Marie Jonsson Harrison » model

156. ART & FREQUENT FLYER POINTS

mariejon — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:50:46 +0000

ART, CIRCUS & TRAVEL

I have always loved travelling; I think the bug bit me even before I was born. My grandmother ran away to sea at 15 and then she met my grandfather Anton and they both ran away with the circus. Here are the art blog about that 20. Antonis Tivoli & 21. Life in a Circus Tent. My father joined the merchant navy as a young man whilst my mother did a stint working in England as a young woman. Born and bred in Sweden we did our fair share of travelling before we immigrated to Australia too. I have then crossed the globe many times both for work as a model and artist and on family holidays.

THE ART OF PERSUASION

However this time when we had our European holiday all mapped out I did not want to go – and neither did hubby, go figure! Our kids actually talked us into it, you know the old chestnuts “you only live once, and you will forever regret the things you didn’t do” etc. And yes they were so right, who would have thought? LOL. The kids took us to the airport; I think mainly to make sure we were on that 30 hour flight to Sweden!

30 hours I hear you say, yep when you use the frequent flyer points that’s what you get, lots of take offs and landings all around the world. Luckily we soon got in the groove, I had yummy Indian vego meals booked and we saw some great movies and docos and just chilled. We even thought of joining the Mile High club, lol, but decided the space was too cramped, ha ha.

UNION ART

When we got to London we wisely decided to forgo the waiting at the airport option and got a bus to Windsor Castle instead. These painting details are from my artwork London 2012 that is also available as a Giclee print with Union Art .

LONDON2012 ARTWORK & MEETING THE QUEEN

Windsor was lots of fun, I had not been there before and we saw the changing of the guard which was quite spectacular and then poked about up and down the alley ways. The queue to the actual castle was a bit long for our liking and the queen wasn’t even in residence that day so we gave that a miss. I mean we would have made the effort if she was making us tea and cucumber sandwiches! (If I had checked the painting above I would have known she was really still stuck in a traffic jam).

Then back to the airport with all the rigmarole of check ins and security and the like. I must look really suss as I always gets pulled aside for the extra screenings, not sure if they think I am a terrorist or a drug smuggler or whether they just want to fiddle with my stuff, lol.

ART & THE OLYMPICS

Also if you would like to read about how the London2012 painting came about have a look at this art blog 147 Art and the Olympics.

We finally arrived in Sweden a little worse for wear (a spruce up in the airport loos just don’t cut it does it?) luckily we were met by my wonderful cousin Leif and his family who overlooks this fact. Leif is one of those truly beautiful souls, gentle and kind and caring man in a 6 feet 4 body, a gentle giant.

So here is a quote I like about nice guys by an unknown author.

“It is not true that nice guys finish last. Nice guys are winners before the game even starts.”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting to all of you or just enjoy the view!

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.

132 Age is just a state of mind in Art

mariejon — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:15:20 +0000

PUBLIC SCULPTURE

This artwork “Our Richest Treasures” made from handmade ceramic and mosaic is part of a public sculpture called the Federation Gateway Sculpture at the entrance to Balaklava a town in the Mid North, South Australia and celebrates the senior citizens which are among our richest treasures. Here is some links to more about this Public Sculpture; 109 Stories behind the Wall and 121 Volunteers our Backbone

CERAMIC AND MOSAIC

The 1901 wall depict 9 separate stories and the 2001 wall tells another 8 stories of both ordinary and famous people who have connections with our district. Their tales are told in pictures and words with my hand-made ceramic tiles surrounded by mosaic and the words which has been etched on aluminium plaque.

THE ART OF A SENIOR CITIZEN

As the Australian Government announced recently that they are going to pay employers a bonus for hiring and retaining older workers I thought this artwork of Mrs. Clare Bowers was topical for my blog this week. (More on Clare later).

The plan is to pay a $1000 bonus to employers that recruit workers aged 50 years or over for more than three months and the government are also extending programs that provide support to employers who promote older workers and will put more funds toward career advice services and also education for mature workers.

I am one of these people that think that age is just a state of mind and the thought that there is that age discrimination in the workplace is just ridiculous. A good mix of young and old and people from all different cultures and ways of life is the key. You need young people who can look at a task or problem with fresh eyes and ideas and also the older person with life experience and some mileage under their belt to provide a balance in most work areas.

