am free
And the sun took a step back ...
Our Paradiso is superfood waffles, locally grown roses, honeycomb and autumn, the ritual of the harvest, gathering your community
Look Touch and Feel
Issue No. 03 April/May 2018 Autumn drifts in gently – it moves in waves of colour, the season of mist.
So many muses Jenny Kee, Woods, The Garifuna Collective, Venice Beach, Tahl Rinsky, Thelma from Mullumbimby
Postcard from Paradiso Venice Beach – That Lucky Old Sun, Brian Wilson 2008 Venice beach is poppin’ like live shrimp dropped on a hot walk Hucksters, hustlers and hawkers set up their boardwalk shops Home for all the homeless, hopeless well-heeled and deranged
Still nothin’ here seems out of place or strange There’s an old smudge of a beatnik by the bay Lookin’ like a dog who’s had his day like a dream he drifts away
He likes to go out on the pier to hear the reedy carousel It’s got a melody that sets you free and says Let’s set a spell just to hear the heartbeat in LA
–50
WELCOME
ISSUE NO. 03 ~ APR–MAY 2018
THIS IS PARADISO
Venice Take me to:
Beach Los Angeles 3
Photography– Lila Theodoros @ohbabushka
+ WELCOME
W E LC O M E TO C O U N T RY Jingi Wahlu Widtha Bunjulung Jugun Ngali na mala jungun Ngali garima mala jungun Wana janjma mala gunu gala jugun Ngali wana janja mala jugun Ngali na mala jungun Welcome to Country Bunjulung Country We belong to this country We look after this country Don’t do wrong around here this country We don’t harm this country here We belong to this country – BUNDJALUNG LANGUAG E WELCOME FROM THE RAINBOW REG ION
WE ARE HERE
Hello– Issue No. 03: And the sun took a step back ... / Apr–May 2018
HELLO
And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awakened. –Raquel Franco
Welcome. Autumn comes, and brings a certain calm. This issue we honour community, the lost art of conversation and celebrate the idea of gathering. Look up, stay smiling and have a chat. Team Paradiso ;) xx
Paradiso is so very proudly brought to you by: Beck Marshall, Managing Editor Lila Theodoros, Production Manager/ Design Aarna Hudson, Relationship Manager/ Copy Editor Marty and Matt, Team Distribution Chris Theodoros, Accountant (businessmatters.com.au) Our Mums, Proof Readers
A LOVE LETTER TO AN ARAKWAL ELDER – We would very much love to collaborate with you on our ‘Welcome to Country’ for Issue No. 04. Please email beck@thisisparadiso.com.au
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
Thank you to our wonderful contributors– Heidi Briggs, Maggie Dylan, Monique Barton, Tahl Rinsky, Lizzie Bodenham, Ming Nomchong, Azzmin Francis, Juliet Durham and Sapodia Lindley. From the bottom of our hearts– thank you to our incredibly supportive families – we love you! xx
Printed by Fast Proof Press, Nerang Qld. Published by This is Paradiso Trust. © This is Paradiso Trust 2018, all rights reserved. Disclaimer No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. The views expressed in Paradiso are those of the retrospective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the publisher. Contributions and submissions are welcome but no responsibility is taken. Information and credits are correct when going to print but may change afterwards. Paradiso is published six times a year and we are sorry for any mistakes :) thisisparadiso.com.au @paradiso_magazine_
THIS IS PARADISO
Enjoy reading–
–30
–08
I’m makin’ waffles –08 I melt for you –20 In their rags of light dressed to kill –30 Rebellion & waratahs with Jenny Kee –44 Take me to: Venice Beach –52 The Byron Community Centre –58 –52
–42
Food + Drink
08 Feature: I’m makin’ waffles 10 Me, my shop and I: Woods 12 I have a Roadside Food Stall: 24 hour Roses
Home + Design 14 16 18 5
Found treasures: Treasures from the wreck of the unbelievable Where I live: Thelma & her house of heart Follow the season: And harvest-fields, its mystic splendour rests
Wellbeing
20 Feature: I melt for you 24 Practice and all is coming: Vinyasa Yoga 26 Listen: Traditional Medicine 28 Your horoscope
Fashion + Beauty
30 Feature: In their rags of light dressed to kill 40 Me, my shop and I: Nikkou Store
Arts + Events
42 Arts Guide 44 Current Muse: Jenny Kee 48 Bi-monthly book club: Just Kids – Patti Smith 50 Music: The deep cultural roots of Garifuna Collective
Community
58 Do you remember? The Byron Community Centre 60 Good people: Will Conner 62 Encounter: To autumn, you sweet thing
Travel 52 54 56
Feature: Venice Beach, Los Angeles Weekend itinerary Ten things I love about: Lismore
Cover Photgraphy Ming Nomchong @ming_nomchong Styling Beck Marshall @paradiso_magazine_
HELLO
+ WELCOME
THE WARMEST OF WARM UPS
The Good News is—
April/May Top 5 to look out for: 01– Macrame Workshop Have you always had a yearning to learn macrame? Join Brydie Stewart at Beautiflora’s flower studio. 21 April, 9am–1pm, Beautiflora, Habitat Byron Bay. beautiflora.com
Keith Have you been to Murwillumbah lately? Do you fancy good food, in good company with a good, cold beer? As well as making the best morning coffee in a 20km radius, our mates at Keith are now serving up some beauties at night. We are all for Grilled Cheese Night every Thursday from 5pm. Bring on fig jam, Parmesan, Gorgonzola and Granny smith apple. If grilled cheese isn’t your thing, on Friday nights, Keith serve up Bao and beer. Yes please! Get there now and tell them we said ‘hi’. @keith_murwillumbah
02– Excavations of the Deep Artist Jess Leitmanis presents a series of woven sculptures created from marine debris rope that explore the relationship between mind and matter. Exhibition runs from 23 March to April 18. lonegoatgallery.com
The Byron Spirit Festival
After five nurturing years in the arms of Mullumbimby, The Byron Spirit Festival is excited to be moving their festival of barefoot elegance, to its namesake town for its 6th year. The festival’s new Byron Bay home will see the program running between Byron’s premiere new events complex Cavanbah Centre and the luxurious surrounds of Elements Of Byron. With over 50 workshops and panels on yoga, music, dance, healing, creative arts, sustainability and various cultural ceremonies over three days on 20–22 April. Byron Spirit Festival is an opportunity to check out of your every day and choose your own spiritual adventure in the idyllic surrounds of Northern NSW. spiritfestival.com.au
Win! Win!! Win!!! Share your Paradiso to win Paradiso secret! Broken Head Company Caramel Smooches are pretty much all we eat. Totally guilt-free, these heavenly creations are organic, vegan, gluten free and sourced from the best quality ingredients. To win a delicious gift box follow both @brokenhead.company and @paradiso_magazine_ on instagram and simply share a photo of your ‘Paradiso’ using the hashtag #thisisparadiso. The best photo wins – as voted by Team Paradiso! Thank you for supporting independent media and thank you Broken Head Company! brokenhead.company
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
03– Afternoon recital Guitarist Karin Schaupp and Cellist Umberto Clerici bring a program of songs which take the audience on a journey through life. 8 April, 3pm, St Martin’s Anglican Church, Mullumbimby. byronmusicsociety.com 04– Visit the Ballet With a cast of internationally recognised artists, The Byron Theatre and the Victorian State Ballet present ‘Snow White’. 4 May, 7:30–9:30pm byroncentre.com.au 05– Head to Norpa Get ready for super high energy urban artistry. The 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a radical urban circus. norpa.org.au
Overheard: while waiting for a coffee in Byron:
Customer: “Hi what milk alternatives you have?” The waitress reels off a list a mile long. Customer: “Do you have cold pressed macadamia milk?” Waitress: “No sorry.” Customer: “Ok. I’ll leave it then. My gut just feels too sensitive today.”
Open 7 days a week from 5pm | 9 Bay Lane, Byron Bay, NSW 2481 02 6680 9606 | DUKBYRONBAY.COM
FOOD
+ DRINK
LET’S EAT WITH THE SEASONS
WORDS–
Heidi Briggs @heidi.flora
STYLIST–
Beck Marshall
heidiflora.com.au PHOTOGRAPHY–
Lila Theodoros @ohbabushka
We spent the morning with plant based Chef Heidi Briggs channeling a 1970’s homestyle favourite with a twist.
I’m makin’ waffles! Hemp Waffles
Lions Mane Blueberry & Raspberry Jam
Ingredients
Sweet Dukkah
KNOW YOUR SUPERFOOD INGREDIENTS AND IMPRESS
Ingredients
YOUR FRIENDS
1 ¾ cup hemp milk*
Ingredients
½ cup activated almonds
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 cup fresh raspberries
¼ cup white sesame seeds
Hemp– Not only is the hemp
3 tbsp hemp seed oil
1 cup fresh blueberries
½ tsp cinnamon
seed one of nature’s most
2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ tsp cardamom
complete and digestible forms
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ tsp nutmeg
of protein, optimal balance
2 tbsp hemp seeds
Pinch salt
¼ tsp vanilla powder
of essential fatty acids (3:1),
¼ cup wheat free oats or quinoa flakes
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch salt
vitamins and minerals, the
¾ cup wheat free oat flour**
1 tsp Lions Mane Powder
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
hemp plant also removes tonnes
½ cup activated almond meal
Method
Method
atmosphere, while restoring vital
1 ½ tsp baking powder
Combine all ingredients in a
Prehead oven to 180 degrees.
nutrients to the soil. The hemp
1 tsp vanilla extract
medium saucepan. Reduce
Roughly chop almonds. In a bowl
plant gets a massive tick of
¼ tsp salt (Murry River Salt Flakes)
jam mix on a medium heat for
add all ingredients and mix well.
sustainability approval, with a
½ tsp cinnamon
about 30 mins or until thickened,
Spread on a lined baking tray and
diversity of applications including
stirring occasionally.
bake for 10-15mins until golden
food, fibre, medicine and plant
brown.
based plastics, hemp does it all!
