Being Overwhelmed By A Wonderful Random Act Of Kindness.

This post is going to be a quickie. 

Whilst wondering back from the post office and stopping at Michelle's just beautiful studio (yes I bought some incense), I met two absolutely charming couples on the bench outside our building.

Clayton Timms and his wife Annette, along with friends David and Jackie, are staying in Beverley for a couple of days. They had just been into the East End Gallery...Whilst chatting, Clayton produced a ChatGPT brochure for our Gallery in about 2 minutes... 

I had explained that my marketing skills leave a bit to be desired. Quite spontaneously, through a Random Act Of Kindness, Clayton created a brochure for us that is so spectacularly better than any I have produced.

 Ye Gods, what a few moments in time. Thank you to Clayton from the bottom of our hearts. So unexpected. And so lovely to also meet Annette, David and Jackie.

Never doubt that serendipity may appear out of nowhere. 

And I might actually have to take courage in hand and venture into the world of ChatGPT...

 

 

Wow, just wow!

 

 

 

Just the Random Act of Kindness we all need!

 

I believe again!
 

 

 

A Little Bit Of Ettiquette At The East End Gallery...

This is a post I have been wanting to write for quite a long time. Having run the East End Gallery for nearly twelve years, I think the time has come to award bouquets and brickbats. 

THE GOOD 

• We welcome everybody into the East End Gallery.
• We make alternate times or appointments for guests who wish to view the Gallery outside our normal hours.
• We don't even mind if our guests don't buy any art or artisan works from us.
• What we would like is guests to appreciate our artists, art pieces and our space.
• To ask about the art and the artists.
• We hold art for guests if they can't take the piece(s) away with them upon sale.
• We still have lay by for our guests' benefit. We expect 25% deposit and a maximum hold time of three weeks. 
• If possible, could our guests support the East End Gallery by buying, sharing us on social media or telling your family and friends.
• Signing up for a Welding for Art day with my husband Michael, a master craftsman and fantastic teacher.
• Signing up for a Residency and accommodation.  

THE BAD AND THE UGLY

• Please be respectful. This means not sneaking out of the Gallery without saying thank-you and goodbye.
• Please be encouraging. Take some time. If guests are waiting for coffee/lunch/the toilet, we would really appreciate your return and give us more than a lightning quick look.
• Please show us more. We don't want to hear if our guests have no room on their walls, are in a caravan or waiting for their toasties. These reasons are irrelevant. We just ask you to admire, appreciate and show interest in our artists and their works. 
• Please be aware that our artists set their prices and their pieces have those values. We ask you not to come into the East End Gallery and bargain or complain about the pricing. 
• Please know that the East End Gallery is our space and we do not wish to be compared us with galleries and artworks elsewhere. Guests in our Gallery will hopefully want to view, appreciate  and enjoy our works. 
• Please remember that our Gallery is for guests who like art in all forms.

Good manners cost nothing. 

And art for the artist is everything. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanted! More Artists and Artisans In Heavenly Beverley!

• Would you love to have an Art Residency in Beverley but can't find a place at Beverley Station Arts for the next year or so?
• Are you not sure about volunteering to open their Station Gallery between 9.30am and 4pm four days a week? Perhaps that would impinge on the time you'd rather spend creating your artwork ...
• Are you concerned about the precipitous stairs to the bedrooms with the toilet and bathroom downstairs? 
• Might you be lonely on your own at night? 

The East End Gallery has a solution for artists and artisans who would love to have a residency in Heavenly Beverley!

Positives -

• Forty square metres of residency space for you with a huge working table.
• Vincent Street frontage with very large windows opposite the Red Vault Cafe. 
• Adjacent communal eating area with kitchenette for making complimentary tea and coffee, heating up food in our microwave or storing perishables in our Gallery fridge.
• No volunteering in the East End Gallery. These two areas are entirely separate entities.  Direct any enquiries to me (Kate).
• Ability to work in your own time and your own pace whatever time of day you chose.
• Mixing with all the other artisans on Vincent Street. 
• Accommodation in our beautiful guest suite in our home with all the comforts including queen sized bed, all linen, stocked kitchenette. bathroom, toilet, reverse cycle air-conditioning, own very pleasant garden courtyard, own entry and own off-street and safe carport with closing gate. The parking at the Station Gallery is public.
• Laundry facilities available. 
• Very quiet at night.  
• Sharing time with me and my husband Michael, who is an award winning metal sculptor for over forty-five years.

