Colosoul E-Zine 07 // April 2011 by Colosoul Group Inc

April 2011

NEWEST T INDEPENDENT MAGAZINE INSPIRING YOUTH

presenting Electrofever - the new & old india’s social policies bring asha to you Top 10 backpacking destinations Future shorts new fashion trends Natalie Houston’s desired photography

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Electrofever

The Old & The New

By Ritu Ghosh

This week I shall be reviewing two distinctly different albums in the same genre, Electronic a/Synth. There’s the old, and there’s the new, and put them two together and you get one amazing weekend of new music!

movie, Tron, it features the same Daft Punk electro style that we all love and all with a 3D Blockbuster experience. Don’t be fooled to think that this is a full length album because it isn’t.

After a long break, our favourite French duo is back and better than ever! Who am I talking about? Daft Punk, of course!

But as far as sound tracks go, this one’s a doozy. I would like to think of Tron as a two hour 3D music video for Daft Punk than an actual movie. In true Daft Punk style, there are lasers and futuristic gizmos galore, and our boys make a special cameo in the movie too. The single that was released with the movie ‘Derezzled’ is probably the most catchy of all the songs which I wouldn’t be

The long wait for the legends of French house and electronica after their Grammy winning live album ‘Alive’ is now finally over. Setting the way for future artists by creating an amazing sound track to an even more mind blowing

Photo from 411mania.com

Photo from videogamesblogger.com

surprised if they started playing in the clubs as it is one hell of a dance number! Not quite an album, but so much more than a mere sound track. If you’re looking for a different music experience and are a big Daft Punk fan, you will definitely enjoy this one. Ever had the sensation to dance in the middle of a movie? You might want to prepare yourself for Tron because I can tell you that I was groovin’ in my seat! Okay, so now you’ve listened to Daft Punk’s sound track and you’re still starved for some more electro. The solution is Monarchy. The music industry in this era is very hard to break into, especially to create new sound. Most of it already has been done before but these two boys from the UK have managed it! If you’re a big fan of catchy synth sounds and pretty voices, this one’s for you. The lead singer’s voice is smooth and just flows

through you like magic, listening to their album makes you think you’re dreaming because as cliché as it sounds, its that beautiful. Then you mix in the dance beats and there you have it, Monarchy. My favourite track, which is also their single: ‘Gold in the fire’ is the best to define the album’s sound as a whole and the chorus is simple and easy to sing along with, and just like me, you’ll fall in love. So if you’re looking for some new bands whom you can listen to over and over again without ever getting bored, this one is definitely recommended for you. Check out their myspace and listen to some of their tracks at http://www.myspace.com/monarchysound

Asha India by Sean Mooney

“I am one of the worlds most privileged and with this comes a great responsibility.” It’s almost impossible to quantify the sex industry in Mumbai, but latest estimates say there are around 100,000 active sex workers. In 2001 the World Health Organisation said 50% had HIV/ AIDS. In 2009 there were 270,000 people newly infected with the disease in the South & South East Asia region – the second highest rate in the world behind Sub-Saharan Africa. Mumbai’s sex trade not only exploits its workers, corrupts society and widens divisions in the community but is also responsible for an AIDS epidemic.

Underage prostitutes blend with career sex workers to create a demeaning environment in, surprisingly, an otherwise extremely conservative society. The workers there can expect $1.50 on an average night, $2 on a good night and less than a dollar on a bad night. It was on a five week internship with Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC) that 23 year old Emily Hanscamp was introduced to Mumbai’s sex trade. The trip was a “traumatising experience” and on her return she began to devote her time to the cause. While in Mumbai, Emily was once herself mistaken for a prostitute. The memory is an intensely troubling one.

“I started to feel like I was being hemmed in: like deciding if I was worth paying for and how much. It was so dehumanising. Yet for me it wasn’t even a reality. For the women by my side this was the truth, this was their reality each minute of every day.” When Emily returned to Australia she founded Asha India – translated ‘Hope India’ in Hindi. She knows that hope is what these women cling to and she’s careful not to objectify them further by extensively sharing their horrific stories.

“I guess I feel sometimes that we glorify poverty and things like human trafficking,” she explains. “I have a fear that in sharing them over and over that the girls in these stories become slowly dehumanised. I’m weary of focusing too much on the victim status than seeing [the issue] holistically.”

