australia.The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James, is an ancient pilgrimage route ending at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. There are many different starting points but Bill, at almost 60 years of age, decided his route would be more than 800 kilometres long.Bennett completed the walk in May 2013 and then wrote a book on the adventure.“Writing the book was the completion of my walk,” says Bennett. “Because when I was doing the walk in Santiago I was so confused as to why I had done it. So, I wrote the book to make sense of it all.”The memoir The Way, My Way (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014), based on the walk, was a bestseller.Initially, Bennett had no ambitions of making it into a film. But a film distributor named Richard Becker, who had loved the book, brought it up with Bennett and wouldn’t take no for an answer.“It had a very, very deep impact on him and he came to me and said, I think there’s a movie in this, and I said, No, there’s not. I don't think enough happens. It’s just one bloke walking across Spain, that’s all. And he said, no, if you can get what's in the book into the film then it will find an audience,” explains Bennett.And Bennett ended up creating almost the exact same conditions of his walk. Every bit of Chris Haywood’s (who played Bill) costume was the exact same as what Bill wore. Every geographical location was obsessed over in terms of their accuracy and order in the story, and none were picked just for their beauty. And all of this authenticity ended with a fitting moment of catharsis for Bill as he watched himself (played by an actor), at the end of his walk, have a very vulnerable phone call with his wife (played by herself).“The conversation I had with my wife toward the end of the film. That was where I couldn’t separate myself from myself anymore – that was surreal. It was like I was standing outside of myself looking at myself,” says Bennett.The Way, My Way has been a big success, it just passed $2 million dollars at the Australian and New Zealand Box Office. And Bennett believes there are many factors contributing to this.“I think there's a confluence of factors that have a lot to do with the fact that people are searching for more meaning in their life at the moment. In the same way that the character of Bill is in the film,” says Bennett.And in the same way that Bill Bennett, the director, has been ever since he wrote those first words in his blog eleven and a half years ago. He is still exploring what compelled him to walk more than 800kms in a foreign country, even now as he begins work on the sequel ‘The Way, Her Way’.

By Machteld HaliAmsterdam, July 1, 2024 – From a chance encounter with reductive woodblock printing at Amsterdam University to over three decades of dedicated artistic exploration, Hali’s journey through the world of printmaking has been nothing short of a passionate love affair. What began as a casual date has evolved into a profound relationship marked by large viscosity printed collagraphs on deeply considered themes.Drawing inspiration from the natural world, Hali’s work delves into the intricate details of botanic life, capturing small verdant miracles often overlooked. Her latest exhibition showcases trees as metaphors—symbols of grounding in earthly roots while embracing the ethereal pleasures of imagination. It speaks to a life cycle that transcends mortal boundaries, echoing themes of continuity and transformation.A pivotal chapter in Hali’s artistic odyssey unfolds against the backdrop of her pilgrimages along the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. Here, she finds new meanings in life amidst the richness of Spanish culture and countryside, weaving personal narratives into her art that resonate with love and discovery.The recent challenges posed by global events have sparked a deeper introspection in Hali’s work, notably in her acclaimed 'Flight' series. Through powerful imagery, she uplifts viewers from the shadows of misogyny to moments of pure joy, exploring themes of resilience and liberation.Hali’s artistic vision is profoundly shaped by her tri-cultural background—born in post-war The Hague, raised in Indonesia, and matured in Australia. This diverse tapestry infuses her creations with a unique perspective that bridges continents and cultures.Beyond her artistic endeavors, Hali is dedicated to nurturing future talents through her commitment to teaching. Her works adorn prestigious national and international collections, testament to their enduring appeal and significance.We invite you to embark on this captivating journey through prints with Hali, where each piece tells a story of passion, resilience, and the timeless beauty of the natural world.Hali is a renowned artist whose journey through printmaking spans over three decades, influenced by a deep connection to nature and a rich cultural heritage. Her work explores themes of botanical beauty, personal discovery, and societal reflection, inviting viewers to engage with profound narratives through the medium of print.

