Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I am returning to the art and whimsy at Floriade using photos we took on our first visit for the year. We haven't yet been back again, but we will.
Of course we went up on the Ferris Wheel so we could see the patterns in the beds below. They will look much more vivid as more things come into bloom.
Not certain about this one. Coiled hose pipe anyone?
I am pretty certain that these are also illuminate.
I wasn't the only one to enjoy kanga and roo.
It is by Jimmy Rix - and is titled 'Stopping to Enjoy the flowers'.
This sculpture by Andrew Townsend and Suzie Bleach was very aptly titled 'A Burden'. If I was going to quibble I might say rather a lot of burdens...
Colour me confused on this one: Tete a tete by Phil Spelman.
No title (that I could see for the spidery one. Behind it were yet more things which are undoubtedly lit up at night.
These, and (I think) the similar ones I featured early are by Margarita Sampson and called The Grove.
Another without a title...
This is not a sculpture as such - but from this angle made me think of a train chugging through the displays.
Ann McMahon's Ship of Fools was woven from plastic strapping.
Do you see why, even when the flowers weren't at their peak we had a thoroughly enjoyable time? And it gives us the perfect excuse/reason to go back.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
Like River I usually run with a theme. This week I am returning to the art and whimsy at Floriade using photos we took on our first visit for the year. We haven't yet been back again, but we will.
Of course we went up on the Ferris Wheel so we could see the patterns in the beds below. They will look much more vivid as more things come into bloom.
Not certain about this one. Coiled hose pipe anyone?
I am pretty certain that these are also illuminate.
I wasn't the only one to enjoy kanga and roo.
It is by Jimmy Rix - and is titled 'Stopping to Enjoy the flowers'.
This sculpture by Andrew Townsend and Suzie Bleach was very aptly titled 'A Burden'. If I was going to quibble I might say rather a lot of burdens...
Colour me confused on this one: Tete a tete by Phil Spelman.
No title (that I could see for the spidery one. Behind it were yet more things which are undoubtedly lit up at night.
These, and (I think) the similar ones I featured early are by Margarita Sampson and called The Grove.
Another without a title...
This is not a sculpture as such - but from this angle made me think of a train chugging through the displays.
Ann McMahon's Ship of Fools was woven from plastic strapping.
Do you see why, even when the flowers weren't at their peak we had a thoroughly enjoyable time? And it gives us the perfect excuse/reason to go back.
Wow, these are great pictures.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: Thank you.
DeleteThat's a high Ferris Wheel, great for viewing the whole kit and kaboodle. Awesome sculptures, I especially liked the one named, "Burden."
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures!
Sharon Quails: In years gone by there were viewing platforms. Now the Ferris Wheel is the only option to see the whole pattern. Which means a lot of people miss out. Burden was very evocative wasn't it?
DeleteI love your photos and the art here!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you. It is a lovely park - whatever the time of year.
DeleteArt are the best, love them them, and the Roos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: They were HUGE roos too.
DeleteThe displays are great. Looks like a perfect day to walk and the views from the ferris wheel, I enjoyed those. Last time I was on a Ferris Wheel was five years ago in the middle of winter. It was cold, cold, cold up there but I had a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing these super photos.
ReplyDeleteDenise inVA: It was a lovely day. Warm, but not hot. And not windy either. In an earlier year we went up on the Ferris Wheel on a very windy day and it was more than a little scary.
DeleteI would title the donkey, Homesteader.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: That would work too.
DeleteFabulous! And fascinating! I love whimsical outdoor installations.
ReplyDeleteMarty Damon: There is always room for whimsy in my world. A lot of room.
DeleteI love the kangaroos. The ferris wheel is a good way of taking in the overall scene. Burden looks a little sad to me and I can almost see the creature's distress.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: I found Burden sad too. And suspect it was (and is still in some parts of the world)a truthful depiction.
DeleteTerrific exhibits...so much to see and enjoy...and for us to enjoy secondhand...thanks EC.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a very pleasant week ahead...cuddles to Jazz...I hope he's on his best behaviour. :)
Lee: One of the things I find most impressive is that if you go to Floriade during the day entry is free. There are plenty of things you CAN spend your money on, but you can also have a lovely time and not spend a cent. Which of course encourages return visit.
