Well so far I am into about week 3 of using my new WordPress blog/site and it is getting easier each time…ESP.if I read the full instruction!!!Check it out if you like at http://www.sharongreenaway.wordpress.com
Blogging for Artists
Blogging for Artists.Tonight I went along to an informal meeting held at the RL Campbell Theatrette (next to the Bendigo library) on the topic of blogging for artists.Organised by Rohan Phillips Arts Officer at the City of Greater Bendigo, the night featured guest speakers ABC Open Producer Jane Curtis with visual artist Gail Tavener sharing her experience of Blogging.Gail’s explanation of how she uses blogging was clear and easy to understand.Gail explained that while she also has a web site which is more static (and costs her a lot to change) and only updated a few times throughout the year, her blog allows her to keep her followers up to date with her latest work and sales and exhibitions. Sometimes her posts produces unexpected responses, Gail explained, using her recent post of a photograph of sunflowers from her garden as an example, as people contacted her about the propagation of these sunny flowers. ‘It means people are reading my blog,’ she added.One tip that Gail stressed was to only upload small resolution images onto your blog so that while people can see the work clearly, but can’t download the image into any large format.Jane discussed briefly what a blog is,comparing it to a diary that everyone can read, unlike posts to social networking sites such as Facebook where only friends have access. Jane also handed out to the 15 or so people in attendance an informative fact sheet on blogging that covered what a blog is, why have a blog,how do you create a blog and some tips on blogging.I found the evening to be well worth attending as it provided an opportunity to learn new tips and tricks as well as a chance to meet other artists from our local region.Thanks to Rohan, Jane and Gail for their time and expertise.
What a weekend for local Arts
What an Arts weekend in Bendigo!The weekend began with two openings in the CBD within a short stroll from each other.The first one I went to was the ‘Art Blast’ exhibition upstairs at the new Viewpoint Gallery opposite the fountain, 13 View Point Bendigo.Walking into the quirky shop-cum-gallery was a treat in itself but one needed to climb the aged stairs in order to access the opening night venue. Here the first piece I noticed was a huge cosy and soft looking chair (by artist Isobell Sirianni ) where people could snuggle down into, should they so desire; I didn’t despite the encouragement of one young teddy bear carrying lady who assured me she had already tried all the cosy corners of the show. I was too hot to try, but given a cold evening it would have been hard to climb out of the seat.Photographs by Christine Sayer adorned the walls of the viewing space (a fabulous view of Bendigo could also be obtained through the windows of said place.)In a small passageway a computer was set up where the audience could read the work by blogger Kelly Robson on what the Art Blast project was all about, including the fact that tickets for the show (over the weekend only ) in the various venues are available at the Capital for $10.Next, a stroll up View Street led me to the opening of ‘Environs’ by a group of local artists. This show in parts took my breath away – both the 2 d ad 3 d works which was supplemented by the smell of incense burning. Unlike the Art Blast which is open only this weekend this latter show runs until 5th March so if you can’t fit it all in this weekend you won’t miss out.Then this afternoon I was fortunate to go along to hear Kyneton artist Daniel Butterworth talk about his work at El Gordo cafe in Chancery Lane. Daniel’s talk revealed an easy going, passionate and dedicated-to-his-art bloke. It was an intimate meeting with nibbles supplied by El Gordo where people were able to ask questions and discuss all things arty in an informal way after the talk. I am so glad I ventured outdoors the last couple of days even though the weather was so hot.Oh and by the way, for dinner last night hubby and I enjoyed a yummy burger from Grill’d where $5 from each burger was being donated to the Otis Foundation.A simply nice way to spend time in my home town.
Sharon Greenaway 