Again, things have been busy. I’m doing heaps of different classes each week, mainly teaching kids how to do different forms of ‘Street Art’

I released a teaser comic for Interntional Free Comic Book Day at Silent Army, May 4th. Ive been working on my new Autobiographical strip- Advanced Bruxism. Trying to complete at least three strips per week… for a 6monthly compilation? we’ll see, just a bit of fun and therapy at the moment…

I visited my dear friend Ero and got an impromptu haircut and tattoo at his new Studio.

I celebrate my birthday this month and gonna spend the day in bed with my woman, weed, homemade lasagne, maybe some porn (if we can find some good stuff) and a delicious dessert I’m creating… I’ve been working everyday, no days off for the whole month except my birthday (which I’m supposed to be working but gonna take the day off to be a slob for a day…)

I finally had a spare moment to touch up my Lady on Lygon St with a lick of blues and purples for a new winter look…

I moved into the Blender studios,got my own space. Thus meaning I’ve graduated my internship with M.P. Fikaris and Silent Army. I’m now the distribution/assistant at Silent Army and working with my own stuff in my new space. I’d like to thank Fikaris, He’s just one of the best humans I’ve ever met. He’s been nothing short of generous, encorougaing, engaging, inspiring, amazing… too much for words. I feel so lucky we crossed paths and I now get to work with him regularly. Its been a dream come true and it keeps getting better!

Excited about some great stuff coming up in June/July…

Heading to Geelong to create works at a large new venue…

Aswell as creating a new dimension at Off the Kerb Gallery for their 4D year wide event, thanks to City of Yarra… This is going to be a big fun one! I’m taking over the courtyard space at OTK, referencing the Keith Harring Mural across the road, hoping to turn it into the 4th Dimension- a space of Klara. Opening night is July 19th, more info to come.

Just a quick update- more soon! Kx

Woah, I havent posted in ages! Its been a long, hot, busy summer and I just dont have time for it anymore. I’m working about five different jobs, all of which I love. Add some minimal play, and I never have time for blogging. So here’s some pics of my latest antics… just to summarize the last few months.

I will continue to post some stuff, but I cant guarantee the consistency as its really not my top priority right now… But keep checking back with me Exciting new projects and adventures coming very soon. enjoy!

So there’s a very classic abando in WA I have always wanted to check out. It’s been abandoned since 1985? so I’ve been keen to get to my home state and in there before it was demolished or redeveloped. Many had told me I was too late and this icon had already met its demise. I had to go see for myself. So when my best mate told me she’d drive us there to check it out, I didn’t hesitate. Grabbed my one black tin and made our way there.

I’m so glad we made the effort to check it out. Quite decayed and aged but definately worth a look around. Spent about an hour having a look around… a few other people wandered through for a look while we were there also… Seems to be quite an attraction. Its seaside location is divine! I’ve never felt the sea breeze and viewed the ocean from an abando before, was quite surreal. If you’re ever in Metro WA, do yourself a favour and have a look… take your bathers or go for a skinny dip too!

I’ve been so damn busy in the final stages of 2012. So I decided I’d take a break over Christmas (first time in ten years) and spend Xmas with my family (first time in five years) Get back to WA for some relaxing in the sun. I don’t usually get much time over there, usually just under a week with my family, many km’s south of Perth. This time I wanted to have a look around Perth City, possibly get up in a few places.

What a holiday! WA knows how to do it. The lifestyle over there is awesome! Sun and amazing weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food and wine- all the time! (well it was holiday time so the lifestyle had a sweet sugar coating on it this time…) If  it were like that all the time, I think I’d move back??? Crazy huh?? But yeah, I really enjoyed hanging in Perth. Some of my best friends live in Perth so it was great to see them and have them show me around. First day we went to the beach and it was closed due to 17 circling tiger sharks. We went in the shallows until the lifeguard came with his megaphone… Apparently cops patrol the beaches giving fines to those who decide to swim? Wow, can’t even scratch your ass in WA without someone giving you a ticket.

