tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-281380632012-01-27T12:40:38.533+11:00suburban gothic musings on art, religion and society by the Sublime Cowgirl - a gen X gal in Brisbaniathe sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-54362495634105042642008-05-04T15:10:00.015+10:302011-12-05T17:52:08.261+11:00

Nothing i like better than a kitsch participatory internet craze. The internet phenomenon Young Me / Now Me or Retro Photocopiers is such a groovy little idea, and sweet way to while away a Sunday afternoon in suburban Brisbane. My mum took this pic of me licking the beaters of her Sunbeam mixmaster in the orange kitchen of her beachside house in Mackay sometime in the early seventies. The

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-68475894997438683922008-02-07T10:53:00.001+11:002008-11-26T15:47:58.647+11:00

Electroconvulsive therapy - sizzling your brain to induce a clonic seizure (to the point of losing consciousness and bringing on convulsions for at least 15 seconds) - is back in vogue. Recent studies show it can be remarkably effective in treating depression, mania and psychosis for sufferers resistant to the typical suite of pharma concoctions.Having grown up with a father who experienced

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-17274563016322180442007-12-24T01:07:00.001+11:002007-12-24T01:10:03.703+11:00

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-49991242163738454052007-12-02T23:34:00.001+11:002007-12-02T23:34:44.982+11:00

revisiting the end of the most perfect show ever to grace the set.

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-2728548785094813862007-08-25T12:02:00.000+10:302007-12-24T00:16:49.270+11:00

I've been reflecting on faith lately (which is hardly unusual for me) so was intrigued to see exerpts from Mother Theresa's personal letters today in which she admits to periods of intense personal struggle. Yet on reading her thoughts, and wrestlings with profound doubt, it only seems to make her work more remarkable, her faith more real and her life more authentically human."Jesus has a very

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-26130523492857604682007-06-25T05:44:00.001+10:302007-06-25T05:59:44.850+10:30

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-81819356227478003932007-04-25T23:19:00.000+10:302007-05-03T19:49:06.011+10:30

Its almost disapointing to find Asian translated English devoid of endearing faux pas. Our favourite restaurant in Laos, which leans precariously over the steep banks of the Mekong, offers diners the choice of Sprite, Fanta or Cock. A little further down the road, Fried Tit and French Flies can be ordered from the menu, as straight faced as possible.But perhaps my favourite Lost in Translation

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-28216615943329425962007-04-17T00:11:00.002+10:302011-08-08T06:00:46.817+10:30

Guess who I spotted on the street - Ubon Ratchitani, Thailand

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-65942735708780064002007-04-13T00:18:00.000+10:302007-04-17T00:19:33.506+10:30

Absolutely adoring Luang Prabang - its Lao new year this weekend, and part of the festivities include everyone soaking each another with buckets of water (or water pistols for the more high tech)! Been drenched through every day this week.... highly recommended for parched Brisbanians.Not sure if we'll make it to Cambodia before we fly out to Europe- have settled very nicely into the Loatian

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-23637262018537603132007-02-02T00:10:00.000+11:002007-02-02T00:26:42.148+11:00

credit: AFP photoJesus may love Osama but John Howard doesn't seem too fond of that particular carpenter at the moment.It seems Howard takes issue with those who attempt to follow Jesus' "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" line, apparently accusing this Sydney Baptist church of having its priorities wrong. Heh.

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-55754333340548161062007-01-11T13:19:00.002+11:002011-08-08T18:21:44.604+10:30

As George admits his Iraq strategy hasn't worked, and prepares to send 20 000 more heavily armed young americans to shoot up the bad-guys, I can't help but think of aging xian rocker Larry Normans song 'the Great American Novel' from his 1972 folk rock album Only Visiting this Planet. Despite the track "i wish we'd all been ready' not doing anything to reduce the rapture anxiety of my childhood,

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-60145074708518464152006-11-07T14:15:00.002+11:002011-08-08T18:22:41.782+10:30

Paul Hewson is giving a little concert over at a park near my house tonight. I was lucky enough to see his rehersal last night (highlight was his Dylan takeoff) and was intrigued at the end of the set to hear Paul (known more commonly by his nickname ) invite Father Jack to 'give his blessing' over everyone involved with the U2 tour on the eve of their Australian shows. Bono's faith, music

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-5300513586616817252006-10-18T11:40:00.000+10:302006-11-13T01:02:25.005+11:00

There has been some interesting commentary on the issue of the sexualisation and commodification of women and girls in the wake of the Australia Institute Report controversially entitled Corporate Paedophilia. Excellent discussion can be found Hoyden about Town, Larvatus Prodeo and the Bartlett Diaries.Personally, the topic brought to mind one of my favourite images from the Burn series i did