“The money [from the dreadlocks] went towards an ongoing monthly support that we give to AAWC,” she says. “We aim to raise enough funds to begin and sustain a 7 shelter home for the girls that [they] work with. This has been a dream for some time and we’d like to see it become a reality.”

The aim of Asha India is to provide support to AAWC in whatever way it can. They focus on supporting the local organisations who assist with accommodation and alternative work for those lucky enough to find a way out.

“I am one of the worlds most privileged and with this naturally comes a great responsibility. If you can check out the ‘get involved’ part of the blog there’s more on some of our partner projects.”

“Generally speaking,” explains Emily, “if a woman has been there long enough to ‘pay off’ her sale price, then she is technically allowed to leave, however in reality this is not really the case.

Anyone who would like to further support Asha India and Emily’s fund raisers should visit http://hopeashaindia.wordpress. com/.

Asha India has been raising money to help victims of this dangerous and exploitative sex industry - most recently $3,275 from selling a friends dreadlocks. She has decided that she must use her fortunate start in life to help those who never had one.

To read the full article visit http://www.colosoul.com.au/ colosoul.php.

A Review

by Leslee Hall

Future Shorts is changing the way people access short films around the world. Every month, a selection of shorts is made for a global film festival, showing in over 19 countries. It’s not just about film though – the medium is combined with live music or other performers to give the event an additional dimension.

The event gives film makers a platform for their work and film audiences access to the best in short film that are often confined to bigger international festivals. The first film for the evening was the world premiere of the Perth production XTRMNTR, which looks at the dangerous job that exterminators face, especially when they don’t get along with their co-workers. Directed by Andrew Milner, it is wonderfully shot and acted and is a really compelling drama. The international program began with the Cannes Festival entry Lars and Peter out of Denmark. The plot of this film looks at how Lars, a young boy, is coping with the loss of his mother and his father’s attraction to other women. This film was spoilt however by almost completely unreadable subtitles, which meant some of the dialogue was lost. French production of 2005, Goodbye Mr Chu followed The Klaxons. This animated short is about a young Vietnamese boy, Hai, who catches a bird. A friend of his family also takes a fish belonging to Mr Chu for a ride in his rickshaw regularly. A Vietnamese festival which remembers those lost involves people offering flowers and rice and while setting animals free. This film looks at the tradition of this festival and how all of these

events tie together, but is slightly abstract and confusing. The Mystery of the Flying Kicks, an Australian production, was one of the more thought provoking pieces shown at the event. It is a documentary that looks into why people throw shoes over power lines. A website and phone line was set up for people to contribute their knowledge of the phenomenon, and what was discovered was that the act holds different meanings everywhere around the world. It also 9 holds a sombre message about memory and the extent to which people make their mark on the world. The penultimate film, The Drift, told the fictional story of a ‘song’ that was heard in space by astronauts and made them drift away and not return to earth. The song was then recorded and played on earth, resulting in ‘drifters’. The film itself was made from animated images collected in markets and second hand stores. While the plot and production idea was interesting, the monotone voice over did get a bit irritating. Finally, perhaps the most compelling film of the night, Mary Last Seen, opened up a question about trust. A couple on an escape from their everyday lives are not quite what they seem. The first clue is when the boyfriend throws his girlfriend’s phone away while she is in the bathroom. He later leads her in to the forest and to a small community to see some friends of his. What he does to her makes you question if you can really trust people you think you know. To read the full article visit http://www.colosoul.com.au/colosoul.php.

The World at Your Fingertips by Kelly Poynter Photos courtesy of NoLa Bel

If architecture and fashion met, hit it off and reproduced, their offspring would bear a striking resemblance to the fabulous finger adornments created by boutique New Zealand jewellery label NoLa Bel. A collection of rings inspired by the city skylines of far flung places like Vancouver, Agadir, Alexandra and Jordan, the pieces are truly unique and strike a perfect balance between art, architecture and fashion, with a touch of travel-based daydreaming thrown in for good measure. A miniature city scape for the hands, there is no doubt having one of these veritable works of art on your fingers will cheer up even the dreariest of days. We tracked down Karamia Müller and Nicole Allan, the creative team behind the label, and asked a few questions about their range of rings entitled “I saw this while I was away”. Tell us about the NoLa Bel rings. What was it about the cities or places they are named after that struck and inspired you? We call them architectural postcards for the hands of the adventurous and brave! Inspired by skylines of cities that NoLa Bel has travelled to or will one day visit, each set is constructed of five individually designed laser cut rings tucked into our own unique skull box.