I was really keen to paint in Perth, especially a certain old site which many had already said was demolished. But I had to go see for myself. SO GLAD I DID! It was amazing, deserves a post on it’s own so I’ll do that next…

I was also invited to go paint with one of my favourite artists one night. I hadn’t planned much, but thew up a directional arrows/face piece I’ve been developing… Just a quick half hour paint near the freeway, under constant watch, as I was unaware of apparently how strict anti-graffiti enforcement is there. Was amazing to watch one of my inspirations work beside me- so talented and quick!! (and don’t ask who it was, I wont tell

Perth was great. I felt like a King/Queen. Eating and drinking well, swimming in crystal blue water of the Indian Ocean, checking out the growing arts scene.
I guess I forgot what it was like to go on holidays too…

After sometime in Perth I road tripped with some friends a few hours south to see our families. I couldn’t wait to hang with my niece and nephew for some fun. Last year we made a slippery slide out of 5 litres of acrylic paint. This year, I figured they were ready for tins. We used up a few cans of 94′s on an old container I took them to on the quad bike ( Yep, I’m a farm bogan from WA-y back) was so amazing to see them again and get our creative selves out and about.

Being with family on Xmas day for once was a real treat. We made a slippery slide (minus the paint- add water and detergent this time) Swimming, stuffing face, drinking wine…. A great day in the sun. I felt so lucky. Shout out to Kiara for being my swimming partner and taking me out where the sharks go…thanks for that! You’re an awesome gutsy girl- take on the world sister!!!

Had to make it back to Melbourne for NYE, So I’ve thrown a couple of roof shots from the party I was at in Brunswick. Only about 12floors but a great 360 degree view of the city and it’s many pyrotechnic displays… Oh and congrats to Alex and Cheyne who got all engaged and shit (should’ve done it on the roof!!)

Well that was a boring, personal, self indulgent post, may as well finish it off with a stupid cliche’-

Hope everyone has an amazing 2013!!! Every year gets better yeah???

]]> http://thisisklara.com/2013/01/06/wa-holiday/feed/ 0 WA 168 thisisklara WA 168 WA 022 WA 289 WA 266 Klara- age 5 WA 166 Willy wag tail!!! WA 212 WA 260 WA 176 Painting on the freeway WA 022 WA 230 Klara- age 5 WA 217 WA 254 WA 218 WA 029 WA 240 WA 205 feast of turkey after oysters and prawns WA 194 Early Klara- acrylic on panel approx 2003? WA 284 WA 189 WA 220 WA 206 WA 291 WA 021 WA 247 WA 210 WA 003 WA 227 WA 187 WA 219 WA 173 Klara- age 5 WA 279 Night paint on the freeway turkey cupcakes and breasts WA 020 WA 019 WA 286 WA 008 WA 035 WA 246 WA 215 Klara- age 5 Klara- age 5 WA 253 WA 010 http://thisisklara.com/2012/12/07/land-of-sunshine-a-snapshot-of-melbourne-street-art-from-2010-12/ http://thisisklara.com/2012/12/07/land-of-sunshine-a-snapshot-of-melbourne-street-art-from-2010-12/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:54:16 +0000 KLARA http://thisisklara.com/?p=2419 Read More →]]>

So I haven’t had a spare moment to blog lately, very busy working, mostly fun art based work, which makes for a happy sometimes stressed me. I apologise for the lack of updates, however I feel it’s a good thing to be busy, away from my computer. Ive painted a few walls, a table for Juddy Roller (Cnr of Johnston and Chapel st Fitzroy) few crappy corporate jobs, workshops etc. Hoping to start the new year with some fresh ideas, challenge myself with some new techniques and styles while also tapping into my roots? We’ll see.. I’m looking forward to it all!

So I’m late, but you know what they say. This book was released in November with a bar raising launch at a no name warehouse in Fitzroy. And some of my stuff is featured in it- as well as everything else that went on the streets between 2010 and 2012. It really is one of the finest published collections of work in Melbourne for the two year period. Of course. Dean made it- He’s a crazy bean, full of enthusiasm and it shows clear in all his work.

