Via Flickr:
It's the talk of the Sydney arts world...
Iconic Australian sports figure Ian Thope will return to Sydney to launch a portrait painted of him for the 10-year anniversary of his charity, Fountain for Youth.
The painting was completed a year ago but has not been revealed due to the swim star's Olympic training commitments.
It's understood Thorpe will attend tonight's launch, coming off the Olympic trials in Adelaide.
Well known and celebrated artist Charles Billich has enjoyed some wonderful conversations with the swimmer during their sittings for the portrait and thinks Thorpe is "going for the theatrics" and might surprise everyone with his comeback.
"He's an impressive guy, not because he's famous but because he has enormous discipline, enormous energy and dedication and if he wants to do it, he will do it and he will do it again," Billich says.
"I think he is leaving it to the last; he might have a sense of the theatrics with his timing and he'll surprise everyone."
The art is entitled "Spiritual Training" and is described as "A composite portrait of Ian Thorpe...an iconic Australian Renaissance man".
The occasion is in support of Ian Thorpe's charity - The Foundation for Youth. The painting can be acquired by silent auction.
Websites
Charles Billich official website
www.billich.com
Ian Thorpe official website
www.ianthorpe.com
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography
Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com"
Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com
Mar 26, 2012
Charles Billich and Ian Thorpe; Thorpe's Foundation For Youth - Spiritual Training
Charles Billich and Ian Thorpe; Thorpe's Foundation For Youth - Spiritual Training
It's the talk of the Sydney arts world...
Iconic Australian sports figure Ian Thope will return to Sydney to launch a portrait painted of him for the 10-year anniversary of his charity, Fountain for Youth.
The painting was completed a year ago but has not been revealed due to the swim star's Olympic training commitments.
It's understood Thorpe will attend tonight's launch, coming off the Olympic trials in Adelaide.
Well known and celebrated artist Charles Billich has enjoyed some wonderful conversations with the swimmer during their sittings for the portrait and thinks Thorpe is "going for the theatrics" and might surprise everyone with his comeback.
"He's an impressive guy, not because he's famous but because he has enormous discipline, enormous energy and dedication and if he wants to do it, he will do it and he will do it again," Billich says.
"I think he is leaving it to the last; he might have a sense of the theatrics with his timing and he'll surprise everyone."
The art is entitled "Spiritual Training" and is described as "A composite portrait of Ian Thorpe...an iconic Australian Renaissance man".
The occasion is in support of Ian Thorpe's charity - The Foundation for Youth. The painting can be acquired by silent auction.
Websites
Mar 11, 2012
Snake Charmer Choppers: Tattoo and Bodypainting Expo
Via Flickr:
attoo & Body Art Expo Sydney; Art, Bikes, Oddities, Pro Wrestling and more
It may have been billed Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, but tattoo's were the bread and butter of today's excitement out at Homebush, and we were excited about catching pro wrestling AWF style, plus the "jail cell" action thanks to the folks at Snake Charmer.
We were told that about 5,000 passed thru the gates today (Saturday), such is the popularity of tatts and bodyart in Sydney, Australia. There were a lot more tattoos than regular bodypainting.
Most of the stall holders were really friendly, and most invited the positive media attention also.
The pro wrestling thanks to Greg "TNT" Bounds and his stable of brawlers was one of the highlights for us, as it provided some exciting action to fill out that day. We witnessed an impressive wrestling match between Ben (Iron Jay) Coles VS Gladiator Apollo, that featured both technical wrestling and brawling. After the match they both shook hands, did some off the record interviews and posed for photos (which came very naturally for them).
Back to the regular stalls...
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin from WWE fame would have been proud to hear that skulls were on display (not real ones as far as we know, but quite a few hardcore bikers were on site). There was lots of body jewellery and detailed masterpieces, on many parts of the human body. We saw hundreds of tattoos and piercings, some of which were a bit scary looking.
The customised skateboards and skatedecks at NSP were ultra cool, and it was great to see that they were raising money for some kids that had been doing it tough, so we took some pictures of their cool creations and made a modest donation.
It was the fourth annual Show and more than 300 Australian and international artists strutted their stuff, and they will be doing the same again Sunday (tomorrow).
Big thank you to the organisers of Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, and especially the great folks at AWF Wrestling and Snake Charmer for the excellent performances which we captured.