Points for consideration -

• We charge for the residency space and accommodation as there is no volunteering involved or a cleaning fee. Fresh linen and towels are available in your suite.
• There is a bond. 
• We prefer residencies for at least two weeks.
• You need to bring your own food and beverages. 
• No television in your space but you arr welcome to join us in our living area. 
• We have two girls (dogs) and a cat in our house but not in your space. 
• We do not have residencies at Christmas, as that is precious time spent with our families.

For more information or to book a residency for yourself (couples are welcome) please ring Kate on 0414 255 781 or email me - thewifofsif@gmail.com

Thank you for reading! Hope we see you soon!  

Your accommodation (very important!) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And your Residency space - (also very important!)

 

 

 

Big table has  now replaced the pine table

 

 

 

From the Residency space to the communal space

 

 

 

Initial Residency last February with Narelle Higson (testing the water)

 

 

 

Michael and Kim's Big Table completed in late February. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridge(s)

This post has taken me several efforts to write and I needed to edit it so it's not so pretentiously 'woe is me'. Here goes another attempt to finish and get my post actually out there...

According to a venerable Google search, a bridge is a structure that will be familiar all of us.  Personally, I dislike being on a bridge, especially in a vehicle and over a river. Being Anxiety Girl, every shake or shudder means that I will be entering a watery grave sometime soon. I also can't understand the reasoning of BASE jumpers, who cheerfully jump off bridges willy-nilly and hope their parachutes open before unfortunate landings. Any sort of jumping at the age of 65 usually results in a change of knickers anyway and that sort of jump would be extremely detrimental for my personal hygiene. 

However, I am rather enjoying another sort of bridge. I have started playing the card game Bridge with a lovely group of ladies on a Monday afternoon. I haven't done so since I was about thirty years old (maybe earlier...) but I am thoroughly enjoying the experience and my brain is definitely responding. I find Bridge challenging but I also enjoy pushing my boundaries. One of the other participants has given me great encouragement by taking chances or risks with my bidding. The following quest is to win the "contract".

I have also started playing online bridge and I must admit to being particularly incredulous at both the bidding and the playing. The bidding is often nonsensical and the playing...well, throwing out all your aces and losing control of the contract is not sensible. As a result, I am bidding and playing quite adventurously in both the online and real world bridge. This tactic swings wildly between an amazing triumph or going down in a blaze of glory. 

 Another step to "test the water". I started have 'Kate's Club' on Wednesdays at the Red Vault Cafe opposite the East End Gallery. I will be sitting in the Cafe between 12 noon and 2pm until Christmas, waiting for kindred spirits, great conversation, our stories and hopefully a lot of laughter. Upon an excellent suggestion from a friend, I have included an "ice breaker" to get the party started. 

This week's ice breaker was - what did I want to be when I grew up? As a child, my brothers always told me I was going to be a monster, so that's the reply I gave to relative or well meaning older ladies. The facial expressions (of course I didn't know why) were priceless. I believe Beverley needs a friendship group for those - male or female - who are not into sport or other organised activities.  So. give Kate's Club a go!

Unfortunately, next week, we have yet another medical appointment in the Big Smoke, but I intend to be at the Red Vault on Tuesday between 10am and 12 noon,  just for next week. Next week's ice breaker is a prelude to Christmas - were you/ are you naughty or nice...

After being a bit off the planet for several months, I have tentatively stepped onto another bridge that is leading me back into our East End Gallery on Thursdays and Fridays. So far, I am really  motivated and "getting back on the horse" is working well. I am not in the Gallery on Saturdays and Sundays (except by special arrangement) as the weekends are when my family is free.  Saturdays and Sundays are carried by our volunteer, Sue the Magnificent.

Plus, a flurry of activity by both of us, the East End Gallery is now even brighter and roomier for spring and early summer guests. 

The Gallery exists entirely through word of mouth and social media. I am no longer writing newsletters as such. I found this process time consuming, confusing and exhausting. So this Blog and my Facebook pages are my "go-to" resources. My posts about the Gallery on Facebook tend to shorter (and hopefully sharper) with the emphasis on the photographs we or others take on our behalf.