That said my first occupation as a Fashion Model was a very youth oriented profession, although I have looked on with amusement as there has been quite a movement there too into the older woman who still looks great. To me it does make a lot of sense to have the clothes that are aimed at the more mature bracket modelled by the women that are actually going to wear them.

THE ART OF STAYING YOUNG

From my observation it all started by Lauren Hutton being retained by Revlon during the 80’s and 90’s and then followed by the likes of Elle MacPherson, Christie Brinkley and Jerry Hall. In the last couple of years the Couger trend has really caught on and the oldest model rumoured to be hitting the catwalk is Carmen Dell’Orefice who at 79 still looks fantastic (with a little help I presume).

Mia Freedman from Mama Mia said recently “ As far as I can tell, there are only two ages for female celebrities: Dame Judi Dench and 30. At Dame Judi’s end, it’s pretty lonely. Just her and Betty White. At the other end, it’s gridlock with everyone from Courtney Cox, 47, to Lindsay Lohan, 26, visually colliding at the age of 30.

This is weird. Especially when – like me – you fall into the twilight zone between 30 and Betty White.”

Mia does have a point and she is not suggesting that we stop dying our hair, fight wrinkles and go without makeup but she does go on to say that there is a time when you go from looking amazing for your age to looking a little weird and then seriously weird, lol.

These days the designers in New York and Paris are getting on the band wagon and hiring the older birds, much to the audiences delight who laughed, clapped and chatted throughout the shows which is not always the norm at these events.

THE ART OF AGING GRACEFULLY OR NOT

What has made me cross in the last couple of months though is the flack that both Demi Moore and Madonna have been getting from some reporters. In this day and age when so many of us are careful about what we eat and stay fit and healthy. Why shouldn’t Madonna be up there on stage for the release of her new album, dancing as if her pants were on fire! She is probably fitter now than ever, looks great and sounds great. Maybe there is something in the saying; “ that you are only as old as the man you feel.”

Madonna had the last laugh though as her album has shot up the hits list and went straight to number one. MDNA is Madonnas 12^th album to top the chart, beating Elvis Presley’s record which stands at 11. So obviously she still resonates with both the young and the older demographic. Demi Moores story on the other hand has been a little sad as we have watched her desperate attempt to keep up with her daughter and her young friends through a haze of alcohol and drugs after her very public breakup from her much younger man.

I would be the last person to cast a stone her way as I still love to party – if there is music playing I will still dance till the sun comes up and partake in a drink or two.

THE ART OF GROWING UP

Chili Davis quote “Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional”, which brings me back to this Centenary of Federation Sculpture and Clare Bowers.

When Clare was eighty years old she was most interested to see the silos being built in her home town of Balaklava. So on one of her shopping trips she asked one of the builders if it was possible to go to the top of the silo. The arrangements were made and at 5pm on the allotted day the residents to the local old folks home where Clare lived, were ushered outside to a prime viewing spot on the footpath. They were all very surprised to see Clare hoisted to the top of the silo in a safety cage.

Clare certainly had a zest for life and at the age of eighty-seven she again soared to great heights, this time as the eldest passenger of the Balaklava Gliding Club.

I think these quote fits well here the first one by Judith Regan;

“The key to successful aging is to pay as little attention to it as possible”

And the second from Henry David Thoreau who said;

“None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm”.

Till next time happy painting and sculpting and staying alive to you all,

Love Marie xxxx (c)

51. ART of Laughter is the best medicine mmm…. and maybe a little bit of snake

Marie — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:27:12 +0000

THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP

My long time friend Debonella (my nickname for her) had her birthday this week, and although she lives in another state and we see each other very rarely, I still treasure our friendship and the mad times we had together and she is every bit as beautiful now as she was in her modelling days a real artistic inspiration.

Debonella is crazy mad about horses and always have been and has represented Australia in horse events overseas. As she is a very private person I won’t tell you in what events but she is certainly up there with the Champions!

This painting depicts us just laying about and drinking champagne which if we had been asked what our hobbies were we may have included on the list- oh those were the days. I must confess I neither remember the name of this painting nor where it sold, not from too much champagne drinking though,LOL. If you enjoy the artblog below you may also enjoy this one 12. Salvador Dali and C’est La Vie

THE ART OF FASHION

Anyway the time I was going to tell you about here, was when we were in the Philippines for 6 weeks on tour with a fashion parade.

We spent 4 or so weeks in Manila doing a daily lunch time show in one of the top hotels and then the next couple of weeks flying to the provinces around Philippines and doing the same. It was lots of fun but also hard work as in-between doing the parades there were always publicity shots to be done and interviews and television appearances, etc.