DeleteJazz is his usual difficult, spikey self. I hope you and your furry overlords have a wonderful week.
too many burdens and they all roll into one eventually, super exhibit
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: It is, isn't it?
DeleteA perfect start to my Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI like the blue barrows. And the kangaroo with flowers.A what seems to be a train.And the view from the wheel.And...and...
Thank you, my friend, for the virtual visit.
dinahmow: It was my pleasure. And when we get back again (hopefully this week) there will be more photos. Predominately of flowers...
DeleteExcellent! I do feel very sad for the beast of Burden, though. I'm afraid I don't like the bright green plastic coil (or the confusing bright pink one, either) - but I love the roos and the pine-coney structures, and the flower-enjoyer. Such fun, and thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteAlexia: I wasn't fond of the ones you didn't like either - but am happy that they were there for others to enjoy. And some of the others I liked a LOT.
DeleteHappy October 1st for you, (it's still September here) hehehe. Your photos of everything, and the art is wonderful and especially your shots from the Ferris wheel looking down incredible. What a great place for whimsy and people watching too!
ReplyDeleteKaren S.: You so often take me on whimsical journeys that I am happy to return the favour.
DeleteThose sculptures are all amazing! Such talent.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a Ferris Wheel. It’s so high! Is it scary?
Birdie: The Ferris Wheel moves so very slowly I wasn't frightened at all. I don't have a problem with heights though. My phobia is about small and enclosed spaces, to the extent that I am not good in basements.
DeleteThat does look like a train! Love the crazy couch AND the girl sitting in it :)
ReplyDeletemshatch: I am so glad that someone else could see the train. My partner thought I was whacko. The couch sitting woman was very stylish wasn't she?
DeleteLike the spider one. That would look great on the front lawn.
ReplyDeleteGlad you went up in the Ferris Wheel.
Alex J. Cavanaugh: I wonder whethere spidey would keep door to door salespeople away? We always go on the Ferris Wheel and the only year I have regretted it was in very high winds. That was scary.
DeleteA wonderful place!
ReplyDeleteBill: We think so too.
DeleteThe roos stole my heart as well. Just wondering how large the grounds are and how long it took to wander round?
ReplyDeleteWhen the flower exhibitions are blooming do they 'take away' from the sculpture experience? ~ Cathy
Cathy: The roos have a LOT of charm don't they? Commonwealth Park is fairly large. Floriade only sits in a small corner of it. We spent a few hours wandering - and could have spent more. And no, the flowers in bloom don't take away from the sculptures at all. Or not for me.
DeleteDon't we all feel like that horse sometimes?
ReplyDeleteonly slightly confused: Most definitely.
DeleteInteresting sculptures. Burdens is sadly too accurate for some animals in some parts of the world, while the roos are delightful (and the children in the photo are, too). And, like you, I am just scratching my head over tete-a-tete. But all of them make me think! Thanks for sharing and I hope you get to go again. Make hay while the sun shines, as they say :)
ReplyDeletejenny_o: We will get there again, the only question is when.
DeleteOf course, AFTER I hit reply, I thought to google tete a tete. Here is a link which explains a little although it could mean more to you because you were there and able to walk around it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2012/09/26/3598392.htm
And here's a link that gives more info on the other pieces, including Burden:
Deletehttp://www.floriadeaustralia.com/sculptures/
I don't have any imagination when it comes to interpreting artistic works, so I like to read what the artists were going for or trying to express. The write up for Burden was more uplifting than I would have expected.
jenny_o: Thank you for the links. Some of the sculptures I missed, and others I will have to pay more attention to on our next visit. I can see what the artist is saying about tete a tete, but prefer not to need art work explained to me. Which sounds snobby but isn't meant that way.
Deletejenny_o: I think what I was trying to say is that I like sculpture which speaks to my heart and the visceral reaction it evokes more than sculpture which is brain fodder.
DeleteMe too; if it has to be explained I often feel stupid.
DeleteRiver: Stupid on a bad day - or that the artist hasn't been clear enough in expressing themselves.
DeleteHah! I prefer not to have it explained either, but I am too curious to leave it alone if my reaction is "what the heck . . .?" ha ha
Deletejenny_o: I hear you. My blog name comes from the Just So Stories - specifically the one about the Elephant's Child - who suffered from 'satiable curiosity.