In our quest to stay as viable as possible (hahahahaha), Michael has stepped into a different zone as well and spreading his wings. Maybe he is blowing raspberries at the bridge and flying overhead? He still adores creating his large sculptures, particularly his story-telling panels, but he is also branching out into garden art. Again, he does not believe in repetition and is creating glorious and innovative pieces, perfect for the Great Outdoors. These works are already rusty, but they have stood the test of time and will certainly outlast us all. They are also extremely reasonably priced, the largest currently at $400. 

He is also taking courage in hand, entering three of his sculptures in the Northam Art Prize and applying for the Brookton Sculpture Awards and Trail.

Here's a plan. Turn your vehicle of choice towards Heavenly Beverley this weekend to take in the East End Gallery's terrific makeover and additions. For a bite to eat visit the Red Vault Cafe, the Freemasons Tavern, the Hotel Beverley or the Beverley Bakery (open Saturdays) The spring weather, although changeable, is perfect for a cruise to experience the delights offered by the East End Gallery. This weekend will be cloudy with the chance of rain, but a bit of precipitation never hurt anyone. We currently have our SPRING SALE underway and some fantastic Christmas present ideas. We are delighted to welcome new guests and old friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael at work as a sculptor 

 

 

 

 

No words needed! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes...

I have been struggling with this post for over three days now. I think I know what and how I want to write, but my previous attempts have sounded pompous and pretentious, which I strive never to be.  So. let's get down to brass tacks.

Change is forever an inevitable and part of life. How we handle change is an individual choice. Sometimes we argue with change or resist change or reject change, which may be solutions but do those reactions end as we would hope?

For example, our beloved girls, Lexi and Stella are in the midst of change. Lexi has started to challenge the older Stella, growing into a personality of her own, rather than her sister's shadow. Having said that, Stella is still the leader of sniffing expeditions around our oval, with Lexi dutifully trotting behind her. How the dynamics of their relationship are changing is a chance to watch this growth with each other and us.

Michael and I are also changing, some of these caused by age. We feel the same as we did when we were younger but the mirror doesn't lie and our bodies sometimes cause us grief. As a result, we have begun to pace ourselves, although try telling Michael that when he is absorbed in a new work and really pushes his limits, sometimes to the detriment of his body.

We are lucky to have forged wonderful memories along with the difficult times.I have been reminiscing about some of our decisions over the years, particularly our move to Beverley at the beginning of 2011. Perhaps we could have stayed longer in my dinky little duplex in Marangaroo and been with my children for more time. Maybe we could have found a property with a large workshop/studio for Michael on the outskirts of Perth, but how could he have displayed his art? Or we could have tried to find a town closer to the Big Smoke that met our needs.

In the end, these thoughts are just supposition. Michael longed for the bush he had known as a child and a place to call his own and create his art. The Gallery was an adjunct. We didn't plan for that extension at all. It just happened.

We chose a town within ninety minutes of Perth. Although that time has blown out to almost two hours, this trip is still viable and needs to be for a number of reasons. Shopping for items we can't get in Beverley or attending medical appointments may be tiresome but necessary. However, what I genuinely love is to see my sons, my daughter in law and our granddaughters. 

Alex has a very busy life so seeing him is not always easy. Being an Autistic Superstar, he doesn't adjust to changes in his routine well and sometimes I just can't be with him when he chooses. We are very lucky that his fantastic support worker Sunil brings him to Beverley about once a month. And we do talk on the phone.

Callum, Bronwyn and our grandies have recently moved to a new home which has much more space for them. I am so happy for them! I am hoping we can see them more frequently, as I do miss them, all four of them for different reasons.Time never stops and they will change.

We have changed over our fifteen years in Beverley and Beverley itself has changed. Essentially, I believe Michael has, mostly, loved his personal changes - gaining a large space to call his own, rediscovering his passion for his sculpting and having our wonderful home and garden and our pets. He seems reasonably content with his life at present. 

I have had a rough time with my demons over the last few years. I am quite convinced that some of these were of my own making. I retreated from our beloved East End Gallery, though I hope to test the waters again, slowly, during this month. In fact, I removed myself from a great deal of my previous life this year and now is the time to reassess.

So, I am choosing to make a change and see what happens. I have become quite lonely due to my retreat. The time has come for me to step out of my comfort (or uncomfortable) zone and take a punt.

A long time ago, I used to attend the Kalparrin Centre  Mothers' Weekends, which were held twice a year to give mothers of children with special needs forty eight hours of respite. Eventually change occurred to those weekends and I realised that the Kalparrin Centre was no longer for me.