The packaging for the range is striking and unique. How did the skull design come about?

A lot of coffee, prototypical, double sided tape, fluoro card and trial and error! There are eight pieces to each skill, these are cut on a laser machine and then we hand assemble. We have a high regard for craft woman ship. What is the story behind the name “NoLa Bel”? It is just a play on the two words ‘no label’, sort of a little poke at branding and it’s importance in the consumption of fashion What sort of customer does NoLa Bel appeal to? The adventurous and brave! Or alternatively, obscenely cute girls and guys who are nice people and have supreme style.... I know you both have a background in architecture - How has this study influenced your design preoccupations? Yes! We are both doing our Masters at the School of Architecture, so instinctively we use architectural techniques. In designing them we use the architectural conventions of elevation/ section/plan/axonometric, so we are constantly working between 2D thinking/drawing and 3D - the actual object. Once we cut the design we examine it critically as a three dimensional object - this iterative process draws parallels with model making which is intrinsic to an architectural practice. We like to know a bit about what our interviewees do when they are away from the line. What does a good day off consist of for you?

Hmmmmm. A good day off for NoLa Bel would have a sleep in, a few coffees and a lot of cake at Little and Friday, a few swims, a game of tennis, reading some Mr Wilde, a big lunch with magazines, a nap and then dinner at Cocos with some good guys and gals. Maybe a few G&T’s to follow...... Describe yourself in five words!

NoLa Bel is inquisitive (attempts to be anyway) intelligent, considered, quirky and happy to11fly the flag for girls in design! And finally, where to from here? What are the future plans for NoLa Bel? Hmmmm no specific plans BUT watch this space! So. We will wait with baited breath to see what the future has in store for the talented design duo that makes up NoLa Bel. The world is literally at their fingertips. And a little piece of their world could be on yours, with a visit to one of the following stockists: Children of Vision: Shop 16, St Kevin’s Arcade, 179-183 Karangahape Rd, Auckland, NZ. Ph:+64 9 379 8930 Web: www. childrenofvision.com Black Box Boutique: 38B Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland, NZ. Ph: +64 9 378 0073, Web: www.blackboxboutique.co.nz Lylah Boutique:Shop b08a, Little Stanley Street, South Bank, Brisbane, Aus. Ph:: +61 3846 0202, Web: www.lylah.com.au To read the full article visit http://www.colosoul. com.au/colosoul.php.

Tall Tales

By Bronte Kelso-Marsh

Photography from last.fm.jpg

If you think that it’s hard to believe that music can sound ‘earthy’, then you probably haven’t listened to The Tallest Man on Earth’s new EPSometimes the Blues Is Just a Passing Bird. The EP, which features songs such as Little River and The Dreamer, is a welcome move away from the usual slew of indie-folk bands. Instead, the EP is reminiscent of the likes of the old folk masters like Bob Dylan. Kristian Matsson, who hails from Sweden, is the sole member of the group and his deep, husky voice, melodic guitar sounds, and scratchy bass lines serve to create a rich, woody, earthy sound, which is both peaceful and riveting to listen to. The EP, which follows his previous albums Shallow Grave and The Wild Hunt, includes a mix of five songs, which serve well to listen to as both standalone tunes, or as a steady, melodic mix. The difference between each song is quite refreshing, with each mantra building off the previous track. Perhaps the stand out song of Sometimes the Blues Is Just a Passing Bird would be The Dreamer, in which the listener learns just how the title of the EP was derived. The Dreamer, though perhaps the least mellow in the mix, contains