½ cup sorghum flour
of carbon dioxide from the
Method Mix Hemp Milk and Apple Cider Vinegar in a large bowl, set aside for a couple of minutes. Add the
Serve warm Waffles with Jam,
remaining ingredients to the Hemp Milk mix and
Dukkah, Coconut Yoghurt, fresh
Lions Mane – a nootropic
whisk well until combined. To cook waffles follow
Berries and for an extra pop of
medicinal mushroom revered for
machine cooking instructions as each waffle maker
flavour – finger lime! Yum!
its brain, memory and cognition
may differ. If making waffles ahead of time, warm in
enhancing benefits, used for
a toaster before serving.
thousands of years in traditional
*To make Hemp Milk: Blend 1/4 cup of hemp seeds
Chinese medicine.
and 4 cups of water in a high speed blender for a minute, simply strain through a sieve to catch thicker hemp seed fibres, no need to put it through a nut milk bag. **To make Oat Flour: Blend 1 ¼ cup of Wheat Free Oats in a dry blender jug on high speed, until it turns into a fine oat flour.
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
I’M MAKIN’ WAFFLES
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Cup and vase from CACTUS HILL PROJECT (@cactushillproject)
FOOD
+ DRINK
ME, MY SHOP AND I
An ode to Australiana village spirit, serving up perfect coffee and locally sourced and made wholefood treats.
Woods Owner Maggie Dylan and Julian Kelly Arts Precinct 10 Station Street Bangalow NSW @woodsbangalow
Some people call Woods the little sister of Folk Cafe in Byron – I see it as the yin to Folk’s yang – tell us a little about the philosophy behind Woods? Woods was very much intended to be the little sister concept of Folk, mainly in that we wished to keep it small and humble. However, as soon as it opened it really took on a heart of its own. We weren’t looking to open a second concept – Folk had really only just found its legs. We were approached by a couple of absolutely incredible and supportive people who invited us to expand our vision in Bangalow. We felt we had already laid the foundations for the bohemian flower child with Folk, which was intended to encapsulate the Byron spirit. So we thought with Woods we’d like to create something a bit more urban and reactive to the Australiana village spirit of Bangalow. Thus Woods was born – a bit country and perhaps a little more street wise than Folk, but still with the same golden heart and commitment to community. Just like Folk, before we opened everybody was telling us we were crazy and
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the concept wouldn’t work, that Bangalow was too small towny. We were so encouraged when all the lovers started coming out of the woodworks and now it has very much cemented its own tribe of eclectic adventurers and village folk. We are so grateful. Woods is immersed in the creative hub of Bangalow – what do you most love about village life? There is certainly a very enriching sense of community in Bangalow and we feel really honoured to be a part of that. Market days go absolutely wild. In the two years we’ve been open, we have really noticed Bangalow become more tourist focused – or at least we are seeing more tourists, which is rewarding. Your food mantra is ethical and plant based, and source local where possible. Can you tell us a little more and about your commitment to supporting local? We are very passionate about our ethical and plant based mantra. The world is increasingly becoming a very consumer based culture and it is important to us that we consider the impact of this and our choices. It
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
feels like a palpable responsibility in business. All of our animal based products (eggs and dairy) are organic, local and “ethical” – which to us means we have researched the ethos behind the businesses we support and place them at the top of what we consider to be good practice. We also have chosen to absorb the cost of this – we don’t charge extra for being organic or for using premium products in this way, because we feel this is the right thing to do, and therefore the only thing to do, and hope that others feel the same way. Current inspirations, food or otherwise? We are inspired by so much in our daily lives – travel, the way other cultures interact with food and art and design, spending time in cities perusing art galleries and little bars. Woods is not so much inspired by anything in particular, but we love that it has acted as a testing ground for personal interests and values. We spent a few years living in Melbourne before we opened Folk and were very impressed with their commitment to the food experience and generally pushing the boundaries of Australian culture.
•
•
•
Seeking
A creative collective is forming in Mullumbimby.
•
•
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Work Work is a dedicated Creative Collective, offering permanent shared office space. Positions in the collective are open through application. To apply to join the new collective or ask any questions, send us an email– wereally@loveworkwork.com.au
loveworkwork.com.au
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@loveworkwork
This Autumn THE ART OF J A PA N E S E FLOWER A R R A N G I N G
Make a freestyle Ikebana arrangement in an Autumnal flower palette using traditional techniques and tools. Select beautiful stems, create your own arrangement and learn about this art form with the Brær team. Photograph your arrangement in a picturesque outdoor setting, take home your flowers, a brass 'kenzan' and a handmade ceramic vase. Enjoy an afternoon of flowers, creativity and delicious eats. Saturday May 12 Mother's Day Weekend 2:30–4:30pm $245 Spaces are limited – more information online at braerstudio.com
FOOD
+ DRINK
THE PRODUCERS
I have a roadside food stall— We are ... Phil & Maureen Youngblutt Find us ... 7083 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah NSW
We delve into the hidden gems of roadside stalls and get to know the producers.
What we sell ... What started as a hobby 45 years ago, and then one thing led to another and Maureen and I thought let’s set up a stall. We sell roses, in all different colours.
It keeps me busy and gives me something to do each day.
A day in the life of running a road side stall ... I get up early, I cut them and assemble them into buckets then put them into the fridge so they don’t go off and that’s it basically! People come and help themselves, they choose their bunches. Generally
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
speaking, people are always honest. We haven’t had any problems with our customers.
supporting local and local business – I have always done so and intend to continue.
What do you love about running your stall? It keeps me busy and gives me something to do each day.
NOTE– to see Phil and Maureen’s roses in all their glory check out page 20 – the beauty!
The struggles ... I don’t have any struggles, I love what I do! Your thoughts on supporting local farmers ... I’m all for supporting local farmers. I believe in
Everything baked in the Scratch Patisserie kitchen is made from scratch, using traditional recipes and a range of local and organic products. Hours of loving work are put into each item, and seasonal produce is used to inspire new ideas on a regular basis. Tue to Fri 7:30am–2pm & Sat 7:30am–12:30pm
FIND US AT BLUESFEST 2018 @ THE PROFITEROLE PANTRY
T. 02 6684 2914 Shop 6/108 Stuart St Mullumbimby
@scratchpatisserie scratchpatisserie.com.au
HOME
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+ DESIG N
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
AUTUMN DRIFTS IN G ENTLY
CREATIVE–
PHOTOS–
Beck Marshall
Lila Theodoros
FOUND TREASURES
Autumn drifts in gently ... It moves in waves of colour, the season of mist. Worker bees labour long hours collecting nectar, preparing to feed their colony for winter. We too, prepare. We offer ourselves more time, time for nurture and connection. Leaves crunch under our feet and a new fragrance fills the air. A big thankyou to our friend Bob for creating these incredible honey comb sculptures from his hive in Main Arm.
Treasures from the wreck of the unbelievable 15
HOME
+ DESIG N
WHERE THE HEART IS — IS WHERE I LIVE
WORDS–
PHOTOS–
Beck Marshall
Lila Theodoros
Thelma & her house of heart The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. –Coretta Scott King
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
I love [ornaments] in my garden – they make the children happy and I love making people happy.
THELMA & HER HOUSE OF HEART
WO R DS TO I N S P I R E– 01 . EC L ECT I C 02 . C H I L D L I K E 03 . FAS C I N AT I N G 04 . C U R I O U S 05. C O L L ECT E D 0 6. H A P P I N E SS
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Meet Thelma Carter. Thelma lives in Mullumbimby. Thelma is 76, she is a Scorpio and was born in Casino in the middle of a cow yard. You may have walked past Thelma’s – her home and garden lovingly adorned with an eclectic mix of ornaments. My fascination with Thelma’s home has been brewing for years. Her objects encouraged my curiosity – my curiosity led to conversation, to connection and now to this article. Thelma is a woman of few words, but man she gives a mean ‘Mullum’ hug. She didn’t turn me away when I knocked on her gate, curious. She walked me around her garden, she explained the first ornament she collected was a green frog and for the last six years her home has slowly become her very own art installation.
Every part of Thelma’s collection is special. Her pink flamingos, stuffed toys, various mobiles and Disney ornaments. When asked why she started to put her ornaments on display, Thelma simply answered, “I love them in my garden – they make the children happy and I love making people happy.” Her love of children is evident in the ornaments she chooses to display. Thelma wears her heart on her sleeve. While most of us are busy saving our ‘best’ for those we let in our homes, Thelma is bravely putting her best on show for us all to see. What if we all lived a little like Thelma? What if instead of shutting the door behind us at the end of the day, we laid a little offering? Just to make a passerby happy.
HOME
+ DESIG N
FOLLOW THE SEASON
And harvestfields, its mystic splendour rests
March 1st. The farewell of summer, preparation of shorter days and the deterioration of our summer tans. It has begun. But is it all truly that bad? With a strong presence of summer still lingering, we begin to draft new daily routines, find new hobbies and start the search of fulfilling substitutes to just about everything you’ve been doing the last three months. But that’s what autumn represents; the importance and beauty in letting things go.
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
Mornings seem to lose the magic of motivation when our alarms ring before the sun is awake, before the birds have chosen their song and our bodies have begun to sense a natural habit of hibernation. This however is the same time (if not earlier) when farmers are at work harvesting their crops to put food in our local stores, market stalls and café tables. March is the first month of swapping lunchtime salads to daily hot pots and fresh bread. Light dinner meals down by the beach are no longer enticing due to the suns earlier curfew and the thought of a hearty meal brings warmth to our
bones. Eating food doesn’t just serve us with the purpose of fuel and energy to live, food provides large quantities of comfort, pleasure and sincerity. No matter how old I will always miss my mother every time I bake roast vegetables, slow cook a ham hock soup or make fresh custard on the stove for dessert. How beautiful it is to purchase, prepare and consume foods that obtain the ability of creating nostalgic moments. We say goodbye to our cravings for the beloved Açaí bowl for toasted sourdough with homemade jam. Croissants make their way back into our thoughts and make the perfect
AND HARVEST-FIELDS ...