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-51322690277182704052006-10-11T15:20:00.000+10:302006-11-13T01:03:09.362+11:00

I recently spent a couple of nights at Addington Prison in Christchurch. While some of you may not be surprised at this fact, (even having a brief glimmer of schadenfreude), i should really mention that i had to pay to get in, as it had just been converted into a boutique backpackers...so i guess i'm still a free woman. Unlike many others. Around 2am the night before i checked out, i saw a guest

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-24339620962892619482006-10-09T21:34:00.001+10:302008-11-26T15:49:32.525+11:00

I'm back in the sunburnt country again, and will post another entry about my nz trip (including my short stay behind bars) in the next day or two. In the meantime, this post is dedicated to all you boys out there in cyberland who, according to my most recent site statistics, have been eagerly typing in the above search term and have found yourselves directed to Suburban Gothic instead.While i

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-71364433431253660362006-09-08T20:17:00.000+10:302006-11-13T01:00:20.065+11:00

Or at least hold off for a bit. The ubiquitous Mr Claus, quite possibly the only celebrity more over-exposed than Paris Hilton atm, has already begun appearing at my local Coles supermarket. Holy baby Jesus, ...its barely September. Yesterday my partner and I couldn't resist the temptation to turn the rows of chocolate grinning santas inward so their little backs faced outwards; much to the

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-55496051279825086482006-09-06T10:08:00.001+10:302011-08-08T18:32:46.387+10:30

Hold tight and watch as the death of Irwin morphs into a wider debate on patriotism, celebrity, national identity, and gender. Germaine Greer has waded in this morning with an opinion piece on her disdain for Irwin's methods. Irrespective of the merit or otherwise of Greer's comments, the poor timing of her words ensures they will be interpreted by many as a slap in the face to men who relate

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-82075207867078361572006-09-04T16:03:00.001+10:302008-11-26T15:52:11.883+11:00

I was just driving to pick up my son from school and heard Richard Fidler on ABC Radio talking about Steve Irwin in past tense.Past tense.I turned up the dial and focused on the story that was unfolding - Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter - has been killed just outside Cairns. By a stingray. A barb to the heart.Can stingrays kill you? I had no idea.Not quite sure why i felt saddened so much by the

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My partner bought an old dial telephone at a garage sale this weekend, and my 10 year daughter was puzzled to know how it worked. My daughter and I got talking about what it was like as a Gen X kid growing up and what shows we watched on TV and i kinda explained it like this: Gen Z ............................Gen X Equivalent Smallville ..............Greatest American Hero

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1154309978882601772006-07-31T11:44:00.001+10:302011-08-08T18:24:13.644+10:30

Ahh Rockhampton, town of my youth. Beef Cattle Capital of Australia, my suburban gothic obsession began with you. The town where the local serial killer mistakenly confessed to the murder of a teenager who had actually just been hiding out in her boyfriends bedroom for four years. Where i actually felt safer with my friends brother who spent time in jail for attempted murder, than

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Hmmm, we'll all know soon enough.I went out to a strictly invite only party last night, and i swear i'm getting too old for this scene. There were people falling all over the floor, vomiting, screaming, crying and throwing stuff. There was a cop brought in to make sure nothing got out of hand and even he didnt blink and eye at the chaos, just stood at the entrance making sure the place wasn't

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1153702693147674072006-07-24T11:24:00.002+10:302011-08-08T18:27:17.183+10:30

Methodists and Catholics have (holy) kissed and made up 500 yrs after renegade Monk Martin Luther spat the dummy at the corrupt practices florishing in Catholicism and launched one of last milleniums more spectacular success stories - Protestantism (right up there with the WWW and sliced bread). Concerned with what he saw as spiritual manipulation of the masses for political and material gain,

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1153376419881941032006-07-20T16:37:00.005+10:302011-08-08T18:26:11.843+10:30

Fynn and I at a friends wedding last month ....and the beach in Mackay where i grew up...now with my children.