a certain restrained passion which is rarely evident in music nowadays. This track gives us a glimpse into the rare talent that Matsson has, easily conveying emotion through his music. The somewhat steadier and stronger guitar is a suitable accompaniment for Matsson’s throaty voice and the marriage of the two is quite beautiful, without being too delicate. Thrown Right at Me is also a pleasant tune, for those in search of something a little more sedate. It also features, to some extent, a blues-y feel. Further enhanced by the acoustic and melodic guitar, this track is perfect for those in search of something more folk like and mellow. Where Matsson’s The Wild Hunt built upon the sorrowful undertones of Shallow Grave, Sometimes the Blues Is Just a Passing Bird takes a direct step away from the vivacious sounds of Matsson’s previous two albums. In its place, Matsson fabricates his own mellow, yet mournful sounds, contributing what really is an original sound, nostalgic only for the music that started the folk music. Matsson successfully gives an old sound a new touch, leading to a mix of beautifully constructed songs.

X|Media|Lab Perth: Presents

Storytelling in a Digital Age Storytelling in a Digital Age is a groundbreaking event which will put you and your business at the forefront of applying new media… new devices…and new ideas. Featuring:

Rosie Allimonos Esther Lim Kaz Brecher Dominic Knight

Friday 15th April

X|Media|Lab PRESENTS

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? H XlMEDIAlLAB PERT at the state Theatre Centre of WA

For more information on this event go to the Colosoul events page

9.00am – 5.00pm,

followed by networking reception

At the State Theatre Centre WA Student: $99 Independent/ Entrepreneur: $250

The top 10

Backpacker Destinations for

-2011-

Just graduated? Got an extended break? A little strapped for cash but still want to see the world? The world’s best backpacking destinations are not always what you expect. Even distant countries like Zanzibar and India can be reached at reasonable prices

By Philippa Tollit

Check out this year’s top 10 backpacker destinations. They deliver an amazing list of fresh new territories to explore. 14

1. Croatia

If it is beaches you’re after then don’t get sucked into the popular places like Greece and Spain, head to Croatia instead. The coastline has over 1,000 islands which mean your beach possibilities are endless and the most secluded beach is best explored by kayak. Be sure to island hop, Korcula is a beautiful must see and for a spot of wild nightlife head to the party island of Hear, it won’t disappoint.

2. Berlin

Rebels of everything and anything come here to express themselves, loudly, via street art. This place has such a loud voice due to its chaotic history. The Berlin Wall is now a street art gallery, constantly changing, colourful and full of meaningless messages. Berlin is not about pretty pictures and landscapes. It’s harsh, gritty, rough around the edges and full of in your face art - this is what to expect. This city is THE place to be as far as art is concerned.

3. Cuba

With its beautiful beaches comprising of crystal clear water and the purest white sand, it makes it hard not to just sit around all day and drink rum. But there is so much more to Cuba than this. The old town of Havana has some of the most

stunning colonial architecture, so take a wander through the old streets and take in the rich colours. If you love to dance, Cuba is for you. It is very common to see a 10-12 person band playing salsa music everywhere but be warned they will try and sell you a CD afterwards!

4. Zanzibar

Off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is always warm with cool breezes, tons of indigenous wildlife and corals. The big adventure here lies in searching for the Zanzibar leopard. It has not been spotted since 1997. If you don’t feel like being a zoological hero then hang out in Stone Town, a world heritage site comprised of winding streets and incredible stone architecture, unchanged for 200 years.

5. Istanbul

Istanbul is unlike any other city in Europe or Asia for that matter. It combines influences from two different cultures, Christianity and Islam. Although it straddles two continents, the city does not feel as disjointed as you may expect. There are many things to keep you occupied such as admiring the grand skyline, strolling the lively back streets and marvelling at the many minarets. Istanbul offers nightlife and entertainment in any direction, you’ll be sure to have a good time!

6. Brooklyn, NYC

Manhattans cheaper, cooler brother, Brooklyn is where America’s collection of internationals come together into a steaming stew of culture. It is a great place to lose your backpacking virginity; this borough will take you around the world with every train stop. Like biting into a cross-section of the world, Brooklyn is layered with all sorts of nationalities. Each little neighbourhood tells its own diverse story of world cultures living together next door to the richest, most populated city in America.