Deletesmiling
DeleteWell, I had to smile at the ship of fools, there must be a seat there for me. I like the Grove, they look like giant pears. I tasted some pear wine today, it was a bit dry, but the hint of pear gave it a crisp taste. Actually, I think it was pear and crab apple.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Sunday!
Truedessa: I liked the ship of fools and could only think that there weren't nearly enough seats. Pear wine? That could be lovely. I liked hearing that crab apples were used as well.
DeleteIt is a great place to have a walk and a look. Thanks for taking me with you.
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: It is only fair. You take me/us on some wonderful excursions.
DeleteReading that you went on the ferris wheel definitely brings a big goofy grin to my face! :)
ReplyDeleteMarty K
Marty K: Of course I went on the Ferris Wheel. My inner child is frequently the healthiest, happiest and biggest part of me.
DeleteThey mentioned the Canberra floriade on TV last week and I immediately thought of you.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing so many delightful photos with us.
Ferris wheel would not be for me but so glad you enjoyed it.
Mimsie: Thank you. In years gone by they had viewing platforms which were accessible to everyone (up ramps rather than steps). These days the Ferris Wheel is the only way to see the patterns.
DeleteWhat a wonderful event. I want to go! Again I thank you for sharnig your beautiful photos with those of us who can just look at them with envy.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: Thank you. Probably one more post (revelling in the flowers) and then an excursion to Tulip Tops (which is usually better on the floral front).
DeleteHi EC - aren't they a wonderful range of adventurous art ... love the kangaroos ... and I'd love to do that Ferris Wheel ... and your 'train' - I agree it does look like one rushing by .. but I like the border there the diagonal strips in it. I wonder if The Grove sculptures aren't based on Banksia nuts ... banksia prionotes ... which are native to your south west Aus ...
ReplyDeleteDelightful to see the Floridiae and look forward to seeing the gardens again when you get back .. cheers Hilary
Hilary Melton-Butcher: With luch those stripes (and other patterns) will be much more vivid when we get back again. In the interim we thoroughly enjoyed the art. The Grove is reminiscent of Banksia nuts isn't it? I thought that as soon as we saw them.
DeleteI could almost say who needs flowers with so much else to see? but of course you'll go back :) I love the Kanga and Roo sculptures and that huge spider.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Following the links which jenny_o gave us I learnt that the spider is Henrietta. And I loved her too. With any luck we will get back to Floriade next week (not Monday because it is a public holiday and will be PACKED.
DeleteVery beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet your blog.
janicce.
A Casa Madeira: Welcome and thank you. I will be over to visit you shortly.
DeleteI do see why you had a good time. And yes, the Ferris Wheel would def. be a good way to get a nice view of the blooms.
ReplyDeleteAs for the 'train,' that's what I thought when I saw your picture too!
mail4rosey: I am so glad that others can see that train.
DeleteAnd it was a lovely, lovely outing. Warm but not hot. Pleasant to wander through.
Love the angles you chose to take your shots
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: Thank you. I try.
DeleteI saw the train before you even said it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a gardener so I tend to be oblivious to the look of the grass or the need for rain but I have managed to notice that the park looks very dry right now. I hope there is some rain soon
kylie: Another pffft to my partner. He couldn't see the train and sneered at me. It is dry. Very dry. And the rain we have had is incontinent pigeon rain - splat, splat and it is gone.
DeleteEach photo creates an amazing story on its own. Beautiful. Can't wait to see photos when you return.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I am really, really looking forward to going back.
DeleteI like Kanga and Roo, also really like the pictures from the ferris wheel.
ReplyDeleteJimmy: Kanga and Roo are lovely aren't they? With apologies to the artists for renaming their piece.
DeleteI consider myself art(y not istic) but have to admit I don't get most sculptures
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: I am neither arty nor artistic. Some sculpture speaks/sings to me. Some does not.
DeleteThe possible coiled hose pipes look like a giant egg cup turned on its side. :D
ReplyDeleteBea: I can see that...
