Stickwork Cathedral Wows Melbourne

Australia is not without its invasive species and a large number of them are plants.  Brought in to the country by European settlers, many of these species have come to threaten the local flora and fauna.  One such species is the willow – a beautiful riverside tree but one which has clogged up Australian waterways for decades. Now, with the help of American artist Patrick Dougherty, Melbourne Waterways has come up with a novel approach to conservation.

Against the Grain

I had to share this with you for three reasons. First it’s wonderful and secondly it is evocative of all those sets of colored pencils I demolished when I was a child. Finally, it made me wonder whether, even if I had the technical knowhow, if I would have the patience and tenacity to sit down and create something as painstaking as this. The answer to that question was a resounding no!

This is the video to accompany Against the Grain, the new track by emerging indie-folk artist Hudson. It really is a catchy song and it can only be hoped that this animation helps it to become the hit it really should be. Heads up to both Hudson and animator Dropbear (aka Jonathan Chong).

MÖBIUS

This is jaw droppingly, mouth openingly (!) cool. Twenty-one large triangles animated in Melbourne, Australia, throughout Federation Square. MÖBIUS is a sculpture that can be configured into many cyclical patterns and behave as though it is eating itself, whilst sinking into the ground. The result is an optical illusion and a time-lapse of people interacting with the sculpture and moving through Melbourne's landmark location throughout the day.

MÖBIUS was animated over two weeks Friday, Saturday & Sunday between the 6th - 20th of May 2011.

1,425 Superheroes Congregate to Create New World Record

Image Credit Flickr User Melbourne Mermaid

The rest of the world may be a little miffed when a country with as small a population as Australia goes around winning lots of gold medals at the Olympics, not to mention excelling in other areas.  Well, they have done it again – this time smashing the world record on May 29 for the number of people simultaneously dressed up as superheroes.

Image Credit Flickr User Xhanatos

Image Credit Flickr User Me!bourne Mermaid

Even though the day was not without its tiring elements, you could at least rest assured that you were in good Superhero company even if there were a few yawnerama moments while the grownups did their thing on the stage.

 Image Credit Flickr User Me!bourne Mermaid

The event took place on in Melbourne’s Federation Square when a grand total of 1,245 people turned up dressed as their comic book idols.  The event was part of the ongoing celebrations by DC comics which is celebrating its seventy fifth anniversary this year.  No doubt much to the chagrin of the Brits the Australians grabbed the world record only a week after a new one had been set in Twickenham, England. Sometimes life is just a little ironic.

Image Credit Flickr User Charles Van Den Broek

Although the aim was to be Superhero costume only, the attempt at the world record was bound to attract one or two jokers.  Plus isn't that one of the alien controlled scarecrows from a Doctor Who story?  Some people, huh? Well, never mind - Australians don't need much of an excuse to join in the party.

Image Credit Flickr User Charles Van Den Broek

The event attracted many onlookers too, but was generally it was a family affair with slightly bemused parents taking their Batmen, Supermen, and Green Lanterns out to the park en masse.  However, quite a number of parents put themselves in to costumes too. After all, even Spidey needs a helping hand with his shoe laces every now and again.  It does make you wonder, though, who really wanted to come - Dad or son?

 Image Credit Flickr User Charles Van Den Broek

Image Credit Flickr User Me!bourne Mermaid

As we pointed out earlier, some families though joined in the fun together.  This amazing looking familial quintet won a trip to Movie World.  This photograph will probably have pride of place in their home for decades to come. Other people preferred to remain anonymous under their masks, despite the fact that the occasional tattoo would probably give them away.

Image Credit Flickr User Charles Van Den Broek

Of course, this occasion - and the creation of a new world record - was aim enough in itself.  However, it may have had another effect too.  How often do Superheroes get to let their hair down and just relax and catch up with friends from long ago?

Image Credit Flickr User Me!bourne Mermaid

Some of those who turned up had obviously spent a great deal of time and effort on their costumes.  This Catwoman for example certainly looks the part. For others it was the occasion, their natural exuberance and simply being there that was the priority.