Category Archives: PhD

Melbourne days 6-10

My time here seems to fly!

The last days I’ve spent working in the studio, reading about cities by Nigel Thrift, on work emails, seeing performances at the Next Wave Festival (saw Fluvial and Kids killing kids on Saturday which were both great), meeting up with some friends, artists and organizers and wandering about in the city and in Fitzroy… It’s quite inspiring to be on my own!

I’m aware that my aspirations for this month are ambitious – too high. But I’m trying to make most of it! Working on my new project, my PhD, letting myself to be inspired and excited about works I see, artists and curators I meet…

Melbourne city with its famous Lanes is buzzing but quite relaxed. Melbournians are famous of their hospitality – and they deserve to be! I’ve had only one very rude encounter at theÂ Next Wave Festival club Shebeen where a waitress treated me like I was the most irrelevant person on earth. Well, it was a busy Saturday night and I’m not a young trendy hipster but still… I don’t particularly feel that I want to spend my money there – since my order wasn’t really much of an importance to that particular waitress.

Some pics of the famous Lanes:
I don’t really understand what’s going on with the horses on Swinston St.?

A Saturday afternoon walk from South Melbourne to the Queen Victoria Market:

Had a great coffee at the Market Lane Coffee:
Popped into Uniqlo, one my favourite shops! They’ve just recently opened the first shop in Australia and it’s in Melbourne! So it’s pretty packed and busy… I love their ultra light down jackets, I have a few… But I spotted some Finnish design there as well! Horray Tove Jansson and the Moomins! Horray Paola Suhonen and Ivana Helsinki!
Melbourne offers a great variety of amazing food… Here some Vietnamese steamed dumplings.
Another morning run in Albert Park:Â
My home street! All Australian made! Leggings by Zoya. A treat for myself from Smith St., Fitzroy. Tomorrow I’m off to Healesville for a day trip. Have to get some sleep now!

Johanna

Melbourne day 5

Yes, good day of reading and research! Non-representational theory – very inspiring.

Since Melbourne is a city of great cafes and coffee, I googled for the best cafe in the neighborhood. The best recommendations by far were for St Ali on Yarra Pl so I that’s were I headed for a coffee. I wasn’t hungry so I just had a cappucino with a double shot of espresso and it was really smooth. I really liked the warehouse style of the place and probably will return for a breakfast or brunch one day. Anyway, really nice vibe, good looking trendy customers and great coffee!

Today was also a day of shoe repairs. Last night I was wearing Minna Parikka Cuniculus and realised at some point that I had lost a rubber sole of the other heel. So I had to find a shoe repair which was ok as I had brought a pair of shoes that needed rubber soles put on the leather sole anyway. So I got them both fixed today for 67 AUD which I think it’s a bit pricy but hopefully the quality is good. So my Minna Parikka Aurora pair got a rubber sole today, too!

After I picked up my shoes from the repairs, I popped into Melbournestyle, a beautiful shop on Clarendon St. which I also discovered online. The shop was absolutely beautiful with exhibition space upstairs and Lex from the staff was really generous and friendly. They had a great selection of books, accessories and jewelry, bags, scarfs, cards, cups and the like. I also spotted Marimekko and Iittala brands there. What a delightful visit! And since it’s…well mother’s day soon, I got myself a little present.

The evening I spent studying non-representational theory and sipping some Swords Pinot Grigio.

Johanna

Melbourne day 2

Jetlag.
An early morning run/walk to St. Kilda. 11 km.
Strength training at the studio.
Alexander technique and stretching.
Music and a short improvisation.
Smoked salmon and feta salad.
Emails.
Facetime with my son.
Fireplace lit.
Non-representational theory.
A sleeping pill.

After a rather restless and sleepless night I went for an early morning walk/run/jog around Albert Park and St. Kilda. It was windy and raining on and off but I really enjoyed it. I was carrying my camera, iPhone and keys.

Johanna