Tattoo Art and Bodypainting Expo

Tattoo Art and Bodypainting Expo, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Tattoo & Body Art Expo Sydney; Art, Bikes, Oddities, Pro Wrestling and more

It may have been billed Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, but tattoo's were the bread and butter of today's excitement out at Homebush, and we were excited about catching pro wrestling AWF style, plus the "jail cell" action thanks to the folks at Snake Charmer.

We were told that about 5,000 passed thru the gates today (Saturday), such is the popularity of tatts and bodyart in Sydney, Australia. There were a lot more tattoos than regular bodypainting.

Most of the stall holders were really friendly, and most invited the positive media attention also.

The pro wrestling thanks to Greg "TNT" Bounds and his stable of brawlers was one of the highlights for us, as it provided some exciting action to fill out that day. We witnessed an impressive wrestling match between Ben (Iron Jay) Coles VS Gladiator Apollo, that featured both technical wrestling and brawling. After the match they both shook hands, did some off the record interviews and posed for photos (which came very naturally for them).

Back to the regular stalls...

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin from WWE fame would have been proud to hear that skulls were on display (not real ones as far as we know, but quite a few hardcore bikers were on site). There was lots of body jewellery and detailed masterpieces, on many parts of the human body. We saw hundreds of tattoos and piercings, some of which were a bit scary looking.

The customised skateboards and skatedecks at NSP were ultra cool, and it was great to see that they were raising money for some kids that had been doing it tough, so we took some pictures of their cool creations and made a modest donation.

It was the fourth annual Show and more than 300 Australian and international artists strutted their stuff, and they will be doing the same again Sunday (tomorrow).

Big thank you to the organisers of Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo, and especially the great folks at AWF Wrestling and Snake Charmer for the excellent performances which we captured.

Websites

Tattoo & Body Art Expo Sydney
www.tattooexpo.com.au

AWF Wrestling
www.awfwrestling.com.au

Sydney Olympic Park
www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Snake Charmer Choppers
www.snakecharmerchoppers.com

Harley-Davidson (Australia)
www.harley-davidson.com/en_AU/Content/Pages/home.html

NSP Clothing
www.nspclothing.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Wrestling News Media
www.wrestlingnewsmedia.com

Big Name Street Artists Paint Live For Charity: Vexta, Haha, E.L.K and Reka; The Rocks, Sydney

Some of Australia’s hottest street artists go to play for the return of Project Five at The Rocks – fast becoming Sydney’s definitive charitable live art show.

Project Five Volume Four welcomes leading lady of street art Vexta; finalist in the 2011 Metro Gallery Art Award, E.L.K. (Luke Cornish); in high demand, abstract surrealist painter, REKA (James Reka); and HAHA (Regan Tamanui) whose 10 year history of exhibiting adds punch to the line up.

The sounds of the Future Classic Deejay’s will be pumping beats live on the turntables throughout the weekend.

Street artists VEXTA, HAHA, E.L.K. & REKA will bring the vibrant colours and life of art to The Rocks, working live in front of onlookers to create unique pieces of street art on four large 2.4m x 1.2m panels.

Check it out on Friday 9th March between 6pm – 8pm at Rocks Square, The Rocks.

On completion, the works will be displayed in the foyer of the Cleland Bond Building at 33 Playfair Street, The Rocks - before they are auctioned off by Bay East Auctions Head of Art, Anne Phillips on March 22 (6-9pm) – in Project Five’s fourth charity auction.

All proceeds from the auction go to charitable arts and media organization Information and Cultural Exchange (I.C.E), who run creative arts programs for Marginalized youth in Western Sydney.  The live art event runs from Friday March 9 6-9pm, across the weekend between 12-3pm.

Live Art and Music

9 March

Opening Night

6pm - 9pm

The Rocks Square, Playfair St, The Rocks

10-11 March

12 noon - 3pm

Engage with artists creating live street art, with Future Classic DJs on the turntables.

The Rocks Square, Playfair St, The Rocks

Artist Talks

12 March

11am - 12 noon

An opportunity to get up close and personal with Project Five artists who will discuss the state of street art in Australia, their bodies of work, and personal experiences working in Australia and overseas.

New artworks created as part of Project Five will also be on display at the Artist Talks event before they are sold on 22 March at a charity auction to raise funds for community arts group Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE), a leading supporter of emerging artists in greater Western Sydney.

Websites

Project Five — Volume4

http://www.project5.com.au/

The Rocks official website

http://www.therocks.com/

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

Cardinal Spin

http://www.cardinalspin.com.au/

Coca-Cola Australia Foundation funds innovative youth rehabilitation program

 

Creative arts used to inspire change in marginalised youth...

With help via $220,000 funding from the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation (CCAF), Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm (TCF) has expanded their Creative Arts Vocational Education (CAVE) program - a specialist youth rehabilitation and treatment initiative.