So at the time we were quite exhausted (not to mention all the partying we would be doing at night too, oh that glamorous life can be so tiring.)

Anyway Debonella spotted some locally produced tonic drink, advertising that you would be good as new and get that missing” spring” back in your step.

THE ART OF THE SNAKE

On closer inspection it was also noted that it did contain Snake! As I am a vegetarian that put stop to the consumption for me however my mad friend was still keen to try some. I should tell you now that us Australian girls are quite down to earth and always like having a laugh and maybe I and Debonella would always egg each other on even more, to amuse ourselves and particularly so when we got a bit tired.

So there we were in this 5 star hotel lobby just having been to the shop and bought the snake tonic drink, which Debonella finished in one swift skull when she thought she should show me how great it made her feel.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS

So to set the scene, the lobby is vast with a beautiful marble floor and décor to match, the people milling around are in Armani suits and other designer gear dripping with diamonds, when suddenly Debonella (looking stunning and statuesque as usual in full model makeup) starts to do giant leaps around the lobby like something out of Swan Lake with a few pirouettes thrown in.

Her friend, moi, looses the plot completely and I’m doubled over crying with laughter, whilst the whole lobby has come to a standstill and everyone are looking very surprised and slightly amused at us.

So nothing ventured nothing gained I figure, you have to live your life so that you have lots of fun memories to amuse you in your old age. As my old age is still far away (well that’s what I tell myself anyway) I hope to make plenty more for the memory bank!

So here is a quote I like and which fits perfectly here, said by Horace (Poet).

“Mix a little foolishness with your prudence: It’s good to be silly at the right moment.

Till next time happy painting and sculpting!

Love Marie xx

50. Not a trout pout in sight in Art

mariejon — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 22:42:17 +0000

ARTIST & MODEL

Wow had an awesome night and got to bed at 3.30 am a little worse for wear! So today I have to use my face as the canvas and paint on a pretty face not in my normal naive art style though!

Last night was the Model Reunion for one of the modeling agents in town and even though I was a” ring in” (I modeled for the opposition at the time) I still had a great night.

One thing that we all commented on was that’ back in the day’ it was not a bitchy profession and most girls actually had each other’s backs covered and all got on really well. Which is why I felt quite comfortable being in the ’oppositions camp’ as it were!

This painting the’ Golden Years of Modeling’, was auctioned off on the night and I was delighted to see vigorous bidding for it, even nicer was the fact that it was bought by Sue; someone I used to model with and have not seen for maybe 20 years or so.

Sue was working at the time for a manufacturing agent called Saville Row where they designed men’s shirts and also handled a few other ranges of women’s clothes and they hired me to be the in house model/receptionist a job I shared with her.

At the time it was my first modeling job at 17 years old and I was in awe of Sue who was a couple of years older than me and very sophisticated and gorgeous. So I was really thrilled to see that my artwork will be hanging on her wall and I hope it will bring back great memories and amuse her whenever she looks at the painting.

The night was full of models, photographers, agents, journalists and advertising people some still in the business and others long ago retired.

ART IN A NATURAL WAY

I did expect to see a lot of ‘trout pouts’ but am happy to report that most of the beautiful people were still beautiful in a natural way, there may have been a tuck here or there but nothing obvious.

We had all gotten older though and some had put on a few pounds but everyone that turned up, were still gorgeous and several could still give the new girls a run for their money if they hit the catwalk.

We giggled and laughed and reminisced, drank champagne and wines, ate canapés. The night was handled superbly by Jane Reilly from Channel 10, and there was even a 35 minute DVD of photographs and old commercials which brought back memories. Jane and I initially met many moons ago in the Beach Girl Quest long before I was an artist.

There was loud cheering and whistling by some of the models children when they saw their mothers strut her stuff in a segment of the Rocky Horror Show, they were so proud, whilst their father tried to quiet them down. All in all a very fun night!

We had good intentions to catch the last train home at 12pm but guess we missed that by a long shot, so taxi it was.

MORE ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS

As it turned out it was a very nice ride home, our taxi driver was a turban wearing Indian sheikh a lovely chap and we chatted all the way home.

He was going home to get married in December to a girl arranged for him by his parents which is their custom.

We got on so well he actually invited us to the wedding and even offered us a place to stay. The wedding is in the north of India in the Punjab area and takes place over several days. The first day there will be 500 guests and the second day 800 are coming (so I guess 2 more will make little difference he thought.)

