Paradise

/ Robert / 2 Comments

 It is so easy to slip into automatic pilot for the journey to work. Today was different. I would like to thank the driver who welcomed me to his bus with a chirpy “good morning”. 

Since prepaid fares have been introduced in Sydney there is little need to interact with the driver. Being greeting was part of the story; the driver also played familiar songs and wished everyone a good day as they alighted. 
I tell others about the beauty of Australia, usually referring to the beaches, outback and rainforests. Today I was given several moments in urban paradise. 
The songs included Don’t you forget about me by Simple Minds, Really wanna know you by Gary Wright and Paradise by Coldplay. 

New flag

/ Robert / 5 Comments

  
There has been lots of chatter over the Tasman in New Zealand about a new flag. I like the curls on this local railing so much that they inspired me to create a flag-like montage.  

Urban Revitalisation

/ Robert / 6 Comments

I’m fascinated by local history; while having lunch at Capriccio today we wondered what the story is behind the building across the street from where we were sitting. Until about a month ago the ground floor of The Harold Hawkins Court was adorned with flaking beige paint and graffiti. The colourful abstract mural is a welcome improvement. An Internet search revealed a Uniting Care media release from June 2014. 

Dame Pattie Menzies opened Harold Hawkins Court in August 1964. At the time, it was a state-of-the-art facility providing a home for up to 120 senior citizens. However, Harold Hawkins Court, which is located in the heart of Leichhardt’s iconic Norton Street, has stood empty and neglected for most of the last 10 years.

http://www.unitingcarenswact.org.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0018/103662/2014_06_20_leichhardt-development_media-release_FINAL.docx

By continuing with my search I hit the jackpot a few webpages later, it turns out the building started off as a theatre. 

 

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/39519

Large inner west theatre running typical suburban double bills. It was situated on busy Norton Street just off Parramatta Road in the Leichhardt suburb of Sydney. The Marlboro Theatre opened in June 1920. When CinemaScope arrived the Marlboro Theatre had the widest screen in the area. It was a favorite for action pictures. The Marlboro Theatre was closed in July 1960.

 

The above image is taken looking south along Norton Street towards Paramatta Road. The parked cars on the left are approximately where outdoor seating is provided by cafes and restaurants, including, one of our favourites in the area, Aperitivo. 

The new mural was painted to commemorate the revitalisation of this area. 

Related links:

http://capriccio.sydney

https://theinfp.com/2015/02/21/aperol-spritz-anyone/

http://aperitivo.com.au

Hannah or Harry?

/ Robert / 3 Comments

  
This gargoyle like image evolved from blending blobs of colour. The ear and teeth shapes are intentional. I used Paper and Pencil by fiftythree to create this haunting Halloween abstract. 

Time to work

/ Robert / Leave a comment

 
Mostly quiet; purring of the engine,

Pierced by one voice.

Headphones, immaculate dark brown hair,

Golden tan, short back and sides, dark grey jersey. 

“You got muscle?”

Heads down phones out.

“She played for UNSW”

Seven polygons overlaid in the round below the thumb. 

Blue denim shirt, cream chinos and sandy coloured hair.

“Big crowds expected” states the jumping video screen.

Heavy gold links encircle a slim young wrist. 

“Almost two years, nice!”

Raindrops on glass,

Wipers have stopped.

Wet umbrella at my feet. 

An annoying fly. 

“Julie, see you around, my name’s Brad!”

Time to work