The financial support from CCAF to date has rapidly expanded the program, with funding providing new facilities and equipment as well as the employment and training of a full-time CAVE course coordinator. As a result, 156 students completed the program in 2011.

To celebrate the success of the program to date, CCAF advocate, Shannon Noll hosted youth involved in the CAVE program to a private session at the Australian Institute of Music– giving them a behind-the-scenes look into the music industry as well as treated them to a live performance.

Shannon Noll, describes the program and day with the kids as inspirational, commenting on its ability to inspire significant change for youth involved, "As a musician, I know how powerful the arts can be, and that is why I support the Coca-Cola Australia Foundation and Triple Care Farm in their effort to use creative arts as a tool to rehabilitate and inspire youth towards a better future".

• TCF is a unique and successful residential program for young people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness or acute behavioural problems. TCF covers 45 hectares of farmland in NSW's Southern Highlands and offers young people aged 16-24 the chance to develop emotionally, socially and vocationally in a safe and secure environment. 

• TCF’s experience shows that creative arts programs are an innovative and effective way of rehabilitating youth; as such, CAVE operates as an integrated aspect of their holistic residential rehabilitation and treatment program. 

• CAVE uses the creative arts - including music, visual art, drama and film production – as alternative forms of self expression and education for youth in the program. Further, it provides opportunities for students to increase confidence, employability as well as develop other skills they need to make a successful, and sustainable, reintegration into the community.

Nichole Sullivan, supervising psychologist of CAVE and spokesperson for TCF commented, "Involvement in the CAVE program has seen an increase in positive outcomes for our students across the board.

"Students who intensively participated in the CAVE program tend to have an increased length of stay at TCF, which means they are engaged longer and are therefore more likely to benefit from the other activities and treatments we offer.

"Hence, results for young people involved in the CAVE program indicate reductions in substance use and dependence and increased quality of life."

“We have also found that these students had better outcomes after leaving TCF, with a higher proportion involved in work or study, including three former students who are now directly employed in a music-related vocation.

Jim Bird, Chairman of CCAF, says "The Coca-Cola Australia Foundation is proud and delighted to support Triple Care Farm and the CAVE program. It is an admirable program, that we believe truly makes a difference to young people in their journey toward rehabilitation".

CCAF first supported TCF and CAVE in 2010 when it was a pilot, and since then has been the primary financial supporter of the program.

Websites

Coca-Cola Australia Foundation

http://www.coca-colaaustraliafoundation.com.au/

Mission Australia

http://www.missionaustralia.com.au/

Shannon Noll official website

http://www.shannonnoll.com.au/

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

http://www.hkstrategies.com.au/

Music News Australia

www.musicnewsaustralia.com

4th Tattoo & Body Art Expo starts tomorrow!

Websites

Human Statue Bodyart official website

Tattoo & Body Art Expo Sydney

4^th Tattoo & Body Art Expo starts tomorrow!

                                                                                                                                                    

Over 300 Australian and international artists will come together from tomorrow at the 4^th Annual Sydney Tattoo & Body Art Expo in Homebush to showcase their skills where they’ll tattoo, pierce and modify the brave.

DATES: Friday 9^th March - Saturday 10^th March 12pm – 10pm and Sunday 11^th March 11am-7pm.

VENUE: Sydney Showground, Halls 3 & 4 at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush

TICKETS: Can be purchased online at www.tattooexpo.com.au  starting from $25 for a single day pass if purchased prior ($30 at the door), $40 for two day pass ($45 at the door) and $50 for three day pass ($55 at the door). Children 12-16 tickets are $10 and children under 12 have free entry.

MORE INFO: www.tattooexpo.com.au

For more information and media passes please contact

Polkadot PR

Daniela Penno – Sophie Matovina (02) 9281 4190

daniela@polkadotpr.com.au – Sophie@polkadotpr.com.ar

MORE INFORMATION

Please check last year’s show below for your reference:

http://vimeo.com/user7135737/videos/sort:date

Please see below some key talents participating and let me know if you’re interested in organising interviews or receiving more information.

* International tattoo artist Nikko Hurtado from LA will be showcasing his talent in tattooing ultra-realistic portraits at this year’s expo. Nikko has made guest appearance on reality TV series, LA Ink and Tattoo Wars. He has his own studio, Black Anchor Collective in Southern California. Nikko will be at the expo as a special invited guest and is available for interviews during the expo.   http://www.nikkohurtado.com/index.php

* Snakecharmer choppers will be showcasing the $90,000 Ed Hardy Custom Chopper motorcycle. Owner and bike builder George has an inspiring story, an ex convict, he had a dream while in prison to be the best custom bike builder in Australia and has turned this dream into a reality. His display will also feature a replica of his prison cell as a message that ex-cons can make it good.

Sarah McLeod http://sarahmcleod.com.au/ and her band Screaming Bikini will be at the Harley-Davidson stand on Friday between 1pm and 2pm for a fan signing.