My son pointed out when I told him that no wonder there are so many coming if he invites every Tom, Dick and Harry that goes in his cab to the ceremony, lol

So perhaps this saying should be something for us all to consider by Pythagoras (philosopher)

“The oldest, shortest words-“yes” and “no”- are those which require the most thought.

Till next time happy painting and sculpting to you all.

Love Marie xx

37. The Golden Years of Modelling in Art

Marie — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:34:29 +0000

ART INSPIRATIONS

This painting “Happy New Year at Regine’s” was inspired by my mad modelling days, and crazy mad they were too, but sooo much fun.

As you can see from this artwork (which sold in Japan) we models know how to kick our heels up and we did!

However I have to admit to overdoing it a couple of times too, so if you look closely at the painting you will see a crossed eyed girl behind the sports car which could have been me, but in this particular painting I am standing with my long-time friend Debonella (her name was really Deb, I just always called her that,lol) You can find us on the right hand side with our heads together, the blond and the brunette.

THE ART OF PARTYING

We would party till the milkman came around (and for you familiar with the milkman that would be in the very early hours of the morning) and I remember one particular night when we obviously had consumed more than our fair share and we were caught- throwing up in the rosebushes, together mind you-well that’s what friends are for! Luckily most of the time we were lady like and behaved ourselves, that is what we preach to our daughters anyway (guess we will be caught out now!)

I have many tales of our terrible deeds coming up later on in other art blogs, however what made me think about this now was that I just received an invitation to a very swanky “DO” that’s being organized in town by former model agent owner Sandy Clark, who after she sold her business went on to have another very successful career as an event organizer and later as a public relation journalist.

We have recently lost a dear friend and fellow model Adriana Xenides, who died much too young and made us all question our mortality. For those of you not familiar with Adriana, she was the longest serving hostess on the TV game show called Wheel of Fortune here in Australia.

Well Sandy decided to do something about that and we all take our hats off to her. She had organized the most fantastic event at our new international hotel the Crowne Plaza here in Adelaide invited all past models, clients, lecturers and past students and anyone connected to the industry for a wonderful cocktail party to reminisce and celebrate “that we are still here!” (borrowed from Monty Python’ s “we are not dead yet!”)

PAINTING FOR CHARITY

The funds raised went to “Teen Challenge for the homeless” and “Variety Children’s Charity” including what was raised from the painting I donated to the event as well. Here is a link to that and to the art blog about the night in question 50. Not a trout pout in sight

Just a little thought for you, why not try to contact the people that were important in your own life, see how they are travelling, catch up for a drink or a meal, talk about old times. Life is short, WAY TO SHORT- so let’s make the very best of it while we can.

Here is a quote I like from the Mammoth book of useless information-

“One can survive everything, nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting to everyone!

Love Marie xx (c)

31. Men I Salute you & Art (continuing Melbourne tales)

Marie — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:57:48 +0000

This tale begins with art blog 30. Moggy Fontain Painting, and the Melbourne trip

so if you fancy read that first.

ARTISTIC INSPIRATIONS

We stayed in a Hotel overlooking Albert Park and its Lake, not far from where me and Bryan used to live when I first went to Melbourne to model long before I ever started painting and had this new life as an artist.

We actually took the kids to our old house to have a look and they were suitably impressed although whilst we were trying to find it we were all starting to doubt whether this huge walk would be worth it.

We do like to walk though and spend a lot of time doing that, great exercise and also you get to see and feel a city. We had dinners in some great restaurants along the Yarra and caught trams and buses and trains and taxis too and enjoyed the outdoor spa at the hotel, I had the pleasure of Hillivis company a couple of mornings in the gym, but in the end they all opted for a sleep in, while I still slogged it out.

ART & LIFE

The Melbourne Aquarium is always a favourite with us as you can see from this painting, but this time we also visited the Titanic exhibition which was really good.

What got me really thinking was that on your way into the exhibition they handed you a boarding card. Everyone got one, and it had the name of an actual passenger that was on that voyage, also the background of that person, who they were travelling with and married to and what reason they had for being on the Titanic.

We all read our own and then each other’s and it really gave you a great insight into their lives. Then at the end of the exhibition you had to check your Boarding card against a huge board with the names of who lived or who perished in the disaster.

