I was really thrilled to be asked if the image of one of my Public Sculptures could be used on the new “One Card” system (interconnecting library card for borrowers).  The SA public library “one card” network is connecting the systems of more than 130 public libraries across South Australia to let you borrow and return items wherever you go, using your current library card.  Users can borrow items including books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and children’s picture books with it.  They are also able to use an online reservation booking system or call in at any participating library across the state to pick up or drop of books.

PUBLIC SCULPTURE

The image used for the Balaklava Library is this book stack water feature sculpture that I was commissioned to do for the library (mid-north in South Australia), a few years ago.   I had of course lots of fun designing this sculpture and as I love both the water and books, so it was no stretch.   It is made from hebel and handmade ceramic and mosaic and took hours and hours to complete.   There are ceramic little fish in the water pond as well.  We left the decision of what books should be included to the local population and conducted a survey through the local paper, schools and library to find out the names of the most popular books and authors to be included in the artwork.

THE ART OF BORROWING BOOKS

The launch of the ‘one card’ was held last Friday and I was invited up to Balaklava as special guest together with many other dignitaries.  It was both a festive and informative event and I was really touched by the very warm welcome I received.  Balaklava was my home town for 18 years and it really feels like home to me!  (My heartfelt special thanks goes to Lyn Marshman, Kevyna Gardner, Helen Barr, Trish Langdon and Julie Brice and everyone else involved as well, Thank you all

These photos were taken by the Editor of the Plains Producer Les Pearson and were first published in their paper.

SCULPTURE GARDEN

There is also a mural on the wall at the entrance of the library as well as the water feature book sculpture which is set in a little garden and was created in memory of Des Ross in recognition of his service to the local area as well as Australia.  Des was both the President of the Local Government Association as well as the Australian Local Government Assoc., and a board room in Canberra is named “The Des Ross Room” in his honour.

Here is a quote by Charles Medawar that I think fits perfectly here;

“Librarians are almost always very helpful and often almost absurdly knowledgeable.  Their skills are probably very underestimated and largely underemployed”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting and also borrowing books!

Love Marie xxx

If you would like to see some art blogs about other Public Sculptures here are some links;109 Stories behind the Wall and121 Volunteers our Backbone and  128 Sculpture and Women

Why not come and have a look at Marie Jonsson-Harrison’s PAINTINGS FOR SALE, GICLEE PRINTS FOR SALE and SCULPTURES for sale or WALLBASED SCULPTURES.  Enjoy an original artwork on your walls or perhaps one on your bed ARTnBED.

This photo was taken for ARTnBED and features my painting “The True Colors of Hindley Street” which was chosen for the launch of the ARTnBED in New York.  It also features us – mother and daughter together modelling and that was lots of fun to do.  It is something my daughter Hillivi and I have done a few times now and for me that is a real privilege.

THE ART OF MODELLING

We just did a fashion parade together at the Burnside Village shopping centre for the Womens and Children’s Hospital Foundation, for Mothers Day.  To combine models with their children for this occasion was an idea from my good friend Christina Angus the Event Manager and then helped along by Tanya Powel Model Agency and a lot of hard work and coordination by  Elisabeth and Adam from Mostly Kids Model Agency.

Christina had for years suggested I hit the catwalk again as had a couple of my model agencies over the years but I have just been way to busy and the timing was never right.  However the chance of working with babygirl was the sweetener to the deal so finally it all came about.  A lot of you know about my former career and background as Australian Model of the Year, but if you want to read more here are some Modelling Stories

TREND IN OLDER MODELS

The trend in older models coming back to work is really thanks to the baby boomer generation who wants to see themselves represented, which has sparked the new trend of using older models.  I think that is fair enough really, as a girl of 14 just does not look the same in the clothes as someone more mature.

The other benefit of hitting the catwalk was catching up with my past model friends all gorgeous and lovely girls who time has been very kind to, and I look forward to seeing them all soon again.

ART AND PAINTINGS

The upshot of this is that I have joined Hillivi back on Tanya Powel Model Agency’s books after years away, lol, strange how life goes in swings and roundabouts!  I am only available for the occasional job though as my art and painting comes first.  Working with my daughter has the added bonus that we take over the role of stylist from each other too and oversee each other’s photo shoots.  Thought I would share some shots I did the other day for the model website which was lots of fun with Hillivi and the wonderful photography of Greg Schwark. This all is wonderful inspiration for me for future artwork and more naive art images to come.

ART AND MORE

Last week was a whirlwind of modelling assignments and art as we had to fit in my painting and Hillivi’s nursing as well as photo shoots for the paper, interviews, fittings, rehearsals and parades.

MISS UNIVERSE

On top of all that Hillivi had been chosen as one of the 18 South Australian finalists in the Miss Universe competition so she had a whole day of judging and rehearsals to fit in as well.  Apparently Hillivi missed out with the narrowest of margins on the chance to represent South Australia in the National competition but I really hope she decides to give it another go next year.  A prouder mother than me would be hard to find, lol but Hillivi is as gorgeous on the inside as the outside and I am a very lucky mum!

Hillivi is wearing a  gorgeous dress very kindly provided by Bridal on Pultney.

Here is another quote that I think fits perfectly well here by George Burns;

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting and HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU ALL!

Love Marie xxx

Why not come and have a look at Marie Jonsson-Harrison’s PAINTINGS FOR SALE, GICLEE PRINTS FOR SALE and SCULPTURES for sale or WALLBASED SCULPTURES.  Enjoy an original artwork on your walls or perhaps one on your bed ARTnBED.