Part of Wollongong Comedy Festival, on June 28 at the ‘Side Door Theatre’, an intimate venue tucked away behind Crown Street in Wollongong, 50 or so friends, relatives and comedy-lovers gathered to hear 'The Queen of Oversharing' do her thing. Diana McLaren has a unique flavour of sassy stand-up comedy. She provides a captivating monologue that could be described as a commentary on society, with themes mostly revolving around how flawed she is – we all are – and how misogyny and dysfunction reign supreme in the modern world.Her jokes aren’t for people who are looking around at society thinking, “This is perfect.”Diana says, “My shows are filled with secondhand therapy, and it's definitely cheaper than seeing an actual therapist!“If you're looking around the world right now and you're like, ‘yep this is exactly what I think we should be doing’, then my comedy is not for you. But if you're looking at the world and thinking 'this isn't right' and 'I don't feel right in it' then please come to my shows, I've got some laughs and love waiting for you.” This is the essence of Diana McLaren.“Every time I’m on stage I have the time of my life, that’s where I’m happy.”“There’s no greater silver lining in life than being in an awful situation and there’s a tiny part of my brain thinking ‘I can write a joke about this’.”As an Australian with an American accent, Diana uses her varied life experiences and unique viewpoint to fuel all of her creative endeavours.Born at Shellharbour hospital, Diana lived in Kiama Heights till she was four, when her family moved to Riversdale Road, a small farm on the border between Kiama and Jamberoo. They lived there till she was eight and then they moved to a small town called Armonk outside New York for her mother's work with IBM. Moving back when she was 12, Diana went to school in Sydney but spent all of her weekends in Kiama until she left for university in Wagga Wagga. “I came home to Kiama every summer to work and when Uni was done, I moved to Kings Cross for work,” Diana informs. “When I was 25, I came back to Kiama and was just planning on moving away when Covid struck and instead I ended up staying in Kiama for the last lock-down and moving in with my dad in Jamberoo, which is where I currently reside”.Diana tried moving to Melbourne last year, but it didn't go well, life-wise saying that “everything went wrong”, but “the comedy scene down there was awesome”. How did she start off in stand-up comedy? Diana studied acting and television production at school so has always been a performer and a storyteller. She loved to tell jokes so always wanted to try stand-up comedy. She reveals, “One night I was in a bar telling stories from my day and the table behind me laughed. They asked where they could come see my comedy and I was like, ‘I'm not a comedian’”. A ‘very long story short,’ she lost a bet to that group of friends and ended up trying stand-up comedy and was immediately addicted. “I loved every second of it,” Diana said. “Unlike acting and music where there is a gap between you and the performance, or it's someone else's writing, or maybe the audience doesn't like this kind of music, stand-up comedy is just you, your humour, your words, your performance, and it's raw – you can't rehearse it as you can the others!”One particularly clever joke she told was about the Amish: “If you could get rid of the organised religion, rampant misogyny and matching outfits I'd be in. But then again, I say that about our society!”Diana’s main audience demographic Of her mixed audience Diana says, “I get 20-somethings right up to retirees and everything in between. I do probably slightly skew towards women but only by a percent or two.”She captures such a large breadth of audience members because her subject material is very relatable and very unifying. “I'm opposed in many ways to the concept of generations, I think it's just one of the many ways we unnecessarily divide ourselves and create opposition,” Diana declares. “We have a lot more in common than we have differences and while generational grouping is a helpful tool for marketing or understanding the background of an individual and how their world experience may affect their outlook, it ends there.”Diana maintains that the classification of different generations is used by the media to make us think that we're enemies or we need to fight each other when in fact we need to unify and create change. “I think I get a full range of people because my humour is about being human, it's about our collective current experience and hopefully it's comforting, whether it’s because you're glad you're not me or because I've shared something that you have felt and now you feel less alone in the world. Plus, everyone loves a naughty joke and I never run out of those!”Feedback from fansDiana reveals that she has had quite a few fans tell her that she’s helped them recognise that they are bisexual, “which is always fun”.“Lately I get the feedback a lot that I've inspired people to seek a support group or go to therapy because a lot of my current jokes are very targeted at addressing these insane ideas we have as a society that those things aren't normal and often essential to our ability to function and be happy.”She’s had a lot of people tell her that she’s helped them feel seen. Today, Diana says, “My phone was inundated after the show last night with messages from other ADHD types and those in therapy telling me that my current show makes them feel seen and ‘got’ in a way that they haven't before, which is lovely.”Across the board in all of her shows the feedback she gets is, “you’re wild”, “you’re hilarious”, “tell me that didn't actually happen” and “I can't believe you'd tell that story on stage!” Diana’s friend Bryce Roberts sent her this, "Solid show tonight  thanks for sharing all of you. It really does make us all feel less alone and sometimes even a less bit crazy. Who wants to be normal anyway?"Thanks Bryce – I think that really sums up Diane’s particular brand of comedy and humour!

