Minutes with…

Your Ideal Day In Melbourne

An ideal day in Melbourne begins with my partner, my Boston Terrier Patsy Cline, some food, and a coffee. Our neighbourhood has lots of choices, but a couple of cheese and mushroom empanadas and a cappuccino hits the spot. Then we take Pats to the local park for a little playtime. She’s crazy for tennis balls! Afterwards, we jump on a tram to the city, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, take a slow stroll and people watch. This is followed by a long lunch in Chinatown and then a movie, preferably a documentary or anything with Cate Blanchett in it. Then we go to an outdoor bar or a park for a beer or two as the sun sets before returning to Pats for some more playtime and a snuggle. Somewhere in there would be a bit of time for reading as well!

FAVOURITE

Film

One of my favourite films is The Store (1983) by Frederick Wiseman, a fun and fascinating slice-of-life documentary about the staff and clientele of a luxury department store in Dallas, Texas.

FAVOURITE ARTIST/DESIGNER

As many would understand, it’s so hard to pick a favourite anything, especially when it comes to artists or designers. At the moment, some of my favourite creative people include the German ceramicist Ursula Scheid (1932-2008) with her beautifully crafted, understated, strange and sublime vases, bowls and lidded jars. I have a small collection of her work that I literally stare at all day. I am also in love with the German-American photographer Uta Barth (1958-) with her almost abstract, and often out of focus, images of light, edges, openings and empty spaces.

Favourite Book

Continuing with favourites, one of my favourite books is Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. Like many, I have dual personalities, one of which dreams of a life of solitude and reflection. I’ve probably read it ten times!

LEONARD JOEL STAFF ALL SEEM TO HAVE A SIDE PROJECT OR TALENT, WHAT’S YOURS?

On the side, I enjoy taking photos of the quirky architectural features of Brunswick. I also enjoy art and design research, so reading and writing are a constant for me.