Duck, Duck, Goose.

I posted about these boots nearly a year ago,
here : http://briohno.blogspot.com/2009/09/wowwee.html

And finally got my mitts on them the other week <3
Dear Kurt Geiger, I love your less than half price sales.



So yesterday me and my new boots went in search of a jewellary stand. I kind of had my heart set on this little ceramic bunny ring holder from Urban Outfitters



But sadly they didnt have it in stock. They did however have this, which in heinsight is way more practical.



Now its sunny out and im counting down the days til our weekend away in Devon for the Bank Holiday. Praying for sunshine !

xxx

Hot town, summer in the city.

So Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery is currently housing the Art from the new world exhibition, under the curation of the Corey Helford Gallery in LA.

And to be fair, its pretty damn good.
The exhibition encompasses a variety of media, exposing an American art scene that is bold and provocative.
And I kind of loved it a little bit.

What was unavoidable was the unashamed nod of appreciation towards the traditional skills of painting and drawingthat are so often overlooked in modern conceptual exhibitions. The technical skill here is exquisite, and the artists knowledge and understanding is impressive.
Each piece is laced with a dark sense of humour, as well as conventional ideas of society, beauty and glamour. The show comes as a breath of fresh air, often seen as a rejection of the highbrow conceptual art in favour of work that reflects more on technical skill and narrative, often with a figureative focus.

The show claims to set about dissolveing the elitism in the art world and blurring the boundries of what people consider 'high' and 'low' art. It highlights everything that attracted me to art in the first place.

I remember doing a little project on Buff Monster when I was studying for my A.S level, drawn in by the flattened cans with the tag painted on, nailed to lamp-posts. Nowdays Buff Monster has established himself as a reputable modern artists, braching out into silk screen and designer toys. It was cool to see his work up close after so long !



The piece that caught my eye immediatly was Elizabeth McGrath's 'Cerberus.'





Combining two of my most favorite things, dogs and things that sparkle in a garish fashion. Her disturbingly lifelike sculptures are led by her curiosity about the relationship between the natural world and the excess of consumer culture, so we share some ideas and inspirations surrounding our work !

While Natalia Fabia's 'wet tea party' depicts pretty much my ideal evening. Down to the eccentric headwear, diamonte skull and kitsch teapot.



Its a cool, quirky, thought provoking and powerful exhibition, housing a collaboration of artists never shown together outside of the U.S before now. It runs until Augest 22nd, so def hop down if you have the chance and it will more likely than not brighten your day.

Meow.

This is Goliath,



he died last week, which really bites because he was a brilliant cat. We got him when I was 5 and he used to headbutt you to say hi.



He had the very best face and the very best paws.



I suppose 19 is a fair old age for any kitty, but none the less, I will miss his relentless enthusuasm for saying hi whenever you entered the kitchen.

Tomorrow I may write up an account of our being stranded in Europe, but right now I have an essay to write. Anyone have an opinion on the volatile nature of the relationship between man and bear / wolf ?

xxx

In wonderland.

Today I returned from my Easter trip to my parents house.
Where far too much sugar was consumed and I now feel a little sick.







I also never noticed how delighted to be leeched onto my front my nephew looks here, because I was too horrified by the sudden arrival of a double chin.



And now I must stop procrastinating and get at least 2 more paintings done before we jet off to Amsterdam and Berlin next week.

xxx

Octoswine.

I like Octopus's, (octopi? whats the plural?!) Theyre funny looking and they supposedly eat theyre own arms when theyre really hungry. There was one at the aquarium we went to on our anniversary, only it was disapointingly inactive. I did get this badge though, which I was wearing with pride at work today.



This badge prompted a conversation with a customer about the octopus at the aquarium, which led onto a distinctly disturbing revelation that aquarium owners have descovered that when an octopus is housed in an open topped tank, at night time they have a habit of clambering up the side and craawling along the floor. That is not my idea of a plesent suprise if you were on the night shift! Like a giant gelatinous spider. I was assured that there was cctv footage of said excursions so I will have to have a root around youtube. I laughed so much I couldnt talk.

xxx

Awoo.

This is my parents dog, loving life at Christmas time.





After David and Sarah bought me the most impressive baking book that has ever existed, I have decided to embark upon a quest to become more aquainted with the kitchen. I shall bake my way through it, much like that film with the woman from Enchanted, only less bizarre and stressful.

Yesterday I achieved cheese straws and today was the turn of the pineapple upside down cake. This week I shall purchase an electric whisk and be well on my way to becoming a domestic pro.



xxx

I stole this off Izzy.

Isnt it great the kinds of things you come across to distract you from writing your dissertation.

Are you wearing makeup?
I am. Only liquid eyeliner and mascara though. Makes a change from the usual 2-black-eyes look.

How many pillows do you sleep with?
4, although I only use one and pile the rest up around me like a little fort.

Why aren't you dating the person you like?
I am.

Do you currently have feelings for anybody?
Many feelings for many people. Usually positive feelings. Some negative. Often indifferent.

What do you want to be when you're older?
the first old woman to avoid wrinkles around the mouth.