It’s a case of what’s old becoming new again, as the world of interiors of all things embrace stripes. This year, there has been no surface, a bold stripe won’t go on – from furniture to painted walls, cushions to light fixtures. Stripes are rarely quiet but the 2024 ones are here to party. Wide, narrow, vertical, horizontal, even angled – they are painted up, featured on wallpaper, repeated on wide rugs, deep and bold on sofas and pencil pleated on drapery. The thing that stands out to me is how layered they are, stripes on stripes on stripes. How do you make this work without making your head spin?First, get to know your stripes. All stripes are either even or unevenly spaced, so their scale and proportion can be manipulated to impact your room. Candy stripes are bold and symmetrical and work best on larger items or in larger rooms, or wherever you want to take notice. Even when shrunk to a cushion size or done in pastel colours, the simplicity of a candy stripe will always stand out. For more variation, look further afield. Pintuck stripes are lines that are made up of tiny dots, so they sit much gentler in a scheme. Ticking stripes alternate thin and thick line weights and create a lovely poised visual interest. Newly invented ‘organic stripes’ feature undulating lines that feel tactile and handmade, with their irregularities being interesting and beautiful.  To avoid a circus tent taking over your lounge room, be selective with the type of stripes you employ. Horizontal stripes will make a room appear wider, whilst vertical ones create the illusion of height.  Strong colours will amplify the contrast and visual effect stripes have, so think about mixing up the depth of colour of the stripes as well. Striped neutral fabrics look chic and elegant, and are an easy way to successfully play with stripes of all shapes and sizes. Asha Ardill, DecoratorSouth Coast Colour www.southcoastcolour.com.au

The Southern Highlands Artisans Collective (SHAC) invites coastal residents to venture ‘up the mountain’ to explore the artistic treasures it has to offer.SHAC exists to showcase the exceptional talents of Southern Highlands artists. As a non-profit, member-based organisation, SHAC exhibits artworks in their Robertson gallery, with vibrant exhibitions curated and run by a dedicated team and volunteers. The Robertson community is thrilled to have SHAC back in town after a brief stint in Bowral last year.Jane Cush, who served as SHAC president for the last three years, stepped down on May 31st, needing to reclaim her time due to a demanding schedule. Reflecting on her tenure, Jane noted, “It takes time, passion, and energy, and I needed to lighten the load.”Like many organisations, SHAC faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to rebuild interest and engagement. Jane revealed, “Buying art is definitely a ‘discretionary spend,’ and since it’s technically ‘non-essential,’ we’ve had to work extra hard to stay afloat.”SHAC operates without external funding, relying solely on commissions from sales and also support from donations. The dedication of volunteers is crucial to its survival. Jane expressed deep gratitude for their assistance in various roles, from manning the gallery to setting up exhibitions. The SHAC couldn't operate without them and is always on the lookout for new volunteers. “Volunteers come and go, living their lives, travelling or moving, so SHAC is always happy to take on more,” she added.Jane highlighted the benefits of volunteering, such as meeting artists, learning about the art world, and engaging with like-minded people. “It’s a good entrée to the industry,” she mused.Of her departure, Jane said, “It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve the regional community. I have loved working with the volunteers.” With a background as the Director at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery and Program Director at Canberra Glassworks, Jane remains connected to SHAC and its artistic programs but acknowledges the need for fresh eyes. She expressed great faith in her successor, Graham Ormsby, believing he will continue the good work.Incoming president Graham Ormsby comes from an architectural background and has been an active member of the SHAC committee for several years. He felt that it was time to step up. Graham brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role, ensuring that SHAC will continue to thrive and promote the arts in the Southern Highlands. His leadership promises to build on the solid foundation laid by Jane and her team.Graham’s architectural business specialises in cultural heritage both in Australia and overseas. He believes art and architecture are integral to the culture of the community. Passionate about art, Graham encourages his clients to incorporate appropriate artworks into the buildings he designs. He previously served as Chairman of the Royal Society of Arts in Australia and New Zealand.At SHAC, Graham sees himself as part of the team. “Someone needed to step up to fill the presidency and I was happy to do that,” he said.“The committee works behind the scenes, and what people see is still Jane’s area of expertise. She is highly regarded in art circles,” he reveals.SHAC has a manager, Jade Bull, who is largely involved in administration and looks after the volunteers, while Graham oversees the committee members, including a few new faces. He aims to guide them in continuing the amazing legacy left by Jane Cush.