WORDS–
Monique Barton @mons.monday STYLIST–
Beck Marshall
PHOTOG RAPHY–
Maggie Dylan @maggiedylan FLORALS
Azzmin Francis @b.r.a.e.r
Pots of tea and the burning scents of cinnamon, ginger and orange become familiar to the senses and provide the same amount of love as a hug from another.
partner to our morning coffee ritual, because who wouldn’t want the buttery goodness of a ‘pain au chocolat’ between the sips of a long black. Local grocers, veggie stalls and farmers markets have pumpkins in abundance and are sweeter than ever proving some seriously nurturing benefits of Vitamin A, helping boost immunity to fight off the infections that lurk in our homes and houses. Making all the more reason to spend time over the stove stirring and spicing a hearty pumpkin soup. Avocados may seem like they never leave our bags and baskets but now in their prime season, prices become alluring. Filled with benevolence for us hungry humans and loaded with potassium; these ripe babies are the ultimate fibre friend for good digestion. It’s always fun watching the avocado stand be poked and prodded by shoppers all in search of the same thing … the perfectly soft avo. Stewed apples with cinnamon or just a 3pm snack, the sweetness and 19
crunch of in-season apples are second to none. Pair that with (what I call) sunset celery – Rhubarb – spiced and encased with flaky pastry topped with fresh thick cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Rhubarb is that underrated vegetable that doesn’t get enough credit as the deep green leaves are quite dangerous to our stomachs but the rosy red stalks are full of minerals, vitamins and organic compounds. There is one thing in common amongst the crops that grow from the autumn soil, to the humans that walk atop it; the warm earthy hues. Clothing is a direct representation of the season we are entering. As warmer tones start making their way through boutiques, we begin a new harvest of the earth’s natural colour palette. We notice the change in leaves that belong to the trees that shaded us through a hot sticky summer. As they shed their layers we slowly begin to increase ours once the air becomes crisp and a little cooler and we see no need in exposing limbs in hope of heat relief. Jeans and longer shirts are pulled out from the back of the wardrobe and socks make their comeback! Perhaps I am alone in this pleasure, but the satisfaction of transitioning from bed sheet to blanket is almost weirdly indescribable. Having grown up on the south coast of Victoria I’ve never taken time in appreciating this feeling (it is a rare occasion sleeping with only a sheet). That feeling of having something hold you, wrap up your limbs whilst they lay to rest, feels like this may be the only reason for cooler nights. Autumn sees us taking refuge within ourselves and inside
our homes. The natural progression of stillness encourages reflection upon what these past sunny filled months have given us. Parts of our communities, families and friends come together for the celebration of the Autumn Equinox where the night is equal to the day in length. We find ways to restore balance within our personal practices and ourselves and search for warmth in the cool mornings and still days. Pots of tea and the burning scents of cinnamon, ginger and orange become familiar to the senses and provide the same amount of love as a hug from another. The appetite and natural occurrence for nesting and decluttering is a wonderful way to embrace the change of season. Rearranging furniture, parting ways with old clothes and filling vases with fresh new season flowers like the happiest cluster of miniatures you’ve ever seen; The Easter Daisy. Pushing their way through the soil and standing tall to show us their beauty as if they were made to be the sunflowers for all the whimsical fairyland ladies, growing up and over their heads, and made for us to find delight by our feet. It proves more and more difficult finding motivation to keep active in the body and mind when the skies seem a little sad and staying in feels deeply inviting. But although this may bring fear to some in the upcoming colder months we are reminded; autumn is that beautiful place between the scorching hot and the freezing cold. Take the time to appreciate new habits, more layers, warmth and refuge. Enjoy it embrace it.
WELLBEING
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+ LOVE
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
CHOCOLATE
I MELT FOR YOU
WORDS–
Gemma Hurditch PHOTOS–
Lila Theodoros @ohbabushka
There is a power in chocolate. It soothes, it loves, it brings joy. The pleasure and purpose of chocolate has evolved beyond a decadent treat – chocolate can heal the mind, the body and the soul. Gemma Hurditch dives deep into the rich, smooth alchemy of chocolate and comes out with multiple reasons why we need cacao in our lives. Thanks Gemma!
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Worship of the plant from which chocolate is made – cacao – began in the earliest major civilisations in Mexico, which later went on to influence the Mayans and Aztecs who held cacao in exultation. Due to their invigorating, uplifting effect, cacao elixirs were believed to possess mystical properties and formed part of sacred ceremonies and rituals. The botanical name Theobroma (cacao) literally means ‘food of the Gods’. Sjha’ra from Chocolate Yoga believes the cacao plant is an ancient teacher and facilitator, assisting in the journey into your heart and helping to expand our consciousness. She is fascinated by the ancient use of cacao as a gateway to other realms and has been using ceremonial grade cacao to enhance yoga practice, running workshops and events up and down the east coast. “Ceremonial cacao is the best creative facilitator that I know of for any creative project, be it yoga, dance, art, tantra – basically any creative practice. Cacao can be used to bring back or bring in wisdom and power,” she confirms. The health benefits of cacao are also being celebrated and one person who is leading this charge is
organic chocolatier Emica from Loco Love who discovered her passion in crafting mouthwatering chocolates free from refined sugar, milk and artificial nasties. Her creations are packed with therapeutic essential oils, tonic herbs and are made fresh daily to order. “As a qualified herbalist and nutritionist, any excuse to lace recipes with additional benefits of medicinal foods and herbs is something I like to do, as we could all use more medicinal foods in our diets,” Emica says. “My current Loco Love favourite is the Black Cherry & Raspberry with the addition of the super herb schisandra berry. This herb has been utilised in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Known as a potent adaptogen, great for improving liver health and anti ageing benefits. We only use 10:1 extracts in our chocolates as they are more potent than dried powders. This bar offers a serious dose of antioxidants, which protect your cells against oxidative stress.” chocolateyoga.com.au locolovechocolate.com
5 WAYS TO J U ST I F Y E AT I N G T H E W H O L E B LO C K – 1. Chocolate is a powerful antioxidant. 2. It’s a prebiotic for our friendly bacteria. 3. Chocolate provides a beneficial effect on satiety, which is our feeling of fullness. 4. It’s an excellent source of minerals such as magnesium, manganese, iron and copper. 5. Research also indicates increased longevity in regular consumers of dark chocolate. Eat on!
WELLBEING
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+ LOVE
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
CHOCOLATE
I MELT FOR YOU
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Wild Rose Ganache and Hazelnut Praline by LOCO LOVE (@locolovechocolate) and Disco Inferno Glasses by VELVET CANYON (@velvetcanyon).
WELLBEING
+ MOVEMENT
Practice and all is coming
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
YOGA IN PICTURES
STYLING–
Beck Marshall
PHOTOG RAPHY–
Lila Theodoros
The moon orbits the earth once every 27.322 days. We honour this cycle and explore a vinyasa sequence with Tahl Rinsky from Creature Yoga.
PRACTICE AND ALL IS COMING
YOG INI–
Tahl Rinsky @trinskyyoga @creature.yoga creatureyoga.com.au
Vinyasa Yoga 2. Ardha Baddha Ardha Chandrasana (see opposite page)
3. Anjaneyasana 1. Utthita Parsvakonasana
Finish with a 10 minute savasana.
5. Sirsasana
4. Ustrasana 6. Nadi Shodhana
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Vintage body suit by BRAHMINY EXCHANGE (@brahminyexchange)
WELLBEING
+ KNOWLEDG E
LISTEN
Traditional Medicine: Naturopathy & Acupunture Lets talk traditional medicine. This issue we are grateful to chat to Tracey Lee Morley (Naturopath, Homeopath & Herbalist) and Karl Farren (Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist). We listen and learn about these two different natural therapies.
Tracey Lee Morley traceyleemorley.com.au
Karl Farren Mullumbimby 0423 611 935 26
What initially inspired you to work in natural therapies? Tracey: My initial inspiration came from my visits to natural therapists with my mother, who often used natural ways of treating any health issues. Walking into an Open Day at Nature Care College at 18, I had a strong intuitive feeling that this was it, a whole new world had opened up and I was doing something I really believed in. Karl: I’ve come to realise that my attraction to this work goes way back to a seventies TV show, ‘Kung Fu’, about a peace-loving Shaolin monk, who would face some challenge, and would recall lessons from his training. I was fascinated by how he would fight only as a last resort, and how he studied the healing arts and meditation. What range of conditions can your practice be used to treat? Tracey: The most common conditions I see are stress related health issues, fatigue, allergies and food intolerances, hormonal issues, migraines, digestive problems, weight loss, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ ADHD, and auto immune diseases. I also support cancer patient’s general well-being. Karl: Chinese Medicine is a very comprehensive system, addressing both acute and chronic conditions. I treat conditions such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, colds, flus, circulatory disorders and mental/ emotional issues. I have particular experience working in gynaecology – menstrual problems, fertility issues and menopausal disturbances. And I treat clients with back pain, neck pain, and/or injuries. There is an ever-growing body of good quality research into the effectiveness of acupuncture for a broad range of conditions. What are the main principles used in your practice? Tracey: The main principles I use in my practice is common sense and a practical approach. My consultations are ‘patient focused’ to gain a full understanding of their health issues. I am an eclectic practitioner, using the best of a number of different modalities for what best suits each client. Karl: Chinese Medicine has a philosophical basis in the concept of Yin/Yang – of constant flow and transformation through polarity and the concept of Qi, or ‘life-force’. On the very simplest level, illness, disease, even injury occurs when internal and/or external factors disrupt the flow of Qi. In what ways do you work on healing other than the physical – what is your holistic philosophy?
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
Tracey: Each healing journey is unique. A multi-faceted process i.e. physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. My role is to gain an understanding of the person’s ‘needs’ for their next step in healing and using my knowledge to match the best treatment program so clients achieve their personal healing goals. Karl: One of my teachers told me, “Intention is everything”. My starting point, always, is to listen to the client. The process of taking each person’s case history is important on several levels. Establishing a place of trust and integrity, where the client knows he/she is safe, is fundamental to my work. Your therapy aims to support the body’s capacity to heal, what are the various modalities used in your practice? Tracey: I use a wide range of natural therapies in my practice tailored to the individual. The main modalities I now use are diet and lifestyle, western herbal medicine, classical homoeopathy and healing touch. Each treatment program is different, using just one or maybe a combination of a number of modalities. Karl: I use a combination of bodywork – shiatsu and acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping. I also practice Chinese Herbal Medicine, working primarily with ‘raw’ herbs. What do you love most about working in this community? Tracey: I simply love meeting the people I work with in this community. They are eclectic, well educated, informed and proactive about their health. The Byron Shire is the reverse of the wider Australian trend when it comes to education about health. Karl: I love the fact that there is enough awareness and acceptance of complementary medicine to enable me to make my living doing something I love, and which I truly believe is of benefit to people. What are you currently inspired by? Tracey: Currently my inspiration is my love of plants and gardening and feeling reconnected to the earth. I receive inspiration daily from people, in their gestures or words which unknowingly gives me little gems of wisdom. Karl: Every person who walks into my treatment room. For example, when a woman who has been told by a specialist that she has “zero chance of falling pregnant naturally”, and she “should go straight for IVF”, walks in waving a positive pregnancy test, THAT is a good day at work.