DeleteAll these photographs are perfect for an art and whimsy theme! I’ve loved seeing so many pics of Floriade. The ‘coiled hose pipe’ looks perfect for kids to climb through but maybe not as it is in the middle of a bed of lovely flowers! I feel rather sorry for the horse burdened with so many things – clever though. I enjoyed my walk through the flowers with you and would love to go and see it for myself. Have a happy week.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Fisher: Thank you. There are more photos yet, and I will undoubtedly take a lot more when we go back. I hope you don't get tired of our spring extravaganza.
DeleteI adored all the photos, well photographed and explanations given where needed and possible. I love Kanga and Roo, too! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Kanga and Roo have a heap of charm don't they? And I loved seeing the children respond to them too.
DeleteGreat post! So beautiful sculptures! I enjoy kanga and roo so much too.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the congratulations to my 12º blog anniversary!
I agree with you, the Pink Tabebuia is really wonderful!
Lots of (((Hugs)))
sonia a. mascaro: Thank you. Twelve years blogging is quite an achievement. And how I loved your Pink Tabebuia.
DeleteThank you!!
DeleteWishing you a lovely week!
Many hugs!
First, the ferris wheel: GUHHHH! Hate those things.
ReplyDeleteNext, I have to say that I absolutely love the Kangaroo sculptures. They're so cute!
Robert Bennett: The Ferris Wheel is a baby version. I don't know that I would feel as 'laxed on some of the big ones. And I am pleased to see another vote for the kangaroo sculptures.
DeleteI am going to write more about my trip on the High Roller in Vegas as I have to say I was a little scared. What a wuz I am, but I think your ferris wheel ride I would have handled okay, even though if you fell from either the results would probably be the same!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite sculpture is the Burden, what a great piece of work!
LL Cool Joe: The Burden is an incredible piece isn't it? I think most of us immediately saw something in it. I think I like Horizon (from last week's post) best, but there were several sculptures which spoke loudly to me.
DeleteI've never been on farris wheel that had bird cage. I couldn't think of what else to call them.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
peppylady (Dora): I think all our rides have cages now. And some of them seat belts as well.
DeleteI love those sculptures! So much beauty and whimsy. :)
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: There is always room for whimsy in my world. Rather a lot of it.
DeleteYes, even without the flowers in full bloom, the sculptures alone are spectacular. Thanks for sharing and I hope you go back soon.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: It is a wonderful juxtaposition. I am really pleased that some years ago now the organizers of Floriade decided that the flowers NEED quirky fun to set them off. I love the flowers, but won't ever turn the beauty of the sculptures down.
DeleteWauu.. how lovely place with all those interesting and funny sculptures and beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteHugs
orvokki: Thank you. We love it there. I hope your renovations are going really, really well. Hugs to you too.
DeleteI loved these photos. Such interesting items and sculptures. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNas: I am always happy when other people enjoy the things I do. Thank you so much.
DeleteLove! All these amazing sculptures are wonderful. Not sure which I like best. Probably ALL of them :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the Ferris Wheel, too.
Oh my gosh! Are these fun or what?
ReplyDeleteYou always find the best spots to visit...besides your own backyard:)
Have a wondrous day.
Sandra Cox: My partner would tell you I spend too much time at home. Sometimes he is right. I did enjoy this outing though.
DeleteAbsolutely delightful. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteRasma Raisters: Thank you. I hope your autumn is treating you kindly.
DeleteThank you for taking us with you; I really enjoyed it!! (Especially the roos.)
ReplyDeletefishducky: I am glad you enjoyed it too.
DeleteLoved the wheelbarrow display and the 'chugging train' photos especially - you got such a unique angle there!
ReplyDeleteNilanjana Bose: We hope to go back this week and with luck there will be heads coming out of the 'train' windows... And more blooms.
DeleteYou chose such a fine day and from such a height, all the truth about unobservable things can now be justified and reasoned out with an eagles eye.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: Thank you. The Ferris Wheel makes a fine vantage point.
DeleteSo many lovely statues. I love the one of the Kanga and roo.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: I think we all did. Lovely thought, charming execution.
DeleteOMG - These all look so fun, and it I sort of want to climb through that coiled pipe EC! (lol) Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteRO: It was fun. Lots of fun. And I am glad to hear that other blogger's inner children are thriving.
