Pondering I

Art and Culture...

I was just looking at my groups page on Facebook today when I saw that a friend of mine had joined a group called "Bill Henson is disgusting, perverted and a creator of child pornography". Now, I can see why people might hold this opinion. His art can border on confronting, but I've never been offended by it myself. I actually hold quite a high opinion of his work, formed when I visited a retrospective held at the Ian Potter Centre, part of the NGV. I actually bought a season ticket to the exhibition, so I was able to visit it several times. I found his work thoughful, sensitive and beautiful. It captured the innocence and inquisitive nature of children, as well as the search for identity and meaning, so integral to adolescence and the journey to adulthood.

I also watched a program dedicated to the discussion of art vs pornography in the wake of the accusations brought against Bill Henson in May of this year. It was aired as part of the Insight program on SBS. I enjoyed the program as it included the opinions of people from all sides of the issue, the artists and curators, the subjects and their parents, and the detractors. They didn't really draw any conclusions, but rather illuminated that it is a very difficult line to draw and that it reflects more on society rather than the art itself.

Why do we feel it so necessary to judge any art that challenges us and what we believe as degrading? I've never viewed Mr Henson's work as exploitative or disgusting, in fact, I've never seen anything of his that shocked or disturbed me. Some of it challenged me, but that is not the same thing. In fact, I believe that our art should challenge us and our beliefs. It is a powerful and appropriate medium for precisely that. Why shouldn't a book, picture, film or song challenge us to see things in a different way? Perhaps they allow us to hear a voice that hasn't been heard, or to view an issue from the other side of the fence. I'm not saying that we should be tolerant to all controversial art. I vividly remember an artwork that depicted a cruifix submerged in urine - this is offensive, to be sure. I don't think that art should shock just for the sake of it, rather it should prompt us to think, rationally and thoughtfully, rather than in heat and anger.

What do you think? Its centainly something to ponder....

For My Mum...

Happy Birthday Mum!

I won't tell everyone how old you are... I'm sure you're years young after two weeks with the kids in Denmark anyway!! Either that, or exhausted! ;)

I hope my Dad is making you feel the special and adored princess that you are today... breakfast in bed, running you a bath, taking you out for a special picnic... you know what I would do... bring you flowers picked from a walk ('cause I'm too skint to buy them!!), read you as much of our latest book as you wanted, bake you a passionfruit sponge, make a lamb roast, bring you as many cups of tea as you desire.... and finish the day with a gin & tonic of course!! ;)

You are my inspiration Mum, I hope some day my daughter can say the same about me... and if she does I tell her that her Grandmother taught me everything I know!

I love you Mum, and thank our Father every day for sending me such a lovely woman to call my mum!!

xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo

another job interview

I had a surprise job interview on Thursday afternoon... such a surprise that they didn't even know I was coming!! Anyway, it felt good and I think it went well, hope to hear back early next week. I also have another interview lined up for Wednesday (Stroke Educator). It sounds like it would be a good fit for me too... Please pray that I find something soon...

In other news the 8.8.08 marks the beginning of my new venture as Tupperware Demonstrator, will hopefully help my finances and keep me busy! I held my announcement party this evening and a few stayed behind to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony... quite the spectacle, but you'd think they could walk just a little bit faster!!! ;)

I'm also due to give my class presentation in class on Monday afternoon... not sure how I'm going to fit the preparation into my weekend, I'm all booked up!! Might have to take my computer out with me... no, that wouldn't work!! I guess I should go to bed so I can wake up at a decent time on Saturday.... I know that I'm my own worst enemy as far as sleep goes!!!

And thank you for all your prayers... I think they're working!! <><

When opportunity knocks....

My life this year seems to be a series of downpours... (as in, "it doesn't rain when it pours"!) The year didn't begin all that well, what with a death in the family, a health scare and relationship failure... but now things begin to look up.

First I'm ordered into my Job Network provider to learn how to find a job (as if I need lessons, being so practiced in the process myself!!) but it opens the door to study, and I'm now completing a certificate in vocational training. This in turn leads to a job interview in the kind of role I never would have expected.

Then, to top it all off, I was at a party at my sister's last weekend, and now I'm being given the opportunity to become a rep for a reputable plastics company (and with no start-up costs!)

So now I just have to consider what to do next.... I'm praying that the Spirit opens (or closes) the right doors and that I consider my future with care and wisdom. I know where I'd like to be in a couple of years time, but is that where God wants me?

Watch this space and I'll let you know what happens next!