WELLBEING
+ DIRECTION
HOROSCOPES – THE STARS HAVE A PLAN
WISDOM–
Lizzie Bodenham @livingbalancedesigns For an extended insight into your horoscope, visit thisisparadiso.com.au/stars
This is the dawning
Aries. Mar 20/21–Apr 19/20 April’s start is a significant month for Aries because your planetary ruler, Mars, is in close proximity to Saturn. This influences the area of your solar chart which relates to advancement, career and reputation. You might find that this is a window of the year where you will be required to work towards certain ends, perhaps with increased responsibilities and deadlines. Taurus. Apr 19/20–May 20/21 The prominent feature in the first week or two of your forecast period is Venus, your ruler, entering your sign and casting a positive light towards self image which can give a boost to vitality and personal magnetism. Between the 7th and 18th, practical support or unexpected backing may be available, so be open to new ways of accomplishing dreams. Focus on what works rather than what doesn’t invest time, energy or money wisely. Gemini. May 20/21–Jun 21 In April your solar chart features Mercury, your ruling planet, during one of it’s three annual retrograde phases, lining up with the Sun in Aries in the part of your solar chart which encompasses long-range goals, group involvements and social networks. Mercury in Aries while retrograde in this zone could be indicative of gossip gone wrong or foot-in-mouth! Cancer. Jun 21/22–Jul 22/23 Work/home life balance, ambitions and desire are highlighted at the start of the forecast period. Cancer being Moon-ruled, New and Full Moons are significant factors in the monthly picture of your solar chart. With the Full Moon being in relationship sign Libra on April 1st, balancing the needs of family members may have you working extra hours, juggling priorities and testing your endurance. Leo. Jul 22/23–Aug 22/23 Mercury retrograde in the zone of longdistance travel and communication until April
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20th counsels you to double check all details or plans and really do the groundwork and research before embarking on new journeys, study or exploration. With Mars, Saturn and Pluto all active in the work, routine and health department the first two weeks of April may test your capacity to structure time or responsibilities in ways that don’t zap your vitality or sense of well being. Virgo. Aug 22/23–Sep 22/23 April emphasises the complex region of your solar chart relating to the resources shared with others, the power of deep intimacy and the nitty-gritty. With Mercury your planetary ruler, lining up here with the Sun until April 20th, this period is then best suited to some psychological renewal. Evaluate the way you manage those joint funds, or assert your needs and assimilate what’s in need of sorting, refining or freeing up within the context of commitments that are binding you. Libra. Sep 22/23–Oct 23/24 Every year, the Full Moon in Libra (1st of April ) accents the universal theme of balancing relationship need, those of the self and those of significant others. These themes are emphasised now in your solar chart, but Mercury retrograde in opposite sign Aries also adds some lively (but possibly maddening) conversation to the picture. This puts all manner of communications at the forefront- although these could be subject to some misunderstandings. Scorpio. Oct 23–Nov 21/22 A dominant theme in the month of April and the first half of May is that Pluto, your modern ruler and Mars, your traditional ruler line up with Saturn in the area of your solar chart which governs communication, thought processes or dealings with siblings, relatives or local community. There may be greater responsibilities or pressures at this time due to the Full Moon on April 1st emphasising behind the scenes work, those you care for routinely or health, habits and
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
aspects of your psyche which impact your life on a daily basis. Sagittarius. Nov 22/23–Dec 21/22 If you play your cards right, April could turn out to be a month when you discover management skills or resourcefulness you never knew you had. Being the optimist of the zodiac, Sagittarius is known as a sign that generally expects everything will work out for the best, attracting good fortune with this faith-filled attitude. This month, however, you may find your effectiveness, self-esteem or personal income is challenged through shifting circumstances. Capricorn. Dec 21/22–Jan 19/20 As of the Full Moon on April 1st, the spotlight is on the zones in your solar chart which impact your image or self-expression. Duties in your home or family structure could also be at the forefront. Energy levels may be high as Mars travels through your sign but when it meets your ruler Saturn the brakes may feel like they’re being applied. Aquarius. Jan 19/20–Feb 18/19 In spite of busy movement in your solar chart, April may draw to you the necessity of balancing worldly time with introspective downtime. The sector of your solar chart concerned with solitude, exploring inner workings is activated by Mars, Saturn, your traditional ruler, and Pluto in Capricorn. On the psychological level, this is a good time for being alone to reflect upon your long-range plans and how well you are fulfilling them. Pisces. Feb 18/19–Mar 20/21 The start of April points to concerns or goals of a practical nature. The Sun and Mercury retrograde activate the part of your solar chart which governs skills, resources and income. With Mercury appearing to go backwards in this zone, this could be the time to rethink or review spending and get creative with cash flow.
To explore your birth chart or current cycles and transits, contact Lizzie at lizziebastrofengshuiinsight@gmail.com
April marks the conclusion of an eight-year era involving Uranus, a planet that awakens a desire for change or reform and Pluto, a planet which symbolises gradual, profound and irrevocable transformation. These two have been locked into a tense configuration the likes of which we haven’t experienced since the 1930s when Pluto was discovered. April is better suited to researching options, completing projects rather than starting new ones and reflecting on progress. The New Moon in Aries (April 16th) is usually a potent time to seed new ideas, but this one favours formulating them with care. May has a major astrological event which is noteworthy: Uranus, which moves through a sign every seven or so years, enters Taurus on May 16th for the first time in 84 years. Uranus’s shift heralds a new cycle of innovation with regards to social progress, technology or invention. Being the first Earth sign, Taurus relates to stability and material security, so shakeups may be in the realms of banking, food and distribution of wealth or resources.
1975–
–2018
Blame it on my wild heart ELECTRIC VINTAGE FOR THOSE WHO WALK ON THE WILD SIDE. American vintage and designer pieces all the way from Sunny California are hand curated for our Byron Bay boutique. Relive your favourite fashion eras of the 60s 70s and 80s. In-store styling is available to personalise your look – everything from rock’n’roll to blues to bohemian child muse. Collectible pieces are in-store now.
OPEN 11-4pm MON-FRI 10-5PM SAT 11-4PM SUN Shop 9 / Feros Arcade 23 Jonson St, Byron Bay
brahminyexchange.com @brahminy_exchange
FASHION
+ BEAUTY
THE GOOD LIFE
PHOTGRAPHER–
Ming Nomchong @ming_nomchong H&MU–
Juliet Durham @julietdurham.makeup STYLIST–
Beck Marshall @paradiso_magazine_ FLORALS–
Azzmin Francis @b.r.a.e.r
In their rags of light dressed to kill Leonard Cohen
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
IN THEIR RAGS OF LIG HT DRESSED TO KILL
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Skye wears vintage from SARAH PHOENIX private collection.
FASHION
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+ BEAUTY
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
THE GOOD LIFE
IN THEIR RAGS OF LIG HT DRESSED TO KILL
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On both pages, Elk wears vintage from BRAHMINY EXCHANGE. Shoes and tights stylist’s own.
FASHION
+ BEAUTY
Elk wears vintage crochet suit from the SILVER LINING. Vintage top worn under from URBAN ARCHEOLOGY. Socks stylist own vintage shoes from BRAHMINY EXCHANGE. On the opposite page, Skye wears vintage top from the SILVER LINING. Florals dreamt by BRÆR.
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
THE GOOD LIFE
IN THEIR RAGS OF LIG HT DRESSED TO KILL
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FASHION
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+ BEAUTY
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
THE GOOD LIFE
IN THEIR RAGS OF LIG HT DRESSED TO KILL
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Elk and Skye wear vintage dresses from SARAH PHOENIX private collection. Skye also wears pants from BRAHMINY EXCHANGE. Florals dreamt by BRÆR. Mustard vintage shoes from BRAHMINY EXCHANGE. Black shoes stylist’s own. On the opposite page, Elk wears vintage leather hat from BRAHMINY EXCHANGE. Vintage dress from SARAH PHOENIX private collection.
FASHION
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+ BEAUTY
Paradiso ~ Nov—Dec Apr—May 2018 2017 ~ And so thewith sun took the sunshine a step back ... ...
THE GOOD LIFE
IN THEIR RAGS OF LIG HT DRESSED TO KILL
MUSES–
Skye Jade @skyeejade Elk Rose @elk.rose
STO C K I STS–
brahminyexchange.com chasingunicorns.com.au braerstudio.com Silver Lining (Mullumbimby) Urban Archeology (Mullumbimby)
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Skye wear vintage dress from SARAH PHOENIX private collection.
FASHION
+ BEAUTY
ME, MY SHOP AND I
Beauty found. Paying homage to the feminine in perfectly curated collections. Meet Casuarina’s beautiful new concept store.
Nikkou Store Founder Tiffany Cooper 5/480 Casuarina Way Casuarina, NSW @nikkoustore
Nikkou is a curation of sunlight for mother, child and home. Can you tell us a little more about your store and what we will discover inside? Nikkou is a boutique with carefully curated womenswear, children’s clothing and lifestyle pieces. Nikkou means sunlight in Japanese so I wanted to translate that feeling throughout the store design and on the shop floor. The clothing reflects the coastal location where life is carefree and slow. Nikkou honours the feminine – tell us about the importance of sharing the feminine consciousness. For me sharing the feminine consciousness and the importance of women empowering women is magic. Nikkou is a true example of what can unfold when women support one another in whatever they want to do in life. There are so many strong women close to me and in the surrounding community hustling, I wanted to create a space that brought this hustle together. It simply isn’t a store, it’s what
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it stands for that is important to me. The future really is female. Can you tell us a little about your background and how Nikkou came into being? Nikkou was an idea that began most recently when I was working with the girls at Zulu & Zephyr as the sales and marketing manager. I have always had a burning desire to own my own business but I was yet to discover what that might be. I had looked into opening a small boutique years earlier but it didn’t work out. One day in passing my good friend Nick (chief coffee drinker/owner of Blackboard Coffee) mentioned to me that he was signing a lease for a new development in Casuarina, he was looking to open a cafe and it would be the perfect position for me to open a clothing boutique. I called the leasing agent that day and the rest as they say is history. After many years working in wholesale and management I am so excited to be back on the shop floor. What do you love most about working with
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
creatives in our community? Working with creatives in the community and beyond (thank you Instagram) is honestly what gets me ticking. To be able to throw around ideas and have ideas and values thrown upon you is so invaluable – it’s what drives success. I used to hate asking for help or what others thought about my ideas but once I broke down that barrier I discovered a whole new world of kicking butt. It is way more exciting being able to share your success with others. Current inspirations and favourite offerings in store right now? Currently I am feeling inspired and being empowered by women making it on their own; Lara Worthington, Zulu & Zephyr’s Candice Rose O’Rourke, my best friend Sophie and her new baby girl Poppy and my mum. Mum is the word. My favourite offerings in store are scents from Ayu, eyewear from Velvet Canyon, hoops by Brie Leon, linen from Estilo Emporio and floral swim by Zulu & Zephyr.