Dean has been a great support to me, a good friend and all round guy. I’m chuffed to be included in his book… Such a dream for a country kid from nowhere… Thanks and Congrats Dean! Check out deansunshine.com for more of Mr Sunshines amazing snaps of every event or piece ever… And you should get your hands on one of the books! Damn fine viewing…

So I dont have the time to be blogging much. Here’s a few snaps of my recent antics…

]]> http://thisisklara.com/2012/11/01/recently/feed/ 5 photo 4 (2) thisisklara photo 1 (2) photo 1 (2) photo 1 (3) photo 1 (4) photo 1 (5) photo 1 photo 1 photo 2 (1) photo 2 (2) photo 2 (3) photo 2 (4) photo 2 (5) photo 2 (6) photo 2 (7) photo 3 (2) photo 3 (3) photo 3 (4) photo 3 (5) photo 3 photo 4 (1) photo 4 (3) photo 4 (4) photo 4 (5) photo 4 photo 5 (1) photo 5 (2) photo 5 (3) photo 5 (4) photo 5 (5) photo 5 http://thisisklara.com/2012/10/02/getting-high-again/ http://thisisklara.com/2012/10/02/getting-high-again/#comments Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:27:18 +0000 KLARA http://thisisklara.com/?p=2358 Read More →]]>  

I’ve been so busy lately! Its been great…

Workshops, tours, new projects and pieces, working, exploring, drawing and painting… I haven’t had a spare second to sit down and write a post. (which I always think is a good thing!!)

Internship at Silent Army/Blender Studios is going great! I’m having the time of my life. It’s kinda turned into work now, getting involved wherever I can, whether it be doing workshops or working the bar at Dark Horse Experiment on Opening nights. Its all been so beneficial to me, I’ve been part of some great things already and met some awesome people on the way. And so much more to come! I’ll try post more updates on all the happenings there… and a massive thanks to Michael Fikaris for getting me involved!

So aside from that, I finally managed to find an afternoon for a quick explore in the CBD with Valkyre and Melissa Findley (checkout www.melissa-findley.com this lady does great photos! So does Valkyre, but I’ve said that many times before… Both these guys are amazing and inspiring.)

Was a beautiful afternoon to get high… Two roof tops, one evening. Not the highest but nice and central… enjoy…

I’m so damn excited for this summer…

The sun is finally popping out on the odd occasion.

Last week, I woke (quite late) to a beautiful warm and sunny Thursday. Great day to paint.

I made my way to Cocoa Jackson Studios in Brunswick. Greeted by the lovely Junky Projects, had a look through the newly fitted out studios (which look amazing! I want one!) Then we hit the lane way with paint.

A really fun couple of hours in the sun til the darkness of night and a storm arrived and I couldn’t paint anymore. Its a work in progress, I didn’t quite have enough paint with me in the right colours and the nights darkness set in…

I’m hoping for another sunny day when I’m free this coming week so I can work on it further. But I kinda like the simplicity of her now. Bit scared I’m going to over do it, or fuck it up… But that’s all part of it I guess…

]]> http://thisisklara.com/2012/09/22/painting-cocoa-jackson-studioslane-brunswick/feed/ 0 photo 3 thisisklara photo 3 photo 1 photo 2 photo 4 http://thisisklara.com/2012/09/15/pasting-sister-bella/ http://thisisklara.com/2012/09/15/pasting-sister-bella/#comments Sat, 15 Sep 2012 02:21:27 +0000 KLARA http://thisisklara.com/?p=2332 Read More →]]>

Sister Bella was one of the first bars I visited when I arrived in Melbourne. So I was stoked to add some love to their walls this week while being filmed for another documentary on Street art- Turn the lights on…

While Braddock worked on a colourful freehand piece at the entrance, I pasted ‘Dailies’ Comics on the wall of the stairwell. They made for a very interesting background… plenty to look at from a wide selection of Artists.

I also quickly painted a heartbroken Chicano bride the night before and wanted to slap her up. I did so, out front so it could be viewed by both those who enter the bar and those who don’t.

But I’ve been asked to create more for inside, so stay tuned…

Good times!

Check out silentarmy.org for more info and purchase of  ‘Dailies’ Comics… they’re only $5! NO ADS!! Features over 50 artists!