By Helen Pain, President of the Kiama Art Society.The 45th Kiama Art Society’s Annual Exhibition was held recently at the Kiama Leagues Club, an outstanding display of paintings by Illawarra and South Coast Artists.  Well-known artist Melissa Ritchie, this year’s judge, praised the exhibition organisers and the exhibiting artists for the quality and variety of the works on display.   This year’s overall winner was Illawarra artist Vladimir Begonja, with a vibrant, detailed and compelling painting of “Fitzroy Falls.”  Following a tradition of many years, this painting will be displayed in the foyer of the Kiama Leagues Club, becoming a worthy addition to the Leagues’ Club Art Collection of winning paintings from each annual KAS exhibition.  Prizes awarded on the Opening night: Best in Show1st.  Vladimir Begonja, Fitzroy Falls. Sponsor: Kiama Leagues Club2nd. Jenny Albanis, Silver Jug and Lemons. Sponsor: Kiama Municipal Council3rd. Lexie Watt, Windbent Tree Bombo Headland. Sponsor: Illawarra Financial Group Best Watercolour in ShowChristine Hill, Kangaroo Valley Pastoral. Sponsor: Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park  Landscape and seascape 1st. Heather Philpott, Cloud Melody Boat Harbour. Sponsor: Bombo Curtains & Blinds 2nd. Sylvia Hawthorne, Shoalhaven Reflection. Sponsor: Kiama Furniture One  3rd. Philip Miles, Morning Frost. Sponsor: CAAA Commercial Associates Kiama Local Council Area. Sponsor Kiama Municipal Council1st. Joseph Vella, Deeply Rooted in Knowledge2nd. Sandra Gray, Afternoon Light, Kiama3rd. Colleen Behl, Kiama Skate Park Abstract 1st. Leonie Scott, Misty. Sponsor: Kiama Air 2nd. Catherine Carr, Synapes. Sponsor: HealthSAVE Kiama Downs Pharmacy3rd Abstract. Matthew Charles, All The Small Things. Sponsor:  Kerry’s Klothes Kiama Still Life 1st. Kim Grivas , Tetragona Comfort. Sponsor: Burnetts on Barney. 2nd. Grace Paleg, Amber Autumn. Sponsor: Kiama Municipal Council3rd. Suzanne Walker, Passing Time. Sponsor: Levers Picture Framing and Fine Art Materials Figurative / Portrait  Ist. Salwa Woodroffe, Julia Baird. Sponsor: Raine and Horne Kiama 2nd. Vicky Hazzard, Dott. Sponsor: Art House Direct Nowra 3rd. Janetha Lyon, We Are Family. Sponsor: Bombo Curtains and Blinds PEOPLE’S CHOICE award Won by Vivien Tanner, Last Light. Sponsor: Kiama and District Business Chamber

The Sydney Film Festival, which went for 12 days, finished on Sunday 16 June and the Italian black and white comedy drama film, There’s Still Tomorrow, took out the prestigious Sydney Film Prize.Directed by Paola Cortellesi (her debut feature), the film is set in post-war Italy and follows a housewife who receives a mysterious letter which prompts her to face her abusive husband and hope for a better future.The Film Festival Jury said in a joint statement: “C’è ancora domani (There’s Still Tomorrow) deftly weaves humour, style, and pop music into a dazzling black-and-white cinematic event, then it delivers an ending that will take your breath away.”The film competed with 12 others for the prize, but overall there were 197 films from 69 countries including 28 World Premieres and 133 Australian Premieres, bringing together hundreds of new international and local stories.The Bugle attended some screenings (not all) of the festival, and these were the four standouts:I Saw the TV GlowTwo awkward and lonely teenagers, Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Bridgette Lundy-Paine) bond with each other over a late night show to the point of obsession. And when it is canceled they start to question whether the things that happened in the show were fiction or reality.The film is beautifully constructed and shot by director Jane Schoenbrun with hues of pinks, purples, blues and greens invading every frame. And the performances from the two leads are both eerily affecting and devastating.The film also examines the sadness and depression which comes from the monotony of reality and the melancholy we feel when the life we are leading is not quite what we imagined as a child. The film is filled with a horrible sense of dread and anxiety and is quite scary at times. But ultimately it is a reminder of the dangers and