THE ART OF BEING A MAN

Two of us lived and two died, now this happened in 1912 however we all still felt it in the pit of our stomachs for those poor people who lost their life’s that night. Many more people in 3^rd and 2^nd class died than in the first class and of course many more men lost their lives than ladies. So many brave men who gave their lives for women and children they never even knew, so very very admirable.

I must add here that I think men are often vilified, I know that there are some bad apples out there. However from my experience, the men in my life have all been fantastic; my son, husband, brother, father, grandfathers and nearly every man that I have ever met have been lovely. So thank you fellows and from the bottom of my heart, Men I Salute YOU!

Here are the last words of John Jacob Astor IV, the richest man in the world, saying farewell to his lover as he gave up his seat on an escaping lifeboat from the sinking Titanic for a female passenger;

“The ladies have to go first…Get in the lifeboat, to please me…Goodbye dearie, I’ll see you later”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting to you all!

Love Marie xx (c)

18. The Art of Listen to your Children

Marie — Sat, 29 May 2010 05:24:03 +0000

What’s that all about, why should we listen to them?

Don’t we as adults always know best? Sad to say, lol that I discovered probably when my daughter was around 4 years old that this was not the case. My son who is 4 years older than her, always accepted that we, the parents knew better, however our daughter challenged us on every occasion and boy I am glad she did.

ART BUSINESS CARD

We learned a lot of valuable lessons from both of them, and the one that stands out the most for me is listen to them, pay attention, we can learn and awful lot, not just about them but about ourselves and the world around us. Certainly also about technology, how many of us enlist the kids help when it comes to dvd recording, computers and the like.

So just the other night I had conveniently forgotten this fact, (Listen to your children), as I was showing my darling daughter the new art business card I had designed for myself.

You see I have been making my living rather successfully as an artist for the last 20 or so years painting, making sculptures and thought I was pretty good at graphic design too, when I was quickly taken down a peg or two.

ARTISTIC BACK-PEDDLING

Oh! Hillivi did it ever so gently but she did not like my card one bit, and guess what she was so totally right. I had niggling doubts too myself in the same areas that she pointed out. Although my first reaction was to defend my position, well that’s like a reflex isn’t it? None of us like to be told – however I soon came to my senses and realized she was completely right. So here is the front side of my card designed by my talented daughter Hillivi.

She is currently doing a nursing degree and also a model in her own right with a front cover of this bridal magazine.

She obviously does know more, as she was booked to do her first cover 2 weeks after joining her Agency, whereas her mother had to wait a year for that privilege many moons ago.

Here is another quote that I like this time by Walt Disney, whose drawings and cartoons are also favourites of mine.

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”

Till next time, happy painting and sculpting to you all!

Love Marie xxx (c)

5. Childhood memories through the eyes of my son with Art

Marie — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:03:13 +0000

MIDSUMMER PAINTINGS

When I wrote this Art Blog my son Kai was working and living in London while on his gap year from uni. Whilst there he decided to follow his roots and visit my birth country and home for the first 14 years of my life; Sweden.

Here is one of my paintings on the midsummer theme from my wonderful childhood. What I only just now found out was, that my Swedish exhibition had been a sell out and that my dear auntie and cousins had traveled half way across Sweden to purchased some of my artworks.

My son stayed with several of our relatives and was looked after so well and given a big insight into the Swedish culture. It was amazing to hear all about his adventures from the other side of the world. Kai visited my childhood home that my father Ted (also an Artist) built, the new owners showed my son throughout.

Then a visit to my mother’s home where she grew up, and the graves of my much beloved grandparents, Hillivi and Erik, whom my children were named after. Lunch in a cafe my grandmother worked in and then across town to see my father’s school and the house he grew up in.

MODEL & FASHION SHOOTS

I was thrilled and very moved that my son at 22 took lots of pictures and seemed genuinely interested, a far cry from his naughty mother who went to Europe to model at around the same age. Apart from working, the only other sights I saw were the insides of discotheques. Oh perhaps I saw some sights in the early morning light as I walked back to the hotel, whilst carrying my shoes.

Thought nothing of partying all night and still being able to look the part and have the stamina for the fashion shoot the next day. I can’t do that too often these days, although I do give it my best shot sometimes. Lol….

Here is another quote which amuses me…..

‘I like to have a martini, two at the very most. After three I’m under the table. After four I’m under the host.’

Dorothy Parker

Hope you come back and visit me again, till then happy painting and sculpting to you all!

Love Marie xxx