Walls stare at us

The word ‘Anthropomorphism’ is a noun. It means to attribute human characteristics or behavior to a god, an animal, or an object.

We tend to give inanimate objects personalities. Maybe that behaviour comes from our childhoods, when we played with inanimate toys in search of a playmate and company. 

We project human qualities onto our animals. Maybe that is to create a more intimate connection...attempting to bridge the obvious gaps between us.

To anthropomorphize something often works well as a metaphoric vehicle to communicate a thought, a notion, a statement.

The two images above are really good examples of this metaphoric communication. 

Just love what people do on walls. How the street at all times can be a vehicle for art of the rawest.

Naked Sunflowers

It is hard to let go of a bunch of sunflowers, but when the petals turn brown and limp, it’s time to go...or is it?

Just take the petals off and see what appears. 

Short, green petals surround the deep brown centers.  They are reborn and have extended their shelf / table life. 

This inventive idea was imparted to shiftazine by the beautiful Peta, whose delightful wedding snaps including the BEST wedding dress (ever) 

was featured in shiftazine June 2013 ‘Love Blossoms’.

Issue No.12 : Art is a necessity

Art is universal. Art is a link to everything. Art is omnipresent. Art is free. Art is without boundaries. Art is important. Art is without a use by date. Art is..

A belated JOYDAY

Now we know that JOYDAY is the 25th of November every year. 
And we also know that the 25th of November was last week.  
But the fact remains that there is something that brings us a little piece of JOY in our lives every day.  
So celebrate that thing today or tomorrow or whenever it suits, but do celebrate it, it will make you smile...promise.

The light fills the already full space

The overview of this delightful store describes it as, “Imported from the cold French seaside to balmy Brisbane, Australia.”

When shiftazine first entered this once-was light industrial huge shed, it was a very hot, humid day outside.  

Inside the space, the air was cool and calm, and the light was soft and filled the area.

The first part of this experience found shiftazine inside a beautiful cafe space that has the capacity to transports you immediately to somewhere in the south France. 

A lightness, a sense of the relaxed, a place where one can sit and just be has been created here.  

The coffee is fine and there is some talk of cider (perhaps) eventually being offered...just perfect on a Brisbane Summer’s day.

Behind the cafe the space opens out to reveal a selection of objects ranging from French antiques and vintage fabrics, 

such as wonderful old linen sheets and bedspreads, through to funky fifties and sixties lounge room furniture.

Large, glass flagons float from the roof, as do authentic bench wood chairs.  

This is a 360 degree experience that is more than a store or a cafe...its a destination.

Sit yourself down, as there is a story to be told

This image of the latest 'Street Chair' observation was created by a fine young designer Luke Cooper. (Shiftazine thanks him for the use of it ). 
It speaks volumes about how strange real life is. How on earth did this love seat get here?

Where do all the street chairs go? Hopefully not all go to landfill, although on this occasion I would not be surprise.
The streets are full of visual curiosities and delights and useful stuff.
Keep your eyes peeled...take it all in.

A snappy combo

It was the colour of the laces that first attracted attention, then the saffron yellow of the skirt, which complemented the jaunty purple and blue combo of the shoes’ soles, made the story complete.

Drawn

"Graffiti means making marks on surfaces using just about anything, be it markers, spray,  paint,  chalk,  lipstick,  varnish, ink.

Or it can be the result of scratches and incisions.  The aim is to maintain the energy created by disturbance or excitement in the street." 

Barry McGee http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/chalk.html#TDPPDcbUubMLZq53.99

Chalk drawings are all around the streets of any urban environment. People need to see them, noticed them, love them, embrace them. 
People need to create them, fill their world with them. Go and buy some chalk today, pick a bit of tarmac and DRAW!