Patterns in the Sky
Seen from our deck.
More Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!
November 30, 2012
November 29, 2012
Impulse (Fran Maguire)
Impulse (Fran Maguire)
This cheerful and energetic stoneware installation, entitled “Impulse”, won Fran Maguire of Blenheim a merit award at the Portage Ceramic Awards in October. Beautiful in the sunlit exhibition room at the Cloud.
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November 28, 2012
Coots at Western Springs
Coot and Chicks
The Australian Coot (or Eurasian Coot, Fulica atra) is a self-introduced species (did they really cross the Tasman Sea? — or maybe they hitched a ride on a ship), protected in New Zealand, their numbers on the rise (they arrived in the fifties). These pictures are from Western Springs, where there are a good number of them all year round.
For several weeks after hatching, the chicks have this unreal coloration, which gradually becomes a drab grey, and eventually turns black with the white facial shield.
Defending the Territory
November 27, 2012
The Hand
Hand by Bootleg Design
On a train journey to the city, I noticed this hand beside the railway line (Haultain Street, Eden Terrace). It turns out that it belongs to Bootleg Design, creators of themed interiors, 3D models, sets and props. From their website:
“Looking to make an impact with your visual display, advertising shoot, interactive exhibition or retail / entertainment centre? Or perhaps you need ‘ice’ that never melts, a piece of ‘chocolate’ 2 metres by 4 metres or a 3-dimensional sign promoting your products or company? Look no further.”
This hand is actually made of some kind of plastic, with a surface treatment imitating rust.
November 26, 2012
HOP
Way to move, Auckland!
A long overdue integrated ticketing system (the HOP card) for Auckland’s public transport made its appearance a month ago. Here are pictures of some of the publicity at New Lynn station. So far, the HOP card is operational on trains, ferries are about to follow, and buses will come next year.
HOP Card Emblazoned on Escalator
Don't Forget!
Timeline
Helpful Helpdesk at Britomart
November 25, 2012
Advanced Makrame
Tying Knots
A worker on the fishing vessel San Nikunau connects a rope and a chain.
One of the attractions of the Wynyard Quarter is the fact that one can get up close to working ships.
Concentration
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November 24, 2012
Between Races
Members' Stand, Avondale Racecourse
This is (part of) the rear of the members’ stand at Avondale. Patrons are enjoying refreshments, discuss form and look down on the action in the birdcage (birdwatching?). And this photographer enjoyed the view in reverse.
For more black and white images check out Dragonstar’s Weekend in Black and White.
November 23, 2012
“il etait une fois…”
South of France in Ponsonby
That’s how fairytales start in French, and it is the inscription on the facade of this house which transplants the viewer into the South of France with its trompe-l’œil painting facing the carpark beside. Even the street address got its French translation. The painter is identified as “troubadour.ink”, with two phone numbers which are not current. My attempts to elicit something more about the background have been unsuccessful.
Pompallier Terrace is named after Jean Baptiste Pompallier (1802–1871), the first catholic bishop of Auckland, an early missionary who arrived in the country in 1838.
Blue sky in the mural, blue sky above as well. More Skywatch images at the Skywatch Site!
il était une fois...
8 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby
November 22, 2012
Artbunker
Exuberance
You can’t miss the concrete box opposite of Kaurilands School, at 108 Atkinson Road, Titirangi, with its bright colours and the creative energy spilling right out onto the footpath. The Artbunker is Heathermeg’s empire, where paint meets canvas (or corrugated iron, or textiles, or …). Now in full flight to fill your Christmas orders.
See also these posts.
Artist at Work
The Artbunker
November 21, 2012
Nice Hairstyle
Cygnet Growing up
Fancy hairstyles are not confined to human teenagers. A fun moment at Western Springs. (He grows it where I lost it…)