Websites
Tattoo & Body Art Expo Sydney
www.tattooexpo.com.au
AWF Wrestling
www.awfwrestling.com.au
Sydney Olympic Park
www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
Snake Charmer Choppers
www.snakecharmerchoppers.com
Harley-Davidson (Australia)
www.harley-davidson.com/en_AU/Content/Pages/home.html
NSP Clothing
www.nspclothing.com
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography
Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com
Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com
Wrestling News Media
www.wrestlingnewsmedia.com
Mar 8, 2012
Big Name Street Artists Paint Live For Charity: Vexta, Haha, E.L.K and Reka; The Rocks, Sydney
Coca-Cola Australia Foundation funds innovative youth rehabilitation program
4th Tattoo & Body Art Expo starts tomorrow!
Mar 5, 2012
Kylie Minogue Mardi Gras Harbour Party
Kylie Minogue Mardi Gras Harbour Party, a set on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Mardi Gras Sydney 2012; Kylie Minogue On Parade and After Party 2pm show
The weather in Sin City Sydney was wet, but spirits were sky high.
Expectations were high and this years Mardi Gras delivered.
The massive crowd was really well behaved and all of the police officers we encountered were very friendly and helpful.
Mardi Gras was broadcast worldwide via the internet (powered by Optus) for the virgin time, and about 300,000 spectators crowded along Oxford St and took in the almost 3-hour long show.
There was a wonderful spread of floats and all manner of glitter and sexy creations, with feathers boas, lots of colour, sequin and skin being all the rage.
It's understood that in excess of 9100 friendly folks marched to Taylor Square. Some of our favs included Marilyn look-a-likes, cheerleaders, butterflies and polished up police.
Dykes on Bikes and Love Muscle were both also very popular crowd pleasers.
We counted about 20 of the 120 floats promoting marriage equality, pushing this year's theme of "Infinite Love"
Many politicians got behind the cause, with Federal MPs Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek, and State MPs Carmel Tebbutt, Penny Sharpe and Linda Burney all marching in Rainbow Labor’s marriage equality float. State MP Bruce Notley-Smith, who also spoke at the media media conference was on the GLBTI Liberals float.
Many people feel that the amazing Kylie Minogue-themed float was the best. It was designed for Kylie to spec.
Kylie made her first appearance at the Sydney Mardi Gras since 1998.
Minogue, 43, said the event holds great memories for her having attended twice before.
"It’s such a great way to celebrate the relationship between the gay community and myself and everything we have been through together," she said.
"The city feels alive, it's something that is great for Sydney, great for Australia and I am so honoured to be a part of it.".
It was mainly Kylie that also drew a massive crowd to the party at Hordern Pavillion - Royal Hall of Industries - Moore Park.
News Updates...
Kylie Minogue news...
Yes, Kylie is returned to Mardi Gras Sydney tonight. Earlier in the day she put out to the universe: "Please dear, dear Sydney, just keep the rain away while we party, Kylie told Fairfax Media "A lot of effort is still going into the performance on Saturday night and, personally, I'm excited to see the parade and feel the spirit of the city, the spirit of the people and to be part of that is a beautiful thing." Her upcoming appearance at the Mardigrasland Party in the Entertainment Quarter is sold out. Its been 14 years since she graced Mardi Gras and said her 2012 return "just felt right". "It's hard to believe I've been in music for 25 years, and in showbiz even longer," she said. After Mardi Gras, she will present her music in a more stripped-back setting as part of the ongoing K25 celebrations.
Kylie! Australia's pop queen performed at the Mardi Gras party. It as a 20-minute medley of songs stretching from her first album to her most recent, Aphrodite. Minogue's song arrangements are completely tailor-made for the show which took place at the Royal Hall of Industries. Kylie's show began at 2pm, suggesting she's still quite the night owl and party animal. 16 amazing talented dancers supported the pop princess as she wowed the crowd.
Political and People Power outcomes on the way?...
Last year, Barry O'Farrell announced that he would allow a conscious vote for NSW Liberal members on the issue of gay marriage.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard allowed the same for her Labor Party members in 2011, resulting in the party voting in favour of the move.
Greens senator Sarah Hansen-Young, who confessed she was "not a virgin" of the Mardi Gras, said the parade was an opportunity to celebrate how far the Marriage Equality Campaign had come in parliament.
"We have several bills in parliament," she said.
"Tony Abbott now has to step out of the way and let his party catch up with the people."
The parade is an annual event by the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which aims to raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities.
Ms Hansen-Young advised the Mardi Gras was an important event not just for those involved but for the nation.
"It (the parade) has grown to the point where it's not just the Sydney community but the whole Australian community saying yes, let's celebrate diversity," she said.
Well done to everyone involved in the preparation of Sydney Mardi Gras.
Websites
Mardi Gras
www.mardigras.org.au
Mardi Gras TV
www.mardigrastv.org.au
Kylie Minogue official website
www.kylie.com
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography
Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com
Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com