What are you thinking right now?
That id also like to avoid a sagging neck if at all possible. Pass the moisturiser quick sharp !

When was the last time you changed in front of someone?
My Johnny Depp Cry Baby poster this morning. He averted his eyes in disgust.

If you could change your eye colour, would you?
Yes, I would make them greener.

Are you wearing anything that belongs to someone else?
I am wearing a teeshirt that used to be Davids, but he is too buff to fit into it now. It says 'You make me sick' on it in big letters.

Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
Johnny Depp poster is probably still weeping in dismay, thats why they call him Cry Baby !

What is your hair like at the moment?
Flat on top and puffy at the bottem where the rain hit below my hat. I look a bit like a Jew with payots.

Are you one of those people who are always cold?
Yes, yes I am. I am not as bad as Ed and his wierd ice hands though.

Do you tend to waste a lot of money?
Yes, normally on food. Im a porker.

Who was the last person you watched a movie with?
I watched Role Models with Ed when I was ill on Sunday. It was amusing.

Who was the last person of the opposite sex you had a conversation with?
David. He said 'see you tomorrow' and I said 'Niiight.' It was deep.

Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months?
I take your feeble 6 months and raise you 4 years and 10 months !

Is there someone that makes you happy everytime you see them?
Scout. Particulary when he yawns. Not when he skunks or craps on the floor though.

Do people ever think your older/younger than you actually are?
Everyone thinks im young, which bodes well for me in the future so long as I hide the inevitable saggy neck.

Would you ever date someone who was gorgeous but they had a shit personality?
I already am. OH SNAP. I jest, I jest.

Do you sleep with your door open or closed?
Closed, if it were open id worry that something may peer round in the night and make me jump.

Would you rather your lover have gorgeous eyes or a gorgeous smile?
Both im greedy.

Anything you're giving up on?
Going to the gym before Christmas.

Who will you be sleeping with tonight?
Pillow fort.

Who was the first person you talked to today?
David, both bleary eyed and answering the buzzer.

When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face?
Myself for getting so worked up and making so many mistakes earlier. What a sight that would be. I couldve filmed it and had a youtube punch off with that crazy cod2 kid.

Do you like Subway?
No I got bored of it after working at the Odeon and that was the only eatery close by.

Have you ever had an Oreo with peanut butter?
No but that sounds AMAZING. I want one.

Are you trying to avoid liking somebody at this time?
I am trying to avoid liking Scout because hes a grimey swine who smells and peed on my floor again. Hes curled up in my lap looking pretty cute though so its hard to be mad.

Have you held hands with anyone this week?
Edwardo.

Have you kissed anyone in this past week?
Edwardo.

Do you think you've changed over the past year?
I now have a fringe.

Do you care if people talk badly about you?
They are clearly wrong.

Is there anybody you wish you could be spending time with right now?
Someone who has a vested intrest in writing other peoples dissertations.

If you had to shoot two people in this world to save all your families lives, who are the two people you would shoot and why?
Could I just shoot them in the foot ? Id feel bad killing them. Maybe point me in the direction of someone whos been super cruel to an animal or a child, thatd make it easier.

The person you have feelings for, tells you that he or she has feelings for you too, What do you do?
Say 'Im glad to hear it.'

If you were raped in a bush by someone over the age of 30, would you tell anyone or would you keep it secret?
The age and location are indeed an important factor O_o

Your mum is in a car crash and you get a phone call from the police. Do you believe that its the police or just a prank phone call?
Who would prank someone that ?! Thats just messed up. Although id be suprised because its not like im in her phone as 'daughter' so howd they know to call me ? Ahh youve got me thinking now.

Would you eat dirty snails for a million dollar?
Ewww no. Actually would they be alive or cooked ? Maybe cooked.

Have you played any video games tonight?
No.

What is your favourite drink in the whole entire world?
Tea or diet coke.

Are you always up for a good time?
No. I often favour a night in with my slippers and dressing gown. Party hard.

You're offered a pill, a smoke or a stab in the back. You have to take one. Which one do you take?
A stab in the back, so long as it was proverbial. Actually id go for the smoke. I dont like backstabbers.

Can you open a beer bottle with a body part other than your hand?
Yes, I actually have a bottle opener instead of a thumb.

Is there anyone that will text you and you smile instantly?
Anyone so long as they say something nice.

In the past 24 hours have you hung out with a girl?
Yes I have. the girls at work. Although I wouldnt call it hanging out, we were having training. Did you know you should smile at customers ? Who knew.

Will tomorrow be better than today?
Yes because I will see Katie do the mcnugget challange and Helen vocalise her sordid plans for Zak Efron.

Have you ever wanted to tell someone something but didn't?
Yes, im a gossip. Unless I know I really shouldnt tell, I can keep a secret when I have to. I dont enjoy it though.

Have you ever done something you told yourself you wouldn't do?
Yes, like spend all eve online instead of considering the question of the post modern animal.

How have you felt today?
Drowsy.

When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings?
Beka via fb sharing our love for Taylor Swifts Love Story.

Are you usually wide awake in the morning?
No, I am like a zombie with bad hair and smudgy eyes. I need a shower and cup of tea to wake me up.

xxx