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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Painting Gentle, Hopeful Utopias With Louise Tate

Seldom do we see themes of harmony and hope tangled up in the art of today. In a world filled with anxiety, busy-ness, fear and darkness, art feels increasingly like a space of political resistance. But what about the more gentle emotions? In such a bleak climate, can bursts of care and optimism be radical acts?

Inspired by a childhood in Mullumbimby charged with imagination, innocence and play, Melbourne artist Louise Tate paints gentle utopias that act as a refuge from our current world. Her bright and balanced canvases depict a universe where human life and the natural world happily co-exist, and where softness and slowness are valued.

Erica Wagner and Craig Smith – The Design Files | Australia's most popular design blog.

The West Brunswick garden of children’s book Illustrator Craig Smith, and artist / publisher Erica Wagner is a lush suburban oasis.  

Abundant with native plantings and fresh veggies, the backyard also houses two art studios, used by both Erica and Craig in their respective creative fields. The pair have been here 15 years!

Our gardens columnist, Georgina Reid of The Planthunter gives us the full story.

Your Secret to Burning More Calories at Rest

With all the effort we put into our workouts, it would be great if we could also burn extra calories while at rest, too. That’s where something called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or

Vanilla Ice Cream Sundaes with Salted Caramel Sauce and Cacao Nib Cookie Crumb – The Design Files | Australia's most popular design blog.

FOODVanilla Ice Cream Sundaes with Salted Caramel Sauce and Cacao Nib Cookie Crumb - The Design Files | Australia's most popular design blog.

OK people.  IF YOU TRY ONE RECIPE THIS MONTH let this be it.  For the love of chocolate. I taste tested each and every recipe with Jade as she prepared her delicious chocolatey treats during our shoot… and these sensational mini ice cream sundaes with salted caramel sauce and cacao nib cookie crumb were HANDS DOWN my absolute FAVE.  Originally devised as a quick treat for her staff on a hot day in the kitchen, and served simply in latte glasses, these delicious cups of sweet, salty, crunchy goodness are simply outstanding.  The cacao nib crumb provides the perfect bitter chocolate crunch and, well, the appeal of homemade salted caramel sauce really needs no explanation. – Lucy

Cacao Nib Cookie Crumb ingredients.  Recipe and food by Jade Bentley of Monsieur Truffe, Photo – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.


Mini Vanilla Ice Cream Sundaes with Salted Caramel Sauce and Cacao Nib Cookie Crumb.  Recipe and food by Jade Bentley of Monsieur Truffe, Photo – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.


Ice Cream Sundaes components ready to compile! Salted Caramel Sauce and Cacao Nib Cookie Crumb.  Recipe and food by Jade Bentley of Monsieur Truffe, Photo – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.


Fresh cacao nibs from Monsieur Truffe, Photo – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.


Jade and her assistant Claire find a moment to indulge in Jade’s amazing ice cream sundaes inbetween shifts in the Monsieur Truffe chocolate kitchen!  Photo – Sean Fennessy, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

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