S U N D AY S U S TA I N A B L E BAKE RY
INTRODUCES:
Sunday’s Everyday Autumn Menu All Day from 6:30am FROM THE MENU:
QU ICK G RAB LU NCH DEALS:
Spelt Pumpkin Bagel toasted with cream cheese, mixed roasted seeds drizzled with brown rice syrup $12
Choose a beef and farm veg sausage roll, pork and fennel roll or spinach roll w side salad $10
Sunday Bakery big breakfast local free-range eggs (fried or scrambled), bacon, avocado, baked tomato, fried halloumi and a side of homemade smoked brown sauce. Choose any of our sourdoughs or gluten free toast. $24
Free range Frittata, seasonal veges $8.9 – best to add any salad of the day +$4.9
Avo, feta smash with roasted seeds seasoned with sea salt, pepper & olive oil on daily baked sour dough, spelt or gluten free toast $13.9 (V
Hot Box House made beef and farm veg sausage roll, pork and fennel, spinach feta roll, quiche, slow-cooked steak and mushroom pies.
Bacon and Egg Roll served on our mini ciabatta, local free-range eggs with homemade smoked brown sauce or classic tomato sauce, its large. $10. Add: Fresh spinach +$1, tomato +$2, Avo +$3, double bacon +$3 Stormy Day Sour Dough your choice of light rye, 7 seed multi grain or unbleached white sour dough served with generous lashings of melted local honey, thyme & cinnamon infused butter $9 Sugar Free Banana Bread simply toasted with a slab of butter $5.5 Vegan Yin toast pink peace love and vegetables sauerkraut with smashed avo, roasted seeds, drizzled with virgin olive oil. Choose any of our specialty breads as they are vegan regardless but we reckon Spelt or GF is best. This is the owners usual lunch, highly recommended. $14.9 Chia Cup coconut, raspberry & burnt fig with cinnamon spiced granola & seasonal fruit $9.8 sugar free, dairy free.
Salads of the day $10.90 large size $13.9
Sandwiches Daily baked $9.8 • Triple smoked ham, sweet pickle relish and salad • Salami with house made basil pesto, spinach & tomato • Responsibly caught tuna with house made mayo & salad • Double Brie, homemade caramelized onion jam & salad (V) • Reuben Sandwich on Light Rye Sourdough: pastrami, Swiss cheese, mustard & peace love and vegetables sauerkraut.
WE AR E ALSO COFFE E S PECIALI STS: All combinations of coffee we offer, all our milks are organic, including almond, coconut and soy. Byron Moonshine Coffee is our local roaster of choice. We always have two blends on offer, one for the hardcore espresso or long black drinker and another blend for the person that enjoys milk. Stay sustainable – bring a keep cup and we will take 50c off the price.
ON THE COLD SIDE Byron Beverage Company Cold drip iced coffee on tap, nitrogen infused $5 Sunday homemade sIced lemon mint tea sweetened with local Manuka honey (sugar free) $5 Iced Coffee $6 (from our local Coffee roaster – Moonshine coffee) Iced Chocolate $6 add ice cream 50c Iced Ayurvedic living chai latte (refined sugar free) $6 Iced Latte $4.5 (from our local Coffee roaster – Moonshine coffee) Many Kombucha options are available in our drinks fridge.
We are at: 95 Jonson Street Byron Bay – (opposite Woolworths) T 02 6685 6183 Open Everyday 6am–5:30pm
@sundaysustainablebakery
Arts guide—
ARTS
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+ CULTURE
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE BYRON SCHOOL OF ART
The Fine Art of Being Zion Zion Levy Stewart is a local painter and ceramic artist. Entering Zion’s world is like walking into a wonderland of carefree colour.
Zion lives in ‘Paradise’, and his work is an honest reflection of the objects, memories and magic that surround him. A prolific painter, Zion holds a distinctive personal style, his paintings draw on personal experiences and encounters within his community. Zion works in layers, first in pencil sketching before adding painted colour. Stemming from his fascination with Superman, Zion’s work relates to the idea of x-ray vision, often sketching over finished artwork with his character’s gender. His subjects are rich, unique and evoke an optimism. Regularly seen in an embrace, their hands open and welcoming like beaming flowers calling us in. Colour comes naturally to Zion, his palette a beautiful array of naive combinations. Zion has been exhibiting solidly over the last 10, years showcasing at the Sydney Biennale, as well as numerous shows with The REDinc. School of Art for artists with disabilities. His current series and solo show ‘Picasso would be Jealous‘ will be exhibiting at the Byron School of Art between 25 May to 6 June. zionart.com.au
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
ARTS GUIDE
Get inspired— April and May is a great time to … BSA Project Space exhibition openings 31 March–11 April: Relic by Terri Brooks & Michael Cusack and Collective Memory by Oksana Waterfall 13–25 April: How little needs to be said to know nothing by Melinda Blair Paterson and Wall Talk by DaRosa Tate 27 April–9 May: Post by Bryce Anderson & Rachel Farlow and Yeah, I am here, kind of? Maybe? by Bradlee Wiseman 11–23 May: Empty Spaces by Mark Swivel and New Work by Vivien Hart 25 May–6 June: Picasso Would Be Jealous by Zion Levy Stewart
Artist– Jacob Boylan Tell us your story ... I was born and raised on the beaches of Cronulla, Sydney. Not long after my twentieth birthday I followed the cliche, and left my nest for Byron Bay in search of ‘the life’. I can safely say that I’m quite content with the little life I’ve set up for myself here. I finished a Visual Arts degree in Lismore last year, have started a band called Mini Skirt and co-host a podcast called Down Age. What is the message you are sharing through your art? I don’t know so much about sharing messages, but I do like asking questions. The majority of my work for the last few years has been a process of figuring out what the hell it means to be an Australian in the 21st century and all the twisted, clashing and often problematic ideas that this entails. Describe your artistic process? Much to my girlfriend’s anguish, I like sourcing and collecting old Australiana books and paraphernalia. It never ceases to amaze me how obscure some of the subjects are. I particularly look for books about Australian sport, as I think our national adoration for sport says a lot about
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Image courtesy of the artist
post-invasion Australia. I like lifting images or bits of text straight from the source and either cut them up into a collage or transfer them onto a silk screen. I tend to add very little of my own “artistic hand”, I find the romantic idea of originality quite out-dated and am not ashamed to reveal where I source my images from, in fact it’s an important part of my practice. I see it as a process of curating, selecting the images and re-representing them as an artwork. The images when taken out of context become quite suggestive and interesting in their own right. What is currently inspiring you? The books/paraphernalia are of course my main inspiration but music too – Australian punk and pub rock are staples. Art history is always a big inspiration – artists like Richard Prince and John Baldessari as well as contemporary artists. Old codgers at pubs and footy games are also a good one to keep my eye on. @jacobmandude
Fancy trying a weekend workshop? Raimond de Weerdt: Cyanotypes and Mixed Media The Cyanotype (or shadowgraph) is a photographic printing process using the sun and producing beautiful Prussian blue imagery. This weekend workshop will cover all aspects of creating cyanotype prints, such as printing on a range of premium papers, creating negatives to print from, toning and using the process to create abstract images. 28–29 April, 10am–4pm For further details on all workshops, events and openings visit byronschoolofart.com
M-Arts are proud to announce – The Border Art Prize The Border Art Prize is a biennial $5000 prize celebrating the diversity and abundance of artists in the Tweed, Ballina, Byron and Kyogle Shires and Lismore and Gold Coast City. First prize: $3,000 Second Prize: $1,500 Third Prize: $500 2 x $500 Shirley Kennedy Awards and 2 x $250 Shirley Kennedy Encouragement Awards For more details visit m-arts.com.au
ARTS
+ CULTURE
CURRENT MUSE
WORDS–
Sapodia Lindley @sapodia IMAGES–
Jenny Kee
There are certain visionaries that continue to transcend the status quo, and do it with purpose. Jenny Kee is one of these heralded icons within the fashion industry, but also of artistry in general. From being swept up in the free form creativity of the ‘summer of love’ in 1960’s London, to collaborating with contemporary designers, it’s evident her love for art has permeated from generation to generation.
Rebellion & waratahs with Jenny Kee Let’s start at the beginning. After finishing school in 1963, you enrolled at the East Sydney Technical College studying fashion design. To us in 2018, studying fashion in the 60’s sounds like a dream, but your experience with the Australian education system didn’t quite pan out ‘dreamlike’. In the early 60’s I was a wild child looking for creative adventures. There weren’t any in Australia so we created our own. I rebelled and wouldn’t finish school – I told my Mum that fashion design is all I wanted to do. But fashion school was a dressmaking course, which was just as boring as high school. Pale blue and donkey brown were the colours of 1963. I dressed in colour and was constantly told, “you can’t design what you’re wearing”. So the story goes you had the good fortune of meeting The Beatles – a meeting that lead you to London in 1965. We would love to hear more about those days. In 1964 The Beatles came to town and at last I had a creative endeavour – getting 44
into their hotel room, and I did. In 1965 I left Australia for swinging London inspired by meeting the fab four. In 1967 in London, the ‘summer of love’ was upon us, a revolution was underway and I quickly found myself at the frontline. I went to work with Vern Lambert at the Chelsea Antique Market. Vern became my great mentor and style guru. He taught me about the art of dress. The market was a treasure trove of exotica, full of vintage Pioret, Vionnet, Schiaparelli, Mainbocher and Chanel, Spanish shawls and Fair Isle knits in mint condition. This was the beginning of retro; I was Miss Ethnic in my Pakistani peasant dress. Today clothes like these are in Museums, but for a few brief years in the 60’s we played dress ups. Every young designer passed through, Claude Montana, Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo and Issey Miyake – the market was a pressure cooker for fashion. We styled everyone that came in, and we had extraordinary subjects. It was like directing the wardrobe on a movie set
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
called The Sixties. The Stones, always stoned, would spend entire afternoons eating toasted sandwiches and wandering in and out of Vern’s stall trying on coats and frocks. Keith and Anita were more ethnic inspired. Mick favoured sequins and beading because they looked good on stage. He adored Schiaparelli jackets but could never understand why he had to pay £10 a piece for old clobber. Jimi Hendrix was always one step ahead; he was a bird of paradise and nearly always dressed by the market. This was my university of fashion and life. After seven years of life in London, you returned to Australia. Full of inspiration and innovation, you opened your frock salon ‘Flamingo Park’. Was this the beginning of your friendship and creative collaboration with Linda Jackson? And at this stage were you designing more than knitwear? In 1973 I opened Flamingo Park in Sydney’s Strand Arcade. The name was derived
JENNY KEE
Jenny Kee with Linda Jackson
from my artist husband, Mike Ramsden’s, Flamingo Park painting. It became the feature of my shop, summing up its artistic nature. The shop would be romantic, exotic and kitsch. I called it a frock salon, not a boutique because boutiques in the 60’s were modern and salons were retro. I wanted 50’s retro – flying ducks, Indian plaster faces, sand blasted mirrors and menu covers from 30’s ocean liners. The clothing was an eclectic mix of London fashion and vintage paraphernalia. Then I met Linda Jackson and her creations made the shop perfect. This was the beginning of one of the greatest love affairs of my life. For us there was no separation between art, life and our passion for fashion. Flamingo Park was original, like no other. ‘Step 45
Into Paradise’ was the sign on the door and paradise it was, the magic was about to begin. I thought of my beloved knits from London and decided that for the first winter the shop would be full of knitwear, handmade in Oz from pure Australian wool and decorated with our icons. At this stage knitwear was all I was designing, and was the birth of the Koala, Kookaburra and Kangaroo knits in Villa wool, 12 ply – a good Aussie yarn. After surviving the Granville train crash with your daughter in 1977, you started painting as a way to cope. Your paintings sang of colour, florals, birdlife and tropical fish. How cathartic was this process and where did your career go from there? Out of this terrifying near death experience came an explosion of creativity. I began painting, sitting
‘Step Into Paradise’ was the sign on the door and paradise it was, the magic was about to begin.