DeleteThat Ferris Wheel looks like all sorts of fun, though since I'm afraid of heights I'd have to enjoy it from the bottom:)
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Heights don't bother me (luckily). Small enclosed spaces are a whole new ball game...
Deletekanga and roo.... That's so funny.
ReplyDeleteBlue Grumpster: I would happily give kanga and roo house room here. Very happily.
DeleteIt has been ages since I ride the Ferris wheel. Sure brings back loads of memories.
ReplyDeleteSmall Kucing: I ride it once each year. Which is enough
DeletePeople are SO creative. I love this outside art.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: Me too. And though some of it is not to my taste I love that it is there.
DeleteWow, lots of beautiful and creative artwork! I'm more attuned to the whimsical and/or realistic, so the "Tete a Tete" sculpture leaves me kinda cold. It's a nice vibrant color, but if I don't understand what an artist is trying to depict, it's hard for me to appreciate it. My favorite? The kangaroos. They're cute with a heavy dose of whimsy. :)
ReplyDeleteSusan: The kangaroos were lovely. And enjoyed by all ages/genders/cultures. A huge win.
DeleteKang and Roo are just amazing, along with the crane/bird/chicken? beneath them.
ReplyDeleteHope your day sparkles.
Sandra Cox: We are going back in the next day or two - and I suspect kanga and roo will make me smile just as much this time round. And will have their photo taken again.
DeletePS Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: It is my pleasure.
DeleteThe boat made from plastic strapping is fascinating. What a view from the Ferris Wheel! Wow! That pink chair makes me think of The Little Mermaid. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
DMS ~Jess: Even without many of the spring blooms out, Floriade is a joy. And yesterday we went to an even better celebration of Spring.
DeleteThere are so many interesting and beautiful things to see in this post. I would love to have the flower pot bird in my yard, but maybe on a smaller scale.
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave lady to go up on the Ferris wheel. Heights are not my favorite thing.
Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed the post. Heights don't bother me - so no braveness involved. Had it involved getting into a small enclosed (dark) space? I would have wimped out.
DeleteFloriade is always full of wonders and I really like the sculptures this year.
If ever there was a unique series of whimsical art, you've captured it.
ReplyDeletePS I'm back. First stop: bloggy friends. Then, my post.
Take care.
Rawknrobyn: Welcome back. I have seen your return post, and am racking my brains. Both cells.
DeleteThat spidey may be the only one I've ever seen that I like:)
ReplyDeleteHope your day is filled with sparkle.
Sandra Cox: Google peacock spiders and see if those tiny charmers change your mind.
DeleteAww, I like the outline of the parent and kiddo. That's a cute use of iconography that usually just informs us what bathroom to go into.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I found one of those sun spinners for my mom's birthday. It's shipping now. Thanks for the idea!
John Wiswell: I am really glad you found a sun spinner for your mama. I hope she loves it. The outline was fun wasn't it? There are bigger family groups depicted too.
DeleteWhat a place!! The kanga and roo with two pre-school children--that just melted me. (Grandma Goo)
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I think lots of our hearts were melted.
Deleteso-o-o creative - love art and whimsy, especially when it's outdoors. Love that first photo of the ferris wheel, think you were very brave.
ReplyDeletecatmint: We went back today. Most of the tulips are in glorious bloom. Rather a lot of photos were taken - and another post will follow.
DeleteI'm enamoured with those roos, they are totally delightful. I'd like a smaller version in my garden. I'm already looking forward to the next Floriade post
ReplyDeleteKim: For such a stylised version they have immense charm don't they? We went back to Floriade and I took yet more photos of them. Smiling all the while.
DeleteThe adult and child would be pretty at night wouldn't they?
ReplyDeleteGot plans for the weekend?
Sandra Cox: They would have been - but I missed the night shows. Our weekend is drawing to a close. Domestic duties, some gardening and today I am catching up with a dear friend for a cuppa. I hope your weekend is lovely.
DeleteLovely selection of photographs with some amazing looking sculptures.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you.
DeleteIt's all amazing. I love the burdened horse the most, I think. It must have been wonderful to see all the sculptures in person.
ReplyDeleteLynn: It was. I am a big fan of street art and to see so much in such a beautiful area was lovely. Thank you so much for backtracking through my posts. Not necessary - but appreciated.
Delete