SKELLY

While in Austin, I got three pairs of these filigree sterling silver skeleton earrings to sell at Corky Saint Clair. 


They are pretty intense but I am sure the right girl could make them work.

MASONIC

Made the pilgrimage to Domy Books on Chavez Street on the East Side. I checked out their current show 'As Above So Below' which has been curated by Mason and Oddfellow Bruce Lee Webb. Upon arriving I thought this exhibition was a hipsterish appropriation of Masonic imagery and Southern Outsider Art. But it turns out all of the amazing works here are actual artefacts many of dating to 1880s and earlier. Which made everything creepier and more resonant.
I've had such an amazing time in Austin, Texas I was going to buy myself a navajo inspired blanket by Pendleton from Stag to remember the experience.  While I was looking at this work (York Rite lion of Judah Banner c.1870) I thought 'fuck that, I'm sick of yuppie shit,' I should get this instead.  The lion's face is so lovingly painted and definitely has human qualities.
This was literally the star of the show: A Masonic Scottish Symbolic light box (c1890). The image is painted onto a scrim and the whole image can be backlit. It wasn't lit at the show but imagine how eery it would be if it was.
I really wanted this Oddfellows Iniatory Degree Banner (c1900). Studying this work I realised something was up - no hipster artist would have the time, energy or hand skills to execute the delicate gold brocading that frame this piece.
Lodge Goat (c. 1900) use in the iniatory rites of several secret socities. How much would you pay to see one of those ceremonies? and more importantly how was the goat used?
Masonic Fellow Craft Degree Chart c.1870

INK

I went stamp crazy in Austin. I got 22 stamps made up with my drawings and various geometric patterns. I rode my bike past South Congress to Capitol Rubber Stamps to pick up my stamps. Very interesting area.

It's kinda funny because I spent most of my time as a child using stamp kits to decorate everything I owned and here I am million years later doing the same thing. There is something oddly relaxing and meditative about making impressions on paper with stamps.

AUSTIN

BEAR

I got this cute bear bottle opener at a shop called Stag. You can tell I've already used it - it's teeth get scarier the more you use it. It's really fun to use.

Stag: Provisions for Men (not too sure about the title, sounds kinda clunky) has really nice guys clothing - Pendleton, RL and their own house label which is some kinda preppy take on the mystery of the South West.  For example there were the  most beautiful navajo inspired blankets that I might buy if I make enough at the RCF.

There was a choice selection of accessories such as a nautical rape whistle, hand beaded vintage coin purses with native american motifs, awesome leather cigarette lighter holders.

This is slacker culture at it's finest. Everyone was so laid back in the store, it gave you a chance to breathe and listen to the nice music they were playing.

AUSTIN

I can see why all the lo fi kids in Melbourne love Austin so much. It's so understated it's like it doesn't exist.

Found this stunningly beautiful shop called Uncommon Objects in South Congress. As one of Australia's foremost experts in vintage shopping I can say that this is one of the best shops I've ever been to. More museum than shop it has been carefully curated into rich, lovely displays. Some of the merchandise is a bit creepy - daguerrotypes of dead families, anything with human hair, religious tracts - it all made for an interesting retail exerience.

Everything in Austin is super cheap so I kinda went nuts in there. So many owl related objects to drag back to Melbourne.

I got this handmade cellulose rabbit brooch for $55USD.

Lawyer's cabinet...I really wanted that but how the f*** would I get it back to Melbourne?

SAN FRAN

AUSTIN

Hey everybody sorry I haven't been blogging. I've been busy planning my trip to the US, where I will be representing Melbourne.

I'm kinda scared and excited, probably more excited as the date draws closer.