* Advanced Airbrush and FleshAir.TV will be at the event filming live the airbrushing of a nude model on booth #222 on either Friday or Saturday morning.

* Other special guests will include James Vaughn, one of the 12 artists participating in the New Reality TV Show in the USA, InkMaster, which will hit our screens later this year. He will be available for media interviews. Web details for the TV program are http://www.spike.com/shows/ink-master "meet the cast" button & go to James Vaughn.

* Bloodpainter Dr Rev will be painting with his blood at this year’s event. Dr Rev will be surgically attached to his airbrush and will paint some amazing artworks with his own blood. Dr Rev has a huge fan base and seems to attract a lot of media attention! More details please visit http://www.bloodpainter.org  

Kylie Minogue Mardi Gras Harbour Party

Kylie Minogue Mardi Gras Harbour Party, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Mardi Gras Sydney 2012; Kylie Minogue On Parade and After Party 2pm show

The weather in Sin City Sydney was wet, but spirits were sky high.

Expectations were high and this years Mardi Gras delivered.

The massive crowd was really well behaved and all of the police officers we encountered were very friendly and helpful.

Mardi Gras was broadcast worldwide via the internet (powered by Optus) for the virgin time, and about 300,000 spectators crowded along Oxford St and took in the almost 3-hour long show.

There was a wonderful spread of floats and all manner of glitter and sexy creations, with feathers boas, lots of colour, sequin and skin being all the rage.

It's understood that in excess of 9100 friendly folks marched to Taylor Square. Some of our favs included Marilyn look-a-likes, cheerleaders, butterflies and polished up police.

Dykes on Bikes and Love Muscle were both also very popular crowd pleasers.

We counted about 20 of the 120 floats promoting marriage equality, pushing this year's theme of "Infinite Love"

Many politicians got behind the cause, with Federal MPs Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek, and State MPs Carmel Tebbutt, Penny Sharpe and Linda Burney all marching in Rainbow Labor’s marriage equality float. State MP Bruce Notley-Smith, who also spoke at the media media conference was on the GLBTI Liberals float.

Many people feel that the amazing Kylie Minogue-themed float was the best. It was designed for Kylie to spec.

Kylie made her first appearance at the Sydney Mardi Gras since 1998.

Minogue, 43, said the event holds great memories for her having attended twice before.

"It’s such a great way to celebrate the relationship between the gay community and myself and everything we have been through together," she said.

"The city feels alive, it's something that is great for Sydney, great for Australia and I am so honoured to be a part of it.".

It was mainly Kylie that also drew a massive crowd to the party at Hordern Pavillion - Royal Hall of Industries - Moore Park.

News Updates...

Kylie Minogue news...

Yes, Kylie is returned to Mardi Gras Sydney tonight. Earlier in the day she put out to the universe: "Please dear, dear Sydney, just keep the rain away while we party, Kylie told Fairfax Media "A lot of effort is still going into the performance on Saturday night and, personally, I'm excited to see the parade and feel the spirit of the city, the spirit of the people and to be part of that is a beautiful thing." Her upcoming appearance at the Mardigrasland Party in the Entertainment Quarter is sold out. Its been 14 years since she graced Mardi Gras and said her 2012 return "just felt right". "It's hard to believe I've been in music for 25 years, and in showbiz even longer," she said. After Mardi Gras, she will present her music in a more stripped-back setting as part of the ongoing K25 celebrations.

Kylie! Australia's pop queen performed at the Mardi Gras party. It as a 20-minute medley of songs stretching from her first album to her most recent, Aphrodite. Minogue's song arrangements are completely tailor-made for the show which took place at the Royal Hall of Industries. Kylie's show began at 2pm, suggesting she's still quite the night owl and party animal. 16 amazing talented dancers supported the pop princess as she wowed the crowd.

Political and People Power outcomes on the way?...

Last year, Barry O'Farrell announced that he would allow a conscious vote for NSW Liberal members on the issue of gay marriage.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard allowed the same for her Labor Party members in 2011, resulting in the party voting in favour of the move.

Greens senator Sarah Hansen-Young, who confessed she was "not a virgin" of the Mardi Gras, said the parade was an opportunity to celebrate how far the Marriage Equality Campaign had come in parliament.

"We have several bills in parliament," she said.

"Tony Abbott now has to step out of the way and let his party catch up with the people."

The parade is an annual event by the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which aims to raise the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex communities.

Ms Hansen-Young advised the Mardi Gras was an important event not just for those involved but for the nation.

"It (the parade) has grown to the point where it's not just the Sydney community but the whole Australian community saying yes, let's celebrate diversity," she said.

Well done to everyone involved in the preparation of Sydney Mardi Gras.

Websites

Mardi Gras
www.mardigras.org.au

Mardi Gras TV
www.mardigrastv.org.au

Kylie Minogue official website
www.kylie.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Eva Rinaldi Photography
www.evarinaldi.com

Music News Australia
www.musicnewsaustralia.com