importance of dreams and fiction.I Saw The TV Glow. Credit: A24.Kinds of KindnessAn anthology film by Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos about how far we would go for the people we love. The first chapter is about a man who is given a schedule by his boss each day which he mustn’t deviate from. The second is about a husband who is suspicious about the identity of his wife when she is found after being lost at sea. And the last is about a woman who has been given a mission to find a ‘special’ person by the cultish group she is involved with.Each chapter is filled with Lanthimos’ signature dry humour as well as his ridiculous and hopeless worldview. And each features the same actors; Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Willem Defoe, Hong Chau, Margaret Qulley, and others; performing different roles.  The film deals with individuals trying to make their way in the world through the connections they make with others. And it wonders what happens when these connections we rely upon so deeply are severed or tested. All chapters are shot sleekly, feature manic performances and have some spectacular needle drops. And they all induce a sort of discomfort inside you. As though the little things we use to survive reality are as fragile as glass.The BikeridersThe newest Austin Butler and Tom Hardy film follows the real Motorcycle club, Outlaws MC, which began as a social club and community for outsiders, but descended into violence.The film is told through the eyes of Jodie Comer’s character Kathy, who is the wife of Austin Butler’s Benny, as she recounts to a journalist (Mike Faist) what happened to the Outlaws. The film feels very inspired by mafia movies such as Goodfellas, but is also an ode to the 60’s and the motorcycle culture that blossomed in that time. The film is based on a book of photography of the same name written and photographed by Danny Lyon. Although the film is definitely an enjoyable watch, it lacks the cohesion and excitement of the films it seems to be inspired by. The characters are also a little undeveloped and as a result it is harder to be sucked into the emotional core of the movie. But the film's main theme does give it a point of difference. It seems to say that creation, after being given to the public, can morph into things that the creator did not intend it to. And this is definitely an interesting idea. A Different ManAn A24 film where Sebastian Stan plays a man with Neurofibromatosis who undergoes facial reconstructive surgery. When the surgery is successful he takes on a whole new identity only to meet a man, with the same condition he used to have, who is much more confident and happy then he is.It is a fascinating flip on the usual Beauty and the Beast type storyline. And it uses humour, meta commentary and actors to its advantage. The first third is a sad, almost meditative look at this man’s life with his condition. And then the last two thirds just observe him as he slowly descends into madness. And the film’s tone perfectly reflects these different stages. A Different Man. Credit: A24

Rebecca Collinson-Smith, a remarkably talented photographer and designer from Minnamurra, has captivated the American fashion industry with her latest runway show at Paraiso’s Miami Swim Week. Her swimwear collection, featuring stunning aerial images of Sydney captured by Rebecca herself, has left audiences in awe.Rebecca owns a boutique in The Rocks, Sydney, called Hunting Hue. The name reflects her unique approach to photography, where she never alters or enhances her images but instead seeks out the natural hues that inspire her. Her entrepreneurial acumen and keen eye for colour have resulted in a distinctive and eye-catching swimwear line that appeals to all ages.Proud mother Cheryl Collinson-Smith shared samples of Rebecca’s popular designs with The Bugle, showcasing clothing lines for both adults and children that blend fashion with functionality. Remarkably, Rebecca's current designs were created just two months ago. Within this short period, she designed the garments, produced samples, entered the fashion show, and travelled to America.Rebecca’s Miami Swim