Two Doors Down

Collage by me for Rookie Mag

Pictures are from newest to oldest! Phew. While I've just gotten back from a beach holiday, to be honest, I don't much feel like I've had a break. I was working *remotely* from the apartment I stayed at with my family in Lorne - I had my scanner, laptop and a large portion of materials from my studio splayed over the kitchen table for the duration of the trip. I was also doing some work for my part time job, along with illustration commissions and various other things... eeep! Lots of work, lots of tired late night eyes attempting to draw relatively straight lines and failing.

The weather was disappointing and I was left wondering what season it was, as being rugged up in jackets and jumpers certainly did not feel like summer. I managed to get one swim in, which was refreshing, but I had wished for close and hot days where I could sweat everything out and then wash it all off in the ocean.

Because of the cooler weather, highlights from the trip included a bush walk, a trip to a waterfall, seeing dolphins in the ocean from the car and finding a copy of the National Gallery of Victoria magazine where I have a big feature at the local Op Shop. (It came out this time last year, and has come full circle!)

I'm glad to be home, though. I missed my studio. I won't be able to be in there every day from now on, unfortunately, the summer of love is over and this week I'm starting back in the office at my three-day-a-week part time job. The start of February marks the true beginning of this year - back to my regular routine, on the 9.10 train, fidgeting in my wheelie office chair eating toasted cheese sandwiches for lunch. There is comfort in this that I crave, but I will miss the scope of time I had to play with over the last month. I loved long days in my studio. I can still have them but not as often. It's a reality I have to come to terms with.

On a whim I decided that I'd go to Laneway Festival this Saturday. I am going with my friend Brodie who works at Rookie Magazine with me. We're excited to see Perfect Pussy, whose lead singer is Meredith Graves - another fellow Rookie who is here on tour from America! I have never been to a music festival before. I know. I am 24. But it's just never appealed to me as a nervy introvert who doesn't like loud noises. I'm excited, though, and Brodie said she'll "look after me" and I think I will have fun. I am going to wear so much sunscreen and be so prepared and have lots of water and a big hat. Yes yes.

I'll be waking up early to go to my studio tomorrow and hopefully get a lot of work done.

Above are some pictures from Art Party at the National Gallery of Victoria, too, which was so much fun. It was fantastic to meet so many of you and to see so many young people participating and being enthusiastic about art. You all lit up the room. Thank you for coming :)