ARTS
+ CULTURE
CURRENT MUSE
Rebellion and creativity will always go hand in hand wherever you are in the world and throughout the ages.
at the kitchen table in the mountains with black ink and colour, making shapes and patterns. It was my therapy and also a turning point in my designs – the moment when I moved beyond doing my own take on period knitting patterns, Australian motifs and elementary symbols – to creating more complex compositions. I couldn’t stop painting and designing – that was the gift of being alive. I whispered thank you many times and cried quietly to myself while I worked or took long walks in the healing bush. If Ken Done has been hailed the godfather of Australian colour and optimism you surely are the fairy godmother! Your designs uniquely celebrate Australian florals, the colours of our landscape and urban icons like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Did your love for our country lead you into your work in environmental conservation? Linda and I created an Australian style in fashion in 1973 – it was art fashion. My love of country did inspire my environmental work. I designed logos and T-shirts for Greenpeace and the Wilderness Society and was ready to take my environmental protest to the frontline. I became involved in the fight for the preservation of the South East Forests in New South Wales and was arrested and carted off in a paddy wagon. While I was in jail, police officers told me they loved my koala jumpers, I said, “Listen guys, this beautiful forest is home to the koalas. Without the wildlife there would be no jumpers.” The world has been seeing an increase of activism in response to political dissatisfaction, environmental damage and exploring new identities. What is the connection between rebellion and creativity? Rebellion and creativity will always go hand in hand wherever you are in the world and throughout the ages. For example, look at people like Ai Weiwei and his work on Cockatoo Island on the refugee crisis. When your designs were being worn by Lady Di and seen at Chanel, how difficult was it as an artist to balance success and creative freedom? 46
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
It’s very difficult to maintain that balance and be true to your creativity. At the height of my success I actually gave myself over to business people and become more commercial, this was the time things fell apart for me. From this I learnt my lesson and to this day I continue to only work on what I am passionate about and keep it small, which works for me, especially at this stage in my life. Lets talk Buddhism. How long have you been disciplined to your practice? For the last 32 years I’ve been a practicing Buddhist and do my best to follow the path. Tibetan Buddhism has transformed the pain I have suffered throughout my life and made me realise that one step leads to the next. Everything is a journey and whatever pain you experience makes you stronger. I feel at ease with who I am. Your current inspirations and influences? My inspiration comes from native flora, the natural world and Aboriginal art. As well as indigenous cultures worldwide in places like Africa, South America, China, Tibet and India. I really cherish this earth, it’s behind everything I do. Decades later you are still influencing, and collaborating with, the fashion industry. You partnered with Romance Was Born on a collection for Fashion Week, and your artwork and personal archives alongside Linda Jackson were exhibited at MAAS. What does the future hold for you Jenny? I am working on an exciting fashion collaboration project at the moment, which is under wraps, but suffice to say I continue to have fun with young creatives like Romance Was Born. Thanks to Vogue I am considered one of the eight advanced style muses in the world, led by Iris Apfel. This shows that my quote from the 80’s sticks, “I don’t want to be restricted by fashion whims, it’s too temporary, my work is about lasting.” jennykee.com
JENNY KEE
regmombassa.com facebook/RegMombassa @regmombassaofficial
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ARTS
+ CULTURE
BI-MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
NEXT BOOK CLUB–
Madonna of the Mountains by Elise Valmorbida
The Book— A love story that weaves its way through New York in the 1960s and 1970s, Just Kids explores lives lived for art, poetry and the explosive energy that created some of history’s greatest artists.
Just Kids – Patti Smith
EXPERIENCE–
EXPERIENCE–
EXPERIENCE–
Weathered & Loved
New
Borrowed
Sapodia from Mullumbimby
Beck from Mullumbimby
Lila from Mullumbimby
Tell us the plot in one sentence ... A love story between two artists tangled in self discovery in New York. Who was your hero? Robert Mapplethorpe. I’m a sucker for the tortured soul and his honesty towards his sexuality and deep connection to Patti is enduring. Patti herself represents a hero to me in many other ways. Favourite part of the story? It’s Patti’s ultimate love letter to her soul mate Robert Mapplethorpe. What did you learn? That unwavering commitment to your art is beautiful. Who should read this story? Everyone – especially those who love post punk poets. Did you finish? Yes.
Tell us the plot in one sentence ... Patti finds herself in New York, meets her soul mate, creates and lives art – it’s the foundation of the poet/musician we already know. Who was your hero? Patti – she was so dedicated to making art and success came from that incredible focus and purpose. Favourite part of the story? I loved when they lived in The Chelsea – the cross over stories of the personalities who were there was fascinating. What did you learn? That fiercely following your creative passion can lead to success. Who should read this story? Everyone! Patti tells an incredible story. It’s memoir, it’s poetry, it’s a love story, it’s a story of passion and purpose. You are drawn into the incredible world of creative New York in the 60s and 70s. Did you finish? Absolutely I did!
Tell us the plot in one sentence ... A recalling of the lives and entwined fates of two artists who start as lovers and end as platonic soul mates. Who was your hero? Patti, of course. Favourite part of the story? The evolution of Robert’s homosexuality and the intimate view into their daily creative rituals. What did you learn? Be vulnerable. Be bold. Love wholly. Don’t second guess your gut instinct – you don’t know where it will lead you, or who it will allow you to become. Who should read this story? Anyone who needs inspiration to follow their own path. Did you finish? Yes.
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
AU TUMN WORKSHOPS FOUNDATIONAL DRAWING with Skye Baker 28th Apr, 26th May This workshop is designed to suit students who would like to learn and develop new technical drawing skills.
THE HUNDREDS with Leora Sibony 12th May An exciting, fast moving mark making exercise that will give you the opportunity to create a series of small works that can act as a springboard for future work.
SIMPLY MORANDI with Jenny Porter 5th, 12th & 19th Apr This still life workshop will cover steps and techniques required to make a quality art work, with emphasis on the exploration of colour.
JAPANESE ART OF MENDING with Michi De Domahidy 14th Apr Bring new life to your pre-loved fashion and interiors. Learn all about the slow stitch method of Boro at this small intimate workshop.
CUT.IT.OUT with Jo Olive 7th & 8th Apr Join Jo Olive (artist, maker and co-founder of Olive Letterpress) for a full weekend of printmaking and bookish creation.
A JOURNEY THROUGH COLOUR TO ABSTRACTION with Courtney Cook 5th & 6th May In this workshop you will learn basic colour mixing techniques, exercises and theory to help you develop your own language through painting abstraction.
BORDER ARTS PRIZE AT M- ARTS AN ARTS PARTNERSHIP WITH T WEED REGIONAL GALLERY
BOOKINGS T 0455 320 920 jill@m-arts.com.au m-arts.com.au
Cnr Proudfoot Lane & Brisbane St, Murwillumbah
Our fabulous new arts supply store is now open at M-Arts Precinct. OPEN 9–5pm weekdays 9:30am–1pm Saturdays
Follow us so you don't miss what's coming soon. @m_arts_precinct /m.arts.precinct
ARTS
+ CULTURE
MAKING MUSIC
The deep cultural roots of Garifuna Collective Proudly proclaimed by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”, The Garifuna Collective promises to carry the torch of cultural innovation and promotion far into the future and expand on the story of this fascinating community, which is struggling to retain its unique language, music, and traditions in the face of globalisation.
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The collective consists of the best musicians in the fertile Garifuna music scene. They bring together the deep cultural roots of Garifuna music, mixed with modern grooves, arrangements and instruments. The musicians create a powerful energy on stage, building hypnotizing rhythms that form the backbone for the haunting melodies and powerful vocals that characterise the project. The lead singers of the current incarnation of the group reflect an intergenerational approach, women with striking voices and engaging personalities, whose songs echo with the joys and sorrows they have experienced during their lives.
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
“Voted #1 World Music album of all time” by Amazon.com once the swaying beats of rhythm guitars, drums, maracas and turtle shells come together you can appreciate why this multi-generational collective are winning hearts. Thank the clever folk at Red Square Music for bringing this ensemble to our doorstep. Playing At Mullumbimby Civic Hall Thursday, 12 April, 2018 For bookings head to redsquaremusic.com.au
Paradiso is free. 3 ways to find Paradiso No. 01– Have spiritual epiphany and realise that “Paradis(o) is not a place. It is a state of consciousness.” BOOM! Mind. Blown. Thank you Sri Chinmoy. No. 02– Visit thisisparadiso.com.au/locations to view the list of amazing places that stock us. The list grows daily so keep checking. Better yet, let your favourite place (Australia wide) know about us and that your enjoyment levels at their place of business would increase ten fold if they stocked us. Done! No. 03– Subscribe! Don’t miss out on the next issue because someone got greedy and took all of our mags five minutes before you arrived at your local cafe on your special Paradiso-PLUS-coffee pick up trip. Buy a subscription – thisisparadiso.com.au/subscribe – and we will send you a fresh bi-monthly mag, hot off the press. No more having to deal with that oh so passive aggressive magazine hog who reckons she is just picking up copies for her housemates.