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1153195612181414252006-07-18T13:59:00.000+10:302006-07-18T15:17:08.333+10:30

SOme of you wont have a clue what i'm taking about, but having been raised fundamentalist baptist in a provincial town, at least i understand the mind set that pervades large swathes of Amercia, and extends its influence, arguably, right to the top of the US administration via a few influencial Neo-conservatives.Australian's would do well to aquaint them selves with these views to understand why

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1153031091664765522006-07-16T16:14:00.000+10:302006-07-16T17:15:30.210+10:30

well...actually, its a bit more like a continuation of the world as per usual unfortunately.The whole intractable middle Eastern thing is overwhelmingly depressing whichever way you look at it. Perhaps the worst aspect, is the way it solidifies stereotypes in people's minds, and any pre-conceived ideas one holds will only find further justification in the current circumstances.Its a terribly

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1151944547260194542006-07-04T02:59:00.000+10:302006-07-08T22:11:45.256+10:30

I've always been interested in religion, and the gothic in society. Came across this article during a recent Google journey -A facinating article about a goth icon by Stewart Lee written in 2003. YOu can read the full article at his site here Cave’s Christianity is perhaps the most shocking thing about his recent history. His lecture The Flesh Made Word enraged a vocal minority of the audience

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1151940078222430912006-07-04T01:09:00.000+10:302006-07-04T03:19:38.043+10:30

Bet the guys embroiled in Big Brothers 'sexual assault' scandal wish they had joined the ABC's proposed new Reality program the Abbey - a 33 day stint in a Nunnery - instead of the place they find themselves now.To read what ABC online readers think of the fiasco visit: http://www.abc.net.au/news/arts/theshallowend/200607/s1677415.htmWhile i'm sure the guys had no malicious intent with the groin

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1151737640103662172006-07-01T17:27:00.000+10:302006-11-13T01:01:40.085+11:00

I am currently in Cairns. Though its winter, the sunlight is so all pervasive and warm its easy to assume everything is all sunshine and light. Scratch a little deeper though, and Cairns is one of those places where most people have a 'past' or an intriguing story at very least. Makes things more interesting than would otherwise appear.... people used to change and transition, running from,

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1150643051932839112006-06-19T00:42:00.002+10:302011-08-08T18:30:18.051+10:30

The social work Alumni lunch at Lennons was an interesting event. I've always liked Julie Macrossan, who won me over whilst co-hosting Life Matters with Geradine Dougue on Radio national each weekday morning. Alas they have both left the program since, but i was lucky enough to hear her speak this week in Brisbane. Julie was asked to speak on "Hot Topics in Socal Justice". Lots of juicy and, by

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1149474349064832312006-06-05T11:27:00.001+10:302011-08-08T18:29:17.430+10:30

standing in the corner with the prophets and the losers things seemed a little clearer over there but i'm back here in the middle just like everybody chooses forsaking truth without a fucking care and the centre holds no answers to the questions no-one asks but its music and its colours fill my head and i'm dancing with the children of the pleasant and the chosen and we'll

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1148783178615692122006-05-28T12:51:00.000+10:302006-06-13T10:03:15.986+10:30

For those who missed this exhibition,(which will be most of you i guess..) Containment explores a lot of the suburban gothic stuff i was thinking of at the time. Lots of post social work catharsis, Jungian shadow imagery and generous lashings of my own neurosis. :)Notes from the exhibition:Containment is a body of work that explores the dichotomy between the external and internal world and is

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1148390307223755152006-05-23T23:45:00.004+10:302011-08-08T06:38:48.173+10:30

I think these are my absolute favourite* thing in my house - my David Bowie Russian Matryoshka dolls ..suburban gothic kitsch at its best. I painted these over several months, and for those of you who aren't familiar with the images, these are the covers of Iconic Bowie albums including Aladdin Sane, Low (my favourite doll - the orange one), Young Americans, Ziggy Stardust and Diamond Dogs. *

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Reflections on the tragedy at Australia's heart ABC Australia- Culture of Violence Revealed in Central AustraliaAs an artist interested in exploring notions of Australian Gothic this story reveals a deep necrotic wound we as a nation have been scared to touch, terrified of doing more harm, torn by guilt over our complicity in its creation.To understand the depth of grief, my western gothic mind

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1147703497919620782006-05-16T00:55:00.001+10:302011-08-08T06:42:16.856+10:30

Notes from 'Burn' A series of work exhibited 2002 Soapbax Gallery Brisbane corpus christi The central image of the series is the poignant sculptural image 'Corpus Christi', a winged Christ crucified upon an electric stove coil, exhibited individually and also as a component of the larger 'element' installation. Exuding an almost archetypal quality the piece simultaneously

the sublime cowgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12388367782243102931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28138063.post-1147700764308715442006-05-16T00:04:00.001+10:302011-08-08T06:43:08.809+10:30

So here I start my blog. Again. Completely forgot the previous incarnation of several years back, so i guess a recap is in order. It seems a logical as any to begin with some previous exhibitions and work my way back to the future. www.suburbangothic.com Burn - an overview of works Burn explores the physical and metaphorical nature of pain and scarring in images created by the branding, burning

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