7. Serbia

I am sure many of you never thought Belgrade would be a place to go to get wild...but it is! Belgrade has the most poppin’ nightlife in Eastern Europe. It seems to have the versatility and ability to please the pickiest of party goers. The truth is, you can party hard but for cheap too. Forget what some travel guides say, Belgrade rocks!

8. India

If you’re hunting for a big city spot, Mumbai is the one. This place is nasty rich and beautifully poor in unison. From mind-blowing skyscrapers to ancient, towering ruins , stomach curdling street food to excessively luxurious five star restaurant and hotels, Mumbai is a metropolitan force like you’ve never seen. Calm your claustrophobia with a local brew and push through Mumbai’s people packed bars, clubs, museums and parks like you mean business.

9. Luxembourg

If you are a bit of a historian at heart, Luxemburg is the place to see. This place is jam-packed with history and rich history at that. Luxemburg is an extraordinary crossroads where different cultures have met to produce a rich and distinct heritage in its own right. While the country is rich, backpacking here is as affordable as its European neighbours with hostel pricing hovering around 20 Euros, ($26) per night.

10. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires has a massive backpacker buzz. You can dance, relax at parks and on beaches, hear romantic Spanish accents and you will love it. Hostels are easy to find, beer is nice and cheap and the locals are crazy about football. The sophisticated city is a mix of everything imaginable; very pricey to downright poor. With so many things to do and see on a budget Buenos Aires leaves no room for boredom. South America is where it is at! Photos courtesy of Philippa Tollit ( Berlin and Croatia) Photos courtesy of http://touriste.com.au (India) and http://rwrant.co.za (Buenos Aires, Argentina), http:// luxembourgtrip.files.wordpress.com (Luxembourg), http://vacationideas.me (Cuba), http://purezanzibar.com (Zanzibar), http://destination360.com/europe/turkey. images/istanbul (Istanbul), http://blackfoodsnob.com. files.wordpress.com (Brooklyn NYC), http://metrolic.com (Serbia)

Natalie Houston 16

Emerging Photographer Aged 23 Inspiration Comes From People I Meet My Dreams Nature

Curiosity and freedom

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about Desires

Not Just Black and White By Bronte Kelso-Marsh 22

You know you have seen a special film when the credits begin to roll, the lights in the cinema turn on and people sit paralysed in their seats from the awe of what they have seen. And Darren Aronofsky’s latest psychological thriller Black Swan had just this affect upon its audience. The film studies a young and talented ballerina Nina (Natalie Portman) as her life begins to unravel as she begins to immerse herself in her role as lead ballet dancer for the infamous production Swan Lake. The cast, led by Natalie Portman, are perfect in their performances, allowing the viewer to be drawn into the film’s plot. Perhaps the most outstanding is Natalie Portman, who provides conceivably the most believable performance in the film. Portman delivers her lines flawlessly, and not once do you doubt the believability of her character. Her co-stars Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel are also quite talented, and suit their roles completely. Winona Rider and Barbara Hershey also appear in the film, and both deliver impeccably.

study what defines a girl from a woman. Though these scenes are not overly graphic, the content and subject matter is still studied throughout the film. However, these scenes are necessary, providing the viewers with an indispensable look into the role of Nina, whose life begins to unravel as she engrosses herself more into the role of the black swan. The film, in addition to multiple nominations at the Academy Awards, had already won big, with Portman already winning the highest honours at the Screen Actors Guild awards ceremony. Black Swan has been critically acclaimed, and was also chosen to open the Venice Film Festival The film manages to seamlessly combine a level off believability with a level of dramatic intensity, allowing it to completely move the viewer. The forces the audience look at what defines passion from obsession. The film is both visually and creatively a success, being unique and special to watch, and providing the viewer with a film they will not forget.

