Swell Sculpture Festival 2023 - House Sit Currumbin Beach

Every year Currumbin Beach in Queensland hosts the Swell Sculpture Festival. It's a delight to wander the beautiful beach, and see the current year's offerings.

Always a bit of fun to find that you've colour co-ordinated with the art.

Monet In Paris - a House Sitter's Guide to the Exhibition

Lately we've been feeling like making a trip back to Paris. We didn't make it to Giverny last time we were in France, but decided to visit the Monet in Paris Exhibit in Brisbane.

"I would like to paint the way a bird sings." Claude Monet.

Well, if you're a fan of breathtaking art and the mesmerizing works of the Impressionist master Claude Monet, you're in for a treat. Imagine being surrounded by the captivating strokes of Monet's brush, bringing to life the beauty of nature and the heart of Paris itself. Welcome to the "Monet in Paris" Exhibition – an artistic journey you won't want to miss.

Claude Monet was an impressionist painter from the late 19th to early 20th century who specialized in capturing fleeting moments of nature and everyday life. His paintings are like snapshots of time, filled with vibrant colors, soft light, and an incredible attention to detail that makes you feel like you're stepping into a different world.

While we never made it to Giverny we hope to on another house sit in France.

"The real subject of every painting is light." Claude Monet

As visitors step into the "Monet in Paris" exhibition, they embark on a journey through time and space, immersing themselves in the very essence of Monet's artistic evolution and the profound impact the city had on his work.

The "Monet in Paris" Exhibition is an extraordinary collection of his works that takes you on a visual voyage through the city he called home.

Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Paris, its iconic landmarks and serene gardens, all through Monet's eyes. You'll see the famous bridges over the Seine River, the majestic cathedrals, and even the cozy cafes where he and his fellow artists found inspiration.

"I must have flowers, always, and always." Claude Monet

Monet's art is all about feelings and emotions, and you don't need a degree in art history to be moved by his work. Imagine standing in front of his famous water lily paintings – the way he plays with light and color can whisk you away to a peaceful pond, even if you're in the heart of a bustling city.

The "Monet in Paris" Exhibition, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of color, emotion, and beauty. Monet's art has a way of transcending time and space, and you're about to experience it in the heart of the city that inspired him.

"I am following Nature without being able to grasp her, I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." Claude Monet

Tips for Your Visit

Enjoy the Parisian street cafe: You might like to enjoy a cafe latte and croissant prior to the exhibit in the themed cafe outside.

Take It Easy: The exhibition might have a lot to offer, but there's no rush. Take breaks, sit down, and reflect on the beauty around you.

Bring a Friend: Invite a local friend to join you. Sharing the experience can make it even more memorable.

Capture the Moment: Don't hesitate to take a few photos. They'll serve as lovely reminders of your artistic journey.

Get Lost: Figuratively, of course. Let yourself get lost in the art. Wander around and let the paintings draw you in.

Lismore - Back Alley Gallery

You may recognise the heart sign from some of the Lismore flood news reports. At it's height, only the heart was visible. You'll find it not far from the entrance to the alley.

When we lived in Lennox Head some years ago now, we regularly visited the Lismore Art Gallery. Sadly it's still not back in action after the flood.

However you can still see some fantastic street art at the Back Alley Gallery.

Located in Eggins Street at Lismore, I'm sure you'll be impressed with the artist's talent.

Lismore was really quiet the day we visited. There are plenty of signs warning pedestrians about the uneven paths, where flood waters have lifted the ground levels.

The Back Alley is probably not a place I'd go on my own, and the day we were there a young local guy asked us if we were OK and if we needed any help to find our way. How lovely, the kindness of strangers, it was really appreciated.

I'm a bit of a vintage sci fi fan, so this one was a favourite.

This one reminded me of an album called Vulture Culture by The Alan Parsons Project, I played over and over when I drove around in my hot pink VW. click here for their Eye in the Sky song