Week show opened with the debut of “Hunting Hue” and the innovative “Draw On Swimwear” line, featuring a charming cephalopod named DOS. This interactive swimwear allows children to draw their own designs onto the garments, providing an engaging fashion experience. Practice stencils and a variety of washable and permanent colours are included, allowing for endless creativity.Rebecca’s Instagram, @huntinghue, displays many of her stunning designs. Her collection, which includes complementary scarves, has been praised by American fashion journalists as “a kaleidoscope of style” and “a remarkable splash with its vibrant showcase.”"Hunting Hue's presentation at Miami Swim Week celebrated colour, family, and fashion," one journalist noted. "It set a new standard for summer wardrobes, offering a blend of high fashion and practicality. The collection inspires, warms, and delights those looking to elevate their beach or poolside attire."To capture the breathtaking aerial images featured on her swimwear, Rebecca rented a helicopter, photographing iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the Opera House from 500 feet above. She also flew over the Minnamurra River and Mystics Beach last year, capturing the local area for her picture book “Minnamurra,” which she wrote during the Covid lockdown. The book, now in its seventh reprint, has sold out entirely.Rebecca Collinson-Smith’s innovative and vibrant designs have made a significant impact on the fashion world, demonstrating her incredible talent and unique vision.

Rebecca Collinson-Smith, a remarkably talented photographer and designer from Minnamurra, has captivated the American fashion industry with her latest runway show at Paraiso’s Miami Swim Week. Her swimwear collection, featuring stunning aerial images of Sydney captured by Rebecca herself, has left audiences in awe.Rebecca owns a boutique in The Rocks, Sydney, called Hunting Hue. The name reflects her unique approach to photography, where she never alters or enhances her images but instead seeks out the natural hues that inspire her. Her entrepreneurial acumen and keen eye for colour have resulted in a distinctive and eye-catching swimwear line that appeals to all ages.Proud mother Cheryl Collinson-Smith shared samples of Rebecca’s popular designs with The Bugle, showcasing clothing lines for both adults and children that blend fashion with functionality. Remarkably, Rebecca's current designs were created just two months ago. Within this short period, she designed the garments, produced samples, entered the fashion show, and travelled to America.Rebecca’s Miami Swim Week show opened with the debut of “Hunting Hue” and the innovative “Draw On Swimwear” line, featuring a charming cephalopod named DOS. This interactive swimwear allows children to draw their own designs onto the garments, providing an engaging fashion experience. Practice stencils and a variety of washable and permanent colours are included, allowing for endless creativity.Rebecca’s Instagram, @huntinghue, displays many of her stunning designs. Her collection, which includes complementary scarves, has been praised by American fashion journalists as “a kaleidoscope of style” and “a remarkable splash with its vibrant showcase.”"Hunting Hue's presentation at Miami Swim Week celebrated colour, family, and fashion," one journalist noted. "It set a new standard for summer wardrobes, offering a blend of high fashion and practicality. The collection inspires, warms, and delights those looking to elevate their beach or poolside attire."To capture the breathtaking aerial images featured on her swimwear, Rebecca rented a helicopter, photographing iconic Sydney landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and the Opera House from 500 feet above. She also flew over the Minnamurra River and Mystics Beach last year, capturing the local area for her picture book “Minnamurra,” which she wrote during the Covid lockdown. The book, now in its seventh reprint, has sold out entirely.Rebecca Collinson-Smith’s innovative and vibrant designs have made a significant impact on the fashion world, demonstrating her incredible talent and unique vision.

