Here’s to my sweet Satan’ from Julia Robinson, soft sculpture, on at Uber Gallery, Melbourne, 1 October to 4 November 2008

In Here’s to my sweet Satan, Robinson’s creatures are reminiscent of those superstitious constructs that seduced and revolted the saints with perverted whispers. The exhibition is replete with darkness, torture and a strong sense of sadism, but thankfully no moralistic overtones. Robinson’s compulsion towards the conflicts and complements that occur when objects or themes of corruption, debasement and nefariousness are met with exquisite beauty, continues in this extraordinary exhibition.

Image caption: Julia Robinson, Untitled, 2008, Variable dimensions, Flywire, fibreglass, felt, fabric, fixings, flocking, thread, resin and paint

The Melbourne Craft Cartel are hosting a public talk event!

The Revolution is Handmade :: Political fabric crafts and the struggle for social justice :: Thursday Sept 4, 6.30pm :: 1/27 Hardware Lane Melbourne

Guest speakers: Dr Joyce Stalker from the University of Waikato, NZ – talking about fabric crafts and the struggle for social justice. Rayna Fahey from the Craft Cartel and the Melbourne Revolutionary Craft Circle will be talking about the role of historical and contemporary craft practice in radical political action with a focus on feminist and peace action protest movements.

Film premier: Short film from the recent MRCC action night which saw a bunch of craftivists take public action against land speculation in Melbourne’s west. This creative action has gained global attention and has played a large role in increasing awareness about the connections between vacant land and the housing affordability crisis.

Living Creatively: new mag out of Australia – all about the beauty and amazingness of handmade. Check out the creativity uncovered section where you can read all about thread den – the new North Melbourne based sewing lounge and enter the competition ‘how green are you’.