Like Aronofsky’s previous success The Wrestler, the film required the cast immerse themselves in the physical role required for the film, with both Portman and Kunis training for months in order to perform the ballet choreography required for the film. Benjamin Millepied, who choreographed the film, also appears. To some extent, there is not a high level of dancing and choreography seen throughout the film. In some ways, this allows the film to grow out of being just a ‘dance’ film, but this may serve to disappoint those who watched the film with the expectation of the dancing. Costumer Amy Wescott is one of the unsung heroes. Kate and Laura Mulleavy, of Radarte fame, also collaborated on some of the costume designs (including the black and white swan costumes), and their signature feminine designs are seen throughout the films. The costuming remains to be both beautiful, and yet believable, again anchoring the believability of the film. Black Swan manages to provide a film that contains little violence, but still manages to inflict pain onto the viewers. Scenes of the painful steps that must be taken in order to succeed as a ballerina are somewhat graphic, and are certainly not for the feint-hearted. The film is also somewhat sexually charged, allowing the film to

Pictures courtesy of onlinemovieshut.com

Urban Couture Joondalup Festival

Photography & Writing by Kat Rickett

Recently, Perth city is becoming more and more fashion conscious with a wide variety of fashion markets including vintage and boutique, as well as VIP fashion shows and functions. One of these was the Joondalup Festival, which hosted Urban Couture, a week of fashion shows and events. The event, which ran from the 19th of March to the 27th was created in order to showcase some of Western Australia’s emerging designers and artists. On the first weekend of the event, I had the amazing opportunity of judging the Art of Fashion exhibition and Teen runway parades, which

“The debut of Urban Couture was a huge success and I was overwhelmed with the support from the local fashion industry.“ says event coordinator Kelly Price whose hard work paid off, drawing large crowds. The models paraded through a white bubble tent and through the crowds much like a fashion show. Designers included Brooke De Cruz who showed an amazing collection of beautifully designed dresses with amazing details and colours and Leanne Dempsey who delivered amazing, recycled suits and transformed them 25 into beautiful, Mad Men inspired dresses with a vintage feel.

“The debut of Urban Couture was a huge success and I was overwhelmed with the support from the local fashion industry.“ allowed student designers the opportunity to parade their work in front of local audiences. The student’s work exhibited showed amazing attention to detail and several themes including recycling and culture. The winner for the Art Of Fashion collection was Sheridan Savage for her amazing and beautifully designed dress, Originally Caged. Sheridan describes her piece as, “a simple corset with yoyo embellishment.” Urban Couture also hosted a fashion parade on the 26 and 27th, which saw designers display their work down a red carpet runway located in the streets of Joondalup.

Also showcased were local retail outlets including Portmans and Temt, which gave customers a closer look at new collection and bringing an amazing fashion experience to shoppers. Overall, the week was an amazing fashion extravaganza and I am looking forward to what next year brings. I would like to congratulate all designers and also Kelly Price who created such an amazing and unique experience.

Blog Reviews by Sean Mooney

Obnoxious Owl obnoxiousowl.com

“Take my advice,” says Obnoxious Owl, “quit using ‘f!#k’ to describe something: ‘It was busy as f!#k!’ ‘It was hard as f!#k!’ ‘I am stupid as f!#k!’ - seriously. You sound like an uncultured, illiterate baboon.”

I was listening to a radio interview the other day where the interviewee was explaining that he always tried to live his life as if he had just finished a couple of beers. He explained how he felt like he constantly had the licence to speak his mind and be more up front with people. It made me laugh and Obnoxious Owl did for the same reason. The posts seem to be completely spontaneous and as the reader you find yourself scratching your head asking where the ideas come from. The author, Tammy, says that she often reserves comment in social situations to avoid potential awkwardness but then posts it on her blog later that day. Obnoxious Owl is about venting thoughts we all have but are too uncomfortable to share. “It’s like when you’re at school,” she explains, “you don’t mind if you get in trouble for not doing your homework if the person next you hasn’t either.”

“That’s how I see the Owl. You don’t feel as much of a weirdo because you know at least one other person feels the same as you do.”

“Obnoxious Owl is kind of my sub conscious,” she says.

Obnoxious Owl is full of music videos and interviews, fashion gossip and general social comment. Currently ‘The Owl’s Sex Alphabet’ is heading the page. H is for Hair: they can be lucky they are even being allowed to visit el paso del pussy, let alone make demands on your landscaping.

“[I get inspiration] by observing others, but mostly by reflecting on my own life. I turn 30 this year and sometimes I think back and wonder what I would have done different or consider the lessons I have learnt.

D is for Doggy: aka the best position in the world... how ever, the one that will cause you to have a fanny fart. Just saying.