However I do remember the mantra that was the soul of these weekends - 

• Make no judgements
• Make no comparisons
• Delete the need for understanding

I am hoping that there are like minded people who might like to join me at the Red Vault Cafe in town (115 Vincent Street Beverley) from this Wednesday from 12 noon until 2 pm and every Wednesday at those times until Christmas. 

The idea behind this group is for anybody who attends can express themselves as they wish. I know from my experience that people may shy away from self expression for fear of being misunderstood or judged. 

Needless to say, religion or politics have no place in such a group, so please don't attend if that intention is the reason for attending.

I am damaged and full of baggage. That has made me who I am. I would like to create an environment for people to feel free, regardless of their circumstances. No pity. Just understanding, sharing and empathy. And hopefully, a lot of laughter.

If nobody shows, that's fine. The time will give me one day a week devoted to writing. Needless to say, I would be more than happy if I closed my laptop to chat.

I might see you on Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Us (And Them)...

Pink Floyd's haunting "Us and Them" highlights the pointlessness of war, of divisions in society and of arbitrary actions by some towards others.

Although this song in primarily about war, and suffering by many people in general, I feel connected to some of the meanings throughout our fifteen years living in Beverley.

Don't get me wrong. We have some wonderful friends in town who seek to help us, some generous acquaintances here  and elsewhere who support us along with Sue the Magnificent, our volunteer who is running the East End Gallery at present.

I also have my family who I have spoken about in many of my posts who mean the world to me. 

And I am so lucky to have my beloved husband Michael who has supported me through my frailing moods and demons which has coloured so much of our lives over the last two years. 

Desperation over living day to day, wondering how to pay the bills, of the wretched subdivision, the fear about the NDIA's funding model and how that could hurt Alex's ability to live a safe, happy and fulfilling life and my longing for returning to happiness. 

If we had known what the seemingly never-ending subdivision would mean, if we had the permanency of a tenant in one of our shops, instead of those who flutter in and then out, if our tenant in another shop wasn't in dire straits and could pay more rent (which she can't) and if the locals actually either knew that we exist or actively support us, we might have a chance of breathing somewhat easier. 

This is where "Us and Them"  seems to impact our lives. We live in a town of 1000 people and only a fraction of those have ever come into our Gallery. We have seen people whilst they are waiting for a toastie from the cafe across the road, or whose partner in the the chemist or the toilet. 

Then we have the hostile indifference of another organisation who seems hell bent on seeing us fail. We have received and advertised their occasions for years and their fearless leader has only crossed our threshold of our Gallery on a handful of occasions.We have decided that enough is enough and we wish to have nothing to do with them in the future. Another premises behaves the same way. Occasionally we will gratefully receive a busload of tourists and some of those will buy from us.

We do greet other artists and artisans from time to time, some of whom are very dear to us as we try to support them. We hang onto any sales in the hope that the buyers will tell their friends and family. These links do occasionally occur and we are grateful for them.

But most of the time, we are just 'Us'. We love the sanctuary of our home and garden, of our 'girls',. Lexi and Stella who are the dogs and our exceeding annoying cat, Chop, named due to losing a small portion of his tail to an infection.  

As spring is continuing and we spend more time outside. we breathe in the blue sky and sun of some of the the days and revel in the quiet  of the evenings,  we are usually content in each other's company and we support each other. That is a bit of a fib - at the moment Michael is caring for me.

Michael also has the outlet of his his amazing workshop with an abundance of his glorious collection of found metal items at his disposal. He is an extraordinarily talented and gifted sculptor, who brims with ideas and uses his thoughts and instincts to create innovative artworks. At the moment, he is focusing on garden art which he can produce relatively quickly and is less expensive for guests. Without his escape of his mind in his space, his life would lose so much meaning. 

So that is the situation in which we find ourselves, We have our home, a car, enough to eat and the pleasure of sitting and enjoying a glass of wine together.

This is 'Us'. 

 

 

On our most previous trip around Marble Bar,,,

 

 

 

Heading home - somewhere between Newman and Mount Magnet - a good day...

 

 

 

Lexi and Stella...

 

 Chop...

 

 

 

Callum...

 

 

 

Bronwyn, as they move into their new home!

 

 

 

Alex with Sunil, his fantastic support worker.