You just have to find it.
TepeeLove is an exclusive sanctuary within Splendour in the Grass. An eclectic world to relax and unwind with friends and wake up surrounded by nature. Also available for festivals, parties and events.
ENQUIRIES 0421 238 021 info@tepeelove.com @tepeelove_
TRAVEL
+ ADVENTURE
I WANT TO GO TO THERE
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY–
Lila Theodoros @ohbabushka
Venice –Los Angeles, California
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
With a day to spare to see the sights of Los Angeles, our Art Director Lila Theodoros took a 10 minute Uber ride down the road from sterile, tourist-ready Santa Monica Pier and found a wonderland of energy, sights and experiences – Venice Beach.
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I jump out of my Uber in a dirty side street ignoring my driver’s last words – “Are you sure you want to go there???” – and take a deep breath. Venice Beach smells like beer, churros and a heavy high. It is an incredible melting pot of grime, intensity and spectacle. Venice Beach is exciting. Venice Beach is palm tree dreams, chaos and adventure. I take a stroll down the boardwalk and pass a woman dancing to her own silent tune. A rollerblading, greying Rastafarian whizzes past me in blurry mix of smoke and purpose. Apartment buildings line the ocean, laden with lovingly painted murals that give life and story to the seaside boardwalk. Creative peddlars hawk their arts and crafts on the pavement – but don’t you dare take a photo of it! – the hand-painted signs yell at me – as does the actual peddlar yelling at the woman with her iPhone out, so excited at spotting an Instagram worthy scene that she obviously missed the giant warning. I shove my phone deep into my jacket pocket and keep walking. I wander past shop after shop, filled to the brim with every tacky tourist souvenir treat imaginable and laugh at the endless Baywatch (Bae-Watch) parodies or straight-up knock offs available for sale. Families enjoy churros and ice-cream as they get lost in the crowd of well-to-do hipsters, dazed-andamazed tourists (me), inventive hustlers and the not-soprivileged. A crowd draws in close to the metal fence surrounding Muscle Beach – a iron-pumping outdoor institution. A giant man with 1970s Arnold
Schwarzenegger homage muscles strides into the ‘arena’. The crowd goes quiet. We wait. He sees and hears no one – not the group of women loudly squawking about “what they would do with those muscles”, or the men staring with admiration glazed in their eyes, or the countless iPhones held up, ready to record. We hush. He holds on to what looks like a double chin up bar and in an attention commanding and savagely guttural sound he yells, “HUMPHOOOEERRRG!”. We watch in amazement as he lifts himself into a handstand above the bars and then proceeds to do a set of five push ups (push downs??). He finishes to an awed silence – we don’t know whether to loudly cheer or pretend he can’t see us staring through the low fence and remain quiet – quiet oddly wins out. He wipes the ‘well-earned’ sweat from his face with a towel and walks out of the arena. Show over. We disperse. Venice Beach asks you to choose your own adventure – watch a near professional basketball game played on the boardwalk courts; see your ‘Doctor’ who will diagnose you with “xxx” and prescribe a green cure; scoff questionable but delicious churros, tacos, popcorn and icecream; explore your future with a psychic reading; sip ultra-cool cocktails on rooftop bars overlooking the circus below. Everyone will enjoy their own unique experience and come away with a different story to tell.
TRAVEL
+ EXPLORE
YOUR WEEKEND ITINERARY
GUIDE/STYLIST–
Beck Marshall
PHOTOG RAPHY–
Maggie Dylan @maggiedylan
CLOTHING
Velvet dress on left by CHASING UNICORNS @chasing_unicorns
FLORALS
Azzmin Francis @b.r.a.e.r
The importance of gathering Let’s make 2018 the year of gathering! Ritual and interconnection build communities, create ties of kinship and connect us to greater experience. Keep weaving – it’s a beautiful thing.
Meditation classes Be kind to yourself! We all know the simple practice of daily meditation helps calm the mind, allows us to feel more focused and stimulates inner peace and balance. The good folks at Openway Meditation offer regular daily practice starting each morning at 6:30am. Sessions comprise of zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation) and the occasional dharma talk or discussion. dca@openway.org.au
Stone & Wood
Cook, eat and be merry
As the local independent brewery, Stone & Wood takes a fresh approach to brewing handcrafted beer in the Northern Rivers of NSW, one of the greatest places on earth. Drop into their Byron brewery’s tasting room and grab a tasting paddle or book a tour to learn more about their approach to brewing, conscious business and beer! Stone & Wood’s tasting room is open seven days, look out for their weekly new brews fresh from the Pilot Brewery system like Hemp Seed Scotch Ale, Smoke on the Porter and Prequel (the father of Pacific Ale). @stoneandwood stoneandwood.com.au
Cooking classes provide you with a nurturing, relaxing and fun cooking experience, free from the stresses of everyday. bhavanacookingschool.com
The joyous Uke Night Next Uke night do yourself a favour and get down to the the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club. Uke or no uke, Miss Amber and Stukulele will have you singing your little heart out in no time. Each month features a new sub genre from Punk to the 70’s to Modern Australia. ukemullum.com
Solstice circles
Sing Gospel Raise the Roof celebrate the joy of singing! Offering weekly singing groups in gospel music from the African American Traditions, Bluegrass, Soul and occasionally some Spanish. Raise the Roof are not a religious group, they just find singing irresistibly uplifting. raisetheroofgospelchoir. weebly.com 54
Life drawing
Eat in the paddock
Drop in, find a space and relax into some untutored life drawing classes. These casual sessions are guaranteed to give your creativity a high five. Good music, good people a good night. Every Thursday, 6-8pm, Byron Arts and Industrial Estate. @dropinlifedrawing
Pizza and sunsets in the paddock with mates. There’s not much more you need to make the perfect evening. Bring a blanket, gather your friends and get down early for some organic locally grown food. Cheers! paddockproject.com
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
Ready to explore what it means to be a woman? During these sacred solstice circles, allow yourself to birth new ideas, shed the parts of yourself you no longer wish to carry all in the healing company of your sisters. Dance, sing, smudge, create ritual and nourish your soul. @solsticecircles solsticecirlces@gmail.com
NEXT LEVEL LOVELY. Keeping it real in Bangalow for over 15 years. Stocking funny socks, cards and quirky gift ideas for young and old as well as great fashion labels including All About Eve, A little Birdie Told Me and Foil. Come see Charlotte in the parlour and always leave with a smile on your dial.
Shop 2, 18 Station St Bangalow, NSW T 02 6687 2828 @charlottesparlour
TRAVEL
+ EXPLORE
TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT
LOCATION–
Lismore Showgrounds PHOTO COURTESY OF–
Arcadia Movement arcadiamovement.com @arcadia_movement
10 things I love about ...
On the re-birth of this unique country town we discover the ten things we love about this little survivor.
Lismore 2480
01 For all the BMX bandits, young and old, check out the BIKE TRACK AT NESBITT PARK in Sth Lismore (wearing retro BMX gear optional). 02 Immerse yourself in the world of NORPA, our leading regional theatre company, who bring national and international productions to the Northern Rivers and make theatre from the ground up, bringing homegrown stories to life, always taking inspiration from the country and culture around us. 03 Step back in time and feast on the 1930’s art deco features at THE MECCA CAFÉ whilst enjoying their all day breaky, local coffee and fresh juices in original 1950’s diner booths. 04 Enjoy local fresh produce, food, antiques, car slot racing and more at the LISMORE CARBOOT MARKETS on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. 05 Get a culture hit at the LISMORE REGIONAL GALLERY at its new location, a central cultural hub with local and national exhibitions, café/bookshop, artist in residence spaces and more. 06 For the best vegetarian meals visit 20,000 COWS in North Lismore – you can thank us later. 07 Get your rollerskates on and recreate your own Xanadu moment at ROLLER WORLD. Let the good times roll. 08 For burgers, craft beers, good humour and a rocking vibe get yo’ self to the DIRTY WILSON on Keen St. 09 VINTAGE SHOPPING in Lismore is a must – ROSEMONT COLLECTABLES, THE TREASURE TRADE, CARRINGTON BAZAAR, TWO ROADS VINTAGE and LISMORE COLLECTABLES just to name a few! 10 Delicious oysters, cheese and charcuterie accompany delectable wines and cocktails at Lismore’s stylish wine bar, AUGUSTINE’S.
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
MARTIN PAIN – AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER OFFERING AYURVEDIC CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENTS AVAILABLE AT THE MUDITA INSTITUTE 55 STUART ST, MULLUMBIMBY
PHONE: 0413 865 368
@lightayurveda
EMAIL: martin@lightayurveda.com.au
lightayurveda.com.au
THIS COMMUNITY
OF OURS
THE WAY WE WERE
Before its refurbishment, The Byron Bay Community Centre stood for 20 years as our town’s most iconic building. It’s colourful murals reflected the eclectic characters and essence of the shire. We chat to local artist Geraldine Searles who, alongside Jan Rae, Nicki Neon and a handful of other creatives, brought this communal heart to life.
The communal heart Let's talk about the iconic Community Centre! This blue and yellow building, happily clad in colourful murals had international acclaim as the face of Byron Bay. It was the visual identity of our town for more than 20 years. Can you tell us about your artistic involvement in the 198081 renovation project that saw this icon come to life? The concept and artwork was designed and created by yourself, Jan Rae and Nicki Neon, and captured the eclectic spirit of our town. How long did the project take from start to finish? The building had effectively been on death row for some time and there were plans (more like hopes!) for an entirely new building. In the meantime the Community Centre Committee wanted a demountable mural to tart it up. I wasn’t part of the original proposal and design concept and only became involved in the project in 1983. I was asked by the other artists to draw up the working design, based on the concept that had already been agreed on by the committee. I used that opportunity to introduce more comic/graphic elements. From memory, the method – painting removable cutout figures on a compressed waterproof masonite and bolting them to the wall – had been largely worked out before my involvement in the project. The execution of the mural’s cut-out pieces took 3–4 months. Professional painters were employed (or maybe they volunteered – I can’t remember the details) to paint the simple three colour backdrop on the facade and attachment of the cut out pieces to the wall was also completed by professionals. 58
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
The Community Centre stood as a landmark and represented a place of Arts and Literature from the late 1890s. Your murals truly honoured its history. How did you feel to see it offer so much joy to locals and visitors alike? Well, initially it wasn’t liked – I think in fact there were quite a few nasty letters in the local paper! But it didn’t take long for people to start to become fond of it. My favourite view of the building was from the train station, getting off that very slow train from Sydney and seeing the building glowing in the evening sun, as though the building itself was generating light. This was very effectively captured in the late Stuart Owen Fox’s brilliant photographs of the finished work, which were used to promote the mural and the town. How did you feel to see it dismantled? By that stage it had been through another transformation, with a couple of new artists involved. The mural was from the beginning considered to be temporary work, and the women running the Community Centre were at their wits’ end trying to function in a building that was falling apart around them. It was time for the building, and thus the mural, to go. How has our Shire facilitated and inspired you as an artist? I’m finding it hard to give a simple answer to this. Firstly the natural beauty of the place is astounding – you only have to swim at Little Watego’s, look across the ocean, past Julian Rocks to the backdrop of mountains to feel a sense of redemption, a kind of
WORDS–
Beck Marshall
LOVE THE LOVE AND PASS IT ON
My favourite view of the building was from the train station, getting off that very slow train from Sydney and seeing the building glowing in the evening sun, as though the building itself was generating light.