]]> http://thisisklara.com/2012/09/15/pasting-sister-bella/feed/ 1 photo thisisklara photo photo 1 photo 2 photo 3 photo 4 photo 5 photo 1 photo 2 photo 3 http://thisisklara.com/2012/09/15/trojan-petition-national-gallery-of-victoria/ http://thisisklara.com/2012/09/15/trojan-petition-national-gallery-of-victoria/#comments Sat, 15 Sep 2012 01:43:52 +0000 KLARA http://thisisklara.com/?p=2323 Read More →]]>

Perfect timing…

Last weekend, we lodged a petition to the NGV, City Of Melbourne and the State Government of Victoria on behalf of the a large number of Melbourne street artists and interested community members.

This petition was “signed” in the form of 20 painted panels on a constructed installation, and acknowledged by twenty artists who are practicing in Melbourne today.

Artists involved include: Braddock, Klara, Ruskidd, Binder, Heesco, Junky Projects, Calm, Facter, Baby Guerilla, Mark Holsworth (Black Mark – Melbourne Art & Culture Critic), CDH, Hancock, Adnate, S-701a, Presto, Phoenix The Street Artist, DV8,Conrad Bizjak, Mysterious Al, and Yarn Corner, and also has the endorsement of a large majority of street artists who are currently practicing within the greater Melbourne metropolis.

The Petition States-

“We didn’t say please. Does that void artistic merit?

Melbourne’s street art is consistently ranked among the top in the world [1-6], unlike any of Australia’s fine art institutions. Street art is also inherently egalitarian and freely accessible. However, rather than being endorsed with substantial tax payer subsidies [7] street art is actively stifled by the State Government; the Graffiti Prevention Act (2007) requires artists to provide lawful excuse if caught carrying a graffiti implement (aerosol can, sharp object, pencil) and thus reverses the burden of proof, to a presumption of guilt [8,9].

For the State Government, propriety in street art begins and ends with property rights. We believe the hallmarks of urban neglect (extensive tagging, peeling paint, cracks) demonstrate an owner’s tacit indifference to a site’s appearance. Formal permission is unnecessary; it is already implied. Unsolicited mural painting of a dilapidated site doesn’t damage the property or the community aesthetic. As community stakeholders, civically minded citizens have a right to intervene to restore dilapidated sites, to the betterment of the community.

As we hold this alternate philosophical view on community enrichment, the State Government deems us vandals, criminalizes us and denies any cultural value or artistic merit in our efforts.

References

1. ‘The 9 best cities For street art spotting’. The Huffington Post. [Online] 03 09, 2012. .
2. Five great cities for street art. The Guardian. [Online] 01 29, 2011. s.
3. The World’s Best Cities for Viewing Street Art. International Business Times. [Online] 10 08, 2010. .
4. The Best Cities for Street Art. Travel and Leisure webzine. [Online] 06 2009.
5. Cities that bring art to the streets! Total Travel. [Online] .
6. Best street art cities on Earth. Travel Glam. [Online]
7. Funding Summary 2009-2010. Australia Council. [Online]
8. The Graffiti Prevention Act [2007] s.7. [Online]
9. Clamping down: The Graffiti Prevention Act [2007]. Images to live by. [Online] 09 16, 2008.  ”

Check out these links to some press coverage of our Trojan Petition

http://www.abc.net.au/arts/stories/s3586785.htm

http://melbourneartcritic.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/the-trojan-petition/

http://www.invurt.com/2012/09/10/trojan-petition-to-the-city-of-melbourne-the-state-government-of-victoria/

and some relevent articles

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/new-ngv-head-ushers-in-era-of-modernity-20120822-24mtx.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V53QAjBTbTg

Stoked to be part of this petition… Massive thanks to CDH for all his hard work and organisation, and all other artists involved. Also to Tony Ellwood, Director of the NGV for moving our petition into the foyer.  And to Invurt.com who I copied most of this blog from… Fletch wrote it so well, I couldn’t do better myself! Please see their full version for a better story of the events…

http://www.invurt.com/2012/09/10/trojan-petition-to-the-city-of-melbourne-the-state-government-of-victoria/