Here you can see some of the lovely mosaic, glass on glass, spinners that Catherine makes. I love how they brighten up her studio, and garden.
We had a super lovely group of people for the workshop. Several of them had extensive experience with stained glass, 2 of them being instructors at the Brisbane glass guild. Everyone did great work, while enjoying themselves and helping each other. 
On the second morning we all met before the workshop at a local gem and stone shop. AMAZING.....
 For a special treat, on my final day, I took Catherine for her first ever reflexology session. I love having a foot massage, especially after being on my feet for days, teaching and touring. Ahhhhhh! And finally, A mandatory excursion to visit the Koala sanctuary..... pretty much impossible to spot them in the wild. Australia has so much cool wild life! 
 Farewell Brisbane - It's been fabulous!
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 Right off the bat, I managed to lose my glasses. Bifocals. I realized this as we were driving from the airport to my host's home. I'd dropped them in the airport when I put on my sunglasses to walk outside. I can picture exactly where & when it happened.... but, try as I may, with many calls to the airport and airlines, they were never recovered. Consequently, a visit to the opthomologist who was very accommodating and made me a quick pair of distance glasses. Fortunately I brought along my prescription reading glasses. So, I'll just have to get used to juggling 3 pairs of glasses, for the remainder of my time in Australia! My first full day, I spent enjoying Brisbane's riverwalk. It's a really beautiful city, with a lovely manicured park, with an urban beach at its core....
Of course, I was delighted to find several mosaics along the pathway.
 These strange looking birds were everywhere. Apparently they're quite annoying, noisy and dirty. Just a couple of the names I heard locals call them, bin chickens or tip chooks. If you want to know more, check out this song/video! At the end of the river walk are the Art and Natural history museums. Both excellent. Just a few pics of exhibits, art and nature that made an impression.
 This is where I stayed while in Perth! It was amazing for me to stay in this idyllic and beautiful location, with a view of the Indian Ocean. The little blue building on the right is Pat's mosaic studio.  Pat & Horst, were my incredible hosts! They were so generous, kind, and knowledgable. Horst, being a professional chef, made sure I didn't go hungry! He cooked many a fine meal, presented on carefully arranged plates. (I can't believe I didn't take any photos of his beautiful & delicious food!) Speaking of plates... Here's Pat collecting goodies for my picassiette portraiture workshop. Thrift store shoppers of the world unite!
 Another amazing person who was instrumental in getting me to Perth, is Dorothy. I so loved having time to get to know her. Both Dorothy and Pat are active with MAANZ, the Australia/New Zealand mosaic community.  The Art Supply store where my workshop was held, was aptly named Friendz. And, to my great surprise, located on Pensacola St! Hey! That's where I live!  Inside, the workshop begins, with everyone drawing. It was a wonderful 3 days. The room was soon full of laughs and learning as everyone worked diligently on creating thier portraits, over the next 3 days.  I just love the diversity of their work and all their smiling faces! 
My Australia Adventures begins - A late start!My first flight, out of my home airport, was delayed. I finally arrived in Dallas as my flight to Sydney was taking off. 24 hours wait until the next flight!
 Back at the Dallas airport, I was happy to have a bit of time to check out the mosaics in the International terminal, as I waited for my flight.
 & finally.....in the sky.... headed Down Under!  |
ArtistGila Rayberg 
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