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freedom and weightlessness. I guess that has sustained me for a long time given that my art practice has in the past, been primarily focused on what’s wrong with humanity. Secondly this place has historically been an attractant to misfits and adventurers (though not so much now) and has encouraged the development of a tolerance and acceptance of diversity that is hard to find elsewhere, at least in Australia. I don't think I can be more definitive than that. Your political comics strips – Jason Smythe, Hair of the Dog – appeared weekly in The Echo for nearly 20 years. In that time your voice carried across a range of cultural and political agendas. As an artist, how thankful are you to independent free press for allowing you this platform? Only a paper like the Echo would’ve published my cartoons! I’d entered a competition held by The Byron Shire Echo in 1990, asking for artistic
interpretations of Mount Chincogan. Naturally I did a comic! Didn’t win of course, but it was published in the Echo and Jeff Dawson encouraged me to present a set of comic strips to the editor, Nick Shand, for regular publication. And so Jason Smythe was born, tortured, transmogrified, killed off, re-born and finally crucified on Mount Warning, all in the name of exploring the human condition. What are your thoughts on Byron Bay then and Byron Bay now? Are you still a local resident? Ah … big question, but I’ll give a small answer. I fled Byron Bay in 2004. Forever I’d thought, and announced that to anyone who loitered close by. I’d had enough – of rampant tourism, of the various self-serving political cliques, of the smug self-congratulation of living in ‘paradise’, of the narrow parameters of discussion and debate. And so I went to Newcastle. Hardly any tourists
there, and nobody agreed with whatever I had to say (so lots of debating opportunities). Interestingly though, Novocastrians exhibited the very same smug self-congratulation of living in the best of all possible worlds as folk from Byron – must be an Australian thing. Anyway, I’m back, scathing graphic novel of Newcastle completed, and grateful for the eternal tolerance of this place. I’m also pleased to sense a buzz that isn’t some earth-destroying hum of a distant factory/coal mine grinding away and equally pleased to find that graceless hoons do not make up 70% of the population. Finally what does Community mean to you? Briefly I can say that a healthy community needs permanent residents, where the primary motivation is mutual benefit and support, not just purely self interest.
THIS COMMUNITY
OF OURS
CELEBRATING
Good People Will Conner – musician, activist, surfer, hat maker, father and son In this issue we chat to Will Conner. Raised in Byron Bay amongst artists during a time of free love and self -discovery. Will recalls his early life, hatmaking, his journey into environmentalism and his activism against mega developments in our Shire. Will’s mum, Marion Stephens in her dried flower garden
You lived at the ‘Arts Factory’ growing up. Let’s chat sleepy Byron Bay back then – best memories, influences, living in a community. Your mum taught you how to play the guitar, your father was a craftsman, you were raised surrounded by musicians and artists. How has your upbringing influenced you? The Arts Factory was a magical place back then. It was forty years ago and I was seven years old and moved away when I was eighteen, so my perspective is through the eyes of a wild and free kid who grew up exploring a magical kingdom. My step dad Jim Stephens and my mum Marion built a small house on the east side of the Arts Factory and below the house planted a crop of flowers that they would dry and sell arrangements at all the local markets. Then my dad, Bill Conner (BC Hats) 60
The true magic was in the creative characters that were based there and I could wander from one creative space to another and join in.
Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
moved into a shed to the left of the current entrance where he would make his hats. Colin Heaney had his candle shed and would create all kinds of cosmic looking designs out of wax. The true magic was in the creative characters that were based there and I could wander from one creative space to another and join in. Looking back, I’m certain that all of those small businesses run by creative folk instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit that you couldn’t beat out of me with a stick. It’s in my blood and I realise how lucky I was to have that experience. Eventually the music started happening at the factory and that was the icing on the cake for me. I had a tribe of super creative adults to learn from, I had perfect surf I could ride my bike to, and many nights I would fall asleep to some of the greatest bands in Australia and the world. Dan Doeppel who owned the factory was a really kind hearted generous guy. Whatever he imagined, would happen. Keven Oxford worked with Dan and became a great friend and connected me with some amazing people in the years that he was running the BluesFest. One particular friendship may not have happened without Kev. I mentioned to him at a family BBQ that there was this unknown kid touring with Ben Harper who in my opinion was a huge talent. I saw Kev a few weeks later and he told me he booked that kid I was talking about. Jack Johnson showed up and the rest is history. You are a musician, activist, surfer, hat maker,
father and son. Let’s talk Will the Hat Maker. Your dad Bill set up shop in Byron in the 70’s he was the first in Australia to make a leather hat with a shapeable brim. Tell us about the BC Hat journey and the eponymous ‘Stockman’ hat? My dad is a classic. Anyone who knows him in town has a story or a kind word about him and it always puts a smile on my face. He created an original Australian made hat and his Stockman style is recognised worldwide, but I bet half the people who know him don’t have a clue about that. He’s too busy complimenting the people he surfs with to even get to talking about hats. I have a hunch he just does that so maybe they will give him some waves! He is definitely a big inspiration for me. I always ask myself in different business situations “what would BC do?” The
GOOD PEOPLE
Will with his brother Sol
answer is always be humble, be honest and be loyal. Over time you have evolved into your own brand Conner Hats. Your warehouses are 100% solar powered, you use only biodegradable materials, your labels are made from recycled plastic bottles. Tell us more! This is actually the real adventure. It never stops. To understand that every product made causes some kind of environmental harm may make some people say “what’s the point”, but my goal is to limit that in every possible way I can. It’s quite easy for a brand to design a product and have it made by a factory anywhere in the world but it’s not easy to go learn about the raw materials from the farm or recycling centre and so on through the whole process. My rule of thumb is if a factory or some part of the process won’t let me in on what’s happening I just bypass them and find another way. Generally though, people are open and even honoured that a brand actually cares and wants to understand how things are done. 61
Will the Activist: You took part in the Transparent Sea journey – can you tell us about the project, the voyage and the social and environmental issues raised in the film? What an experience that was! It was pure freedom. Flying across the water on sailing kayaks with no sound but the wind and massive humpbacks tail-slapping or exhaling. We would stop out at sea and just put our heads underwater and listen to their brilliant songs. Hands down the most fun life changing trip I have ever been on. The only way to survive was to work as a team and all for something greater than ourselves. We sailed when the wind was right and camped at night – it took 36 days for us to travel from Byron to Sydney. It was the brainchild of my crazy friend Dave Rastovich and I was stoked he asked me to join. We were raising awareness of the Japanese whaling vessels illegal activity in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary and learning about and cataloguing and cleaning the massive amounts of plastic debris that washes up, even in relatively unpopulated areas like ours. It really
opened my eyes about single use plastics and how they affect the environment. That was the spark that transformed my business. Will the Musician: Tell us a little about your musical career and where it has taken you? About 12 years ago now I landed a generous Japanese record deal. It did really well especially since I had no expectations. I remember telling them before they signed me, “Do you realise I’m 35 years old?” The tours were amazing. After that I got to play the BluesFest a few times and the West Coast BluesFest. I toured with my good mate Beau Young and Jack Johnson throughout OZ and some shows in the US with Jack as well. Music has always been just pure fun and no pressure. It’s such a fleeting thing to have any success in music unless you’re willing to constantly tour and get really lucky. I just love to write songs and should have a new album finished later this year. Coming home to Byron Bay, what do you see as the positives and negatives of the Shire today? The positives are the people who care about this rare spot in the world and the magic that people feel when they are here. If you let it, it’s a place of healing. No matter where you travel or live around the world there are obviously positives and negatives, but there is no positive anywhere else in the world that I love as the ones in Byron and there is no negative that cuts as deep as they do for me as they do in Byron. I’m going to fight every way I can to keep the place I love beautiful. I’m gutted that there are three major developments that could critically hurt Byron and ruin the reason people visit here in the first place. West Byron is such a massive development it doesn’t even seem real. The short story is it’s 1000 plus houses dumped in wetlands at the entrance of town. This will alter life as we know it here. I have been working with a group of tuned in locals that really care about this place and it gives me hope that we may have a fighting chance to slow this nightmare down or even stop some of it. If you care about our community please join me and write a submission to council by 29 March for both West Byron and Villa World (email submissions@byron. nsw.gov.au). Follow Byron Bay Residents Group on Facebook or byronresidentsgroup.org and protectbyron.com.au for more info about how these developments will affect you and the environment and how to write a submission. Your current inspirations and what’s next for you Will? I’m inspired by people who are bold enough to try to make the world a better place. One upcoming project I’m super excited about is using an acre of infertile land next to our warehouse in Florida and turning it into a food forest using permaculture principles and creating a place for people to learn about how permaculture can save the world one back yard at a time. We are also launching connerhats.com.au about mid this month so you can learn about what we are working on.
THIS COMMUNITY
OF OURS
AN ENCOUNTER
PHOTOG RAPHY–
Maggie Dylan @maggiedylan FLORALS–
Azzmin Francis @b.r.a.e.r
To autumn you sweet thing Blue velvet jacket by CHASING UNICORNS
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Paradiso ~ Apr—May 2018 ~ And the sun took a step back ...
Unaged agricole rum made from 100% hand cut sugar cane grown at Husk Plantation Distillery.
Australian Agricole rum infused with whole spices: wattleseed / native ginger / orange / mandarin / cinnamon / vanilla beans / sea salt