By Barbara WylesThe Illawarra Feltmakers recently hosted their annual Exhibition and Sale at the Masonic Hall from June 8th to 10th, drawing a diverse crowd from local areas, across NSW, and even international visitors on holiday. The event showcased a wide array of felted creations available for viewing and purchase.Among the highlights were two members who have achieved notable success at prestigious Agricultural Shows like the Royal Easter Show and the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show, consistently securing wins.The entrance of the Masonic Hall was adorned with a prominent painting of a sheep, complemented by smaller sheep motifs decorating the walls and a fence adorned with a felted vine. Attendees had the chance to win a book voucher, which was claimed by Paul Casey.Glenora Weaving and Wool set up shop at the event, offering a variety of wool supplies for weaving and knitting enthusiasts. Photographs from the exhibition depicted the journey from raw wool shearing to the intricate felt creations crafted by members, including demonstrations of needle felting and the creation of felt balls. Various items made by members were also showcased, highlighting the creativity and skill within the Illawarra Feltmakers community.

There is a wonderful new world of contemporary wallpaper. From the sublime to the bold, biophilic patterns to industrial motifs, as a decorator I can confidently suggest there is now something for everyone.  Wallpaper used to be an expected element in homes around the world. At some point it became so ubiquitous that one way or another, for example overwhelming boldness or inescapable use of the colour salmon, homeowners became quite nervous about using it at all. Indeed, I have had clients at my studio whisper their experience of being haunted by the colours and musty smells of wallpapers of the past.Nowadays, wallpaper is usually printed on non-woven substrates. This changes everything – wallpapers can now be easy to remove in one piece! and are made of breathable material with no more trapped moisture in the walls.  Add the crispness of laser printing and wallpaper has re-emerged as a contemporary product that can take the lead in an interior scheme. It can last for decades or be changed with ease; patterns and colourways are developed with a keen eye for trends whilst employing classic combinations.  Wallpaper can even be a way to include other trends not accessible to you, such as convincing representations of timber or brickwork that can redefine your space. In addition, we also now have removable wallpapers that sit as well on the walls as their pasted-on counterparts (read: they don’t look like stickers anymore) which can be especially practical for children’s rooms, renters, or commercials spaces.There is a world of wallpaper designs, each with an array of colourways to select from.  Patterns range from the earthy to the whimsical, simple to busy, monotone to multicoloured.  When I am sourcing wallpapers for my clients, I look for elegance and balance, which will help layer the wallpaper’s features into a home with harmony.For more information contact South Coast Colour at  www.southcoastcolour.com.au

Terralong Street retailers want the Council to start fining people who overstay in the one and two hour car parks, as they are driving customers away.Zink surf shop owner Darren Longbottom says there is no street parking policy and issues are managed ad hoc by the council compliance team.“I’ve been sending emails back and forth to the council for the last seven months and it has been a drama since Covid. They’ve stopped policing parking on Terralong Street,” Mr Longbottom says.“It’s not just me screaming about this. It’s the locals too. If we don’t have customers, stores close down and Kiama loses. You’ll have no stores in town because they don’t have the ability to trade. It’s killing small business.“I reckon we are losing up to 25 percent of our revenue because potential customers can’t find a park. That’s a significant number and one that puts us on the precipice.“Council needs to police the existing parking time limit, which has been in place for decades. We open our doors and pay the rent in this area as the parking rules were set and we have a fair and orderly flow of traffic.“I’m not asking for people to be fined, I’m asking for council to monitor the spaces to at least keep everyone, me included, honest.”Truck consuming four parking spaces outside Zink surf shop in Terralong Street Credit Darren LongbottomMark Foster, who owns Premier Barbers in Terralong Street, says he is being bombarded with texts from people who are going around and around the block, looking for a park.“I just had a chap in, who arrived late for his appointment. He had to go around the block 10 times to find a park. There was nowhere to park at 2.30pm on a Friday,” Mark says.“We are losing customers and money. Council must remember people come to Kiama to shop. Without small business, it’s just a suburb.”Kiama retailers are not immune from the cold recessionary winds blowing through the Australian economy.Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows retail sales across Australia have flatlined since January.After declining by 0.4 per cent in March, retail trade figures showed spending rose by just 0.1 per cent in April – a sign that people are holding off on making non-essential purchases as cost of living pressures squeeze households.In March 2024, The Bugle reported developers Level 33 were going to build 344 basement car park spaces at the new Akuna street residence.Unfortunately, 163 of those parking spaces will be reserved for residents and another 181 will be set aside for supermarket and retail shoppers and workers.Council is aware of the impact the Akuna Street construction will have.“Council staff are working with Level 33 on options for parking, park and ride, and further solutions to minimise the impact on residents and businesses,” says Jessica Rippon, Director of Planning, Environment and Communities.Terralong street full of cars, credit Raine & HorneA recent Blow your Bugle opinion piece (May 15, 2024), recorded that the Akuna street car park was the last substantial parking facility in town.“With the proposed development taking over this space, we will have no parking-specific spaces left in the main CBD of town. There are approximately 60 businesses from Tory’s Corner to the Red Rooster corner. That’s 60 car spaces required for the workers at a minimum, without even considering our customers, clients, patients and tourists,” the writer said. “One significant option would be the construction of a large parking facility behind the old fire station and ambulance station. It’s reasonably flat, and would provide access to the new park, as well as many of our CBD businesses. I have approached the council in the past, with very little outcome.”Councillor Stuart Larkins and chair of the Local Traffic Committee, says parking issues are frequently raised by business owners and residents.“I know it can be frustrating for some during peak times,” Clr Larkins says.“Until such time that a Parking Management Strategy, and a Local Road Network Safety Plan are developed, a number of the issues raised by the community will be managed on a sporadic basis. We need to make sure we have the bigger picture in front of us.”Council employs one part time parking patrol officer and three compliance officers who cover all aspects of compliance, including car parking.Level 33 did not reply to questions by the deadline.

The Kiama Spinners and Weavers, also known as the Coach House Crafters, are welcoming new members to join their friendly group. They recently held their successful Biggest Morning Tea breakfast complete with a lovely array of cakes and quiche, and a raffle, donated by Blooms Chemist. Meeting each Tuesday at Kiama Art Society’s home base the Coach House, this friendly and lively group of ladies are passionate about their work and sharing it with others. With different crafts on the go, the group produces beautiful quilt work, knitting projects, crochet work and so forth.  The group is active in the community, with several members having won awards for their work at both the Kiama Show and the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Their community quilt hangs in the Coach House, a stunning depiction of life in Kiama and a wonderful testament to the talent and teamwork of the crafters.New members are always welcome, the group is particularly eager to attract younger crafters. One member highlights the therapeutic aspect of joining the group for crafts and a chat each week. Whether an experienced crafter or just starting out, the Spinners and Weavers of Kiama offer a welcoming space to learn, create, and connect. Drop by the Coach House any Tuesday morning from 9.30 am to join in on the fun. 

On Thursday, 6 June, Fern Street Gallery informed their following that they are making a significant transition and shifting their focus towards becoming a predominantly online gallery. The gallery will be offering viewing of artworks by appointment, either in your home with the selected pieces of interest or in their private studio in Kiama. It will also be, “curating exclusive regional pop-up exhibitions and participating in art fairs.”“Choosing art is personalised and effortless with us at Fern Street Gallery. My specialised in-home consultation process is created to improve your experience, increase your confidence and save you time and stress,” says director Kerry Bruce. Bruce assures, “we are not closing our doors; rather, we are reinventing our approach and redefining our accessibility.”Collectors and visitors can stay connected by signing up to the Fern Street Gallery newsletter, or to the exclusive VIP ART Lovers newsletter, which will inform subscribersabout their future endeavours.Bruce says, “While our physical location may be undergoing changes, we remain steadfast in representing a curated group of talented Artists whose art will be consistently available online. Keep an eye out for featured collections each month.”“Our time spent in Gerringong has been filled with fond memories, and we deeply appreciate the support from the local community and our collectors worldwide.”For the latest news regarding new artworks, exhibitions, pop-ups, and Art Fairs, go to: fernstreetgallery.com.au.Note: The current “June Stockroom Exhibition” remains open until June 30 from 10am – 4pm daily at 2/131 Fern Street, Gerringong.