“We get two kinds of ‘advice’ from people,” She says, “the kind that is what people think they should say, ‘no you’re not fat, as long as you are happy who cares?’ “Then there’s the kind that keeps it real, ‘you are miserable because you have put on weight and if you put that doughnut in your mouth you will f!#king hate yourself.’” It’s a lot about self reflection to Tammy’s younger self - it’s not only the audience she’s writing for.

“Hence the ‘Take my advice...I don’t use it anyway’. It’s not really to my 18 year old self exclusively, it is to myself in general. “[I get ideas] from regular people making regular mistakes and doing regular things. By observing others, but mostly reflecting on my life.” Tammy tries to get a post up everyday and she’s motivated largely by the feedback she gets. She doesn’t mind constructive criticism of her blog but finds excessively negative feedback confusing. “Thankfully I haven’t had too much of that,” she 31 says, “mostly positive, which is nice.” “Sometimes I get emails from younger girls asking for some advice. They don’t have a big sister and it’s difficult to ask your Mum about contraceptives, Brazilian waxing and whether if a boy touches you under your knickers that mean he loves you.” “That’s when I realize that I am doing a good thing.” Tammy would love a book to come out of her work eventually but she really doesn’t seem to have given any serious thought to the future of the blog.

“I’m just enjoying sitting on the wings of The Owl,” she says, “until she flies into a tree.”

raisedbythewolves.blogspot.com

It’s a photo-based blog that capitalises on this same style of photography. To achieve this the author, Sarah Bahbah, uses a Pentax MZ-50. One day last week I was flicking through some holiday photos from my backpacking trip around Europe. There are some great ones and I’m so pleased my camera captured the scenes so clearly. I went round my parent’s house later on and they had out some holiday photos of their own. The ones of the 1997 family trip to America were the ones that really caught my eye. My memory of those moments was deeper than a visual one. Their dated 80’s look stirs my memory much more than the scene itself. That’s why I was so drawn into Raised by the Wolves. It’s a photo-based blog that capitalises on this same style of photography. To achieve this the author, Sarah Bahbah, uses a Pentax MZ-50.

“I am a vintage junkie!” She says, “I am deeply infatuated by the aged quality the photographs produce. People that know me say I belong in the 60s.” Sarah enjoys the individuality the Pentax gives her photography. She says it’s too easy to produce a crisp clean image today, but that’s not what she’s looking for. “I choose to shoot with this camera as it holds such rarity in comparison to the digital age. Anyone could take a clear, focused, manual style shot, but can they take photographs with that glorious, colour, tone and grainy quality?” Text on the blog is to an absolute minimum with just titles and captions making the cut. Apart from that, its all images of Sarah’s life - right up to and including a photo of random supermarket shopping.

“I have a visual mind,” says Sarah. “I find I capture my perspective of certain moments far more clearly visually then I do written. Plus I adore photography. “I want viewers to be able to feel as if they were standing right next to me when they look into my photographs.” “My camera never misses an adventure. Some places include, festivals, restaurants, travels, forests, beach, university, the city, bars, valleys.” Raised By The Wolves has a growing international audience and she’s been stopped in the street before by people asking about her blog. In fact, a certain famous duet once complimented on her blog. “I have followers on their from Germany, France, London, Australia, USA,” she says. “I once had two boys approach me at a vintage sale saying “are you the girl from raised by the wolves?” “I’ve also had Australian artists, Angus and Julia Stone, compliment my blog on their Facebook page before.” Currently she’s promoting the site by running a competition to win a Diana Mini and seeing her following increasing by the week. In the next five to ten years she’d like to have thousands of people waiting on her next post.

“I am a vintage junkie!” She says, “I am deeply infatuated by the aged quality the photographs produce. “At the moment I have had 10 contestants apply,” she says, “and a rapid growth in fans, which I am very stoked about.” “I want to meet more and more musicians who would go home that night and also be fascinated by my blog. I want my photographs to touch people and keep them drawn as they anxiously waiting for more.”

Photography by Proof27 photography

Clothing for Men & Women

www.methodclothing.iinet.net.au

PHONE: (08) 9227 8944 FAX: (08) 9227 8933 EMAIL: methodclothing@iinet.net.au 557 Beaufort Street Mount Lawley, Western Australia, 6050

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