Sunshine Coast Weekender

Posted July 13, 2007 by Cindy

Press appearances
Today Cindy appears in the Noosa Weekender, Sunshine Coast Weekender (online version here) and in the Noosa Notables column in the Noosa news.

Kids on the Coast Magazine

Posted July 11, 2007 by Cindy

Hi All,

There’s a lovely article about Cindy and “Paint In Your Pyjamas!” in this months edition of ‘Kids on the Coast’.

20,000 copies are distributed from Caloundra through to Noosa and the Hinterland areas. There’s also a digital edition on the Kids on the Coast web site. Download it from here (15Mb download).

Enjoy,
Stuart

Thoughts about Hastings Street, Noosa

Posted July 10, 2007 by Cindy

No matter how busy my life is, I still make time to paint most days. Having the choice to do so is my interpretation of freedom. I am now represented by The Cooper Gallery (formerly known as The Beachside Gallery) smack bang in the very middle of Hastings street – set right in the middle of a street full of little boutique shops, surrounded by the gorgeous vibrant colours of nature; luscious green tropical plants line the streets, soft white sand and the cool blue ocean sits directly in front. There is an abundance of wildlife fossicking and frollicking around. There are even sleepy Koalas in the national park at the end of the strip of shops. This all combines in intersting synergy along with many little boutiques sporting the latest up-to-date fashion labels all at matching glamorous prices. The best dining experience can also be had, with artistic-chefs who take great pride in the presentation and content of the foods they serve. Only the freshest ingredients are used and cooked to perfection. The whole feeling of the big city consumerism with all the glamerous shops and oppulence nestles inside a wonderful Nature Womb of greenery.

There is something for everyone in Hastings Street…..and that gives the whole experience a kind of surrealistic feel, as though you are stepping into another world. This is the mysterious world of the vacation, holiday or otherwise known as ‘the great escape’. The oppulence, the frivolity with our purse strings as we swing our bags on our fingertips and dance amidst the aloofness of ‘no worries in the world’ removes any thoughts of guilt about the excessive purchases we are making.

All of this activity provides a massive platform of intrigue to me as an artist. I have been fascinated with the mainstay industry (tourism) in Noosa ever since I arrived here four and a half years ago. I have been painting about Noosa and the Hastings street lifestyle for about the entire time, because I have many questions to ask about this behaviour many of us choose to perform (including me at times.) Do we have the right to flaunt our money or should we be donating huge sums to charity and living like paupers to help others? Are we right in buying not one but ten hats, shoes and bags – one for every occasion. Take a look at the painting I created titled “Shop Till You Drop”

It’s in The Cooper Gallery in Hastings street, or go to www.thecoopergallery.com.au. this picture sums up my curiosity. I am not commenting, I am just asking questions like why do we shop till we drop on holidays and anyway where do all these things fit in our suitcases to travel home? I love the feel of Hastings street and often become engrosed in that breath-taking experience that ‘high’ at the thought of dining in the fabulous restaurants along the beach (and often do so). But that feeling is sometimes counter-balanced by emotions filled with pain as I am reminded of the greed and pride that is also there as well.

In summary, I think it is great to enjoy the best in life, and yes we are entitled to nice things – we do have the right to feel smooth soft textures on our skin in the clothes we wear. We do deserve to enjoy soft succulent oysters slithering down our throats and swirling portions of soft juicy crabmeat in our mouths, but once again, it’s all about balance. There is a place for indulgence, just not all the time. There is time to give back too. A time to contribute (in the form of work or time) as well as tithing. To give a portion of our income is so important – even if we all gave just ten percent of everything we earn, to a good cause, we could make a difference. Thankyou Hastings street, for being an intriguing place to investigate human behaviour and well done on accomplishing such a fascinating integration of nature and man-made lifestyle. It’s fun to walk the Hastings street strip, have an icecream and admire all the beautiful objects of human design as well as the natural beauty.