Tarn McLean and Ocre Designs

Paddington Pop Up Shop Installed

2012-02-23T01:42:00.012-08:00

I was so excited to help the girls install the 3 metre drop today that I forgot about the other things they had of mine that they took from my showroom. It all looks fantastic and I hope the girls have a great week. They are so clever and I love seeing my stock amongst other labels. How exciting and thank you Bella and Yas for having me. If you don't make it to Paddington in the next week to see what they've done, then I hope you enjoy the shots as much as I do. tx

Installation Day at Paddington

2012-02-22T15:12:00.003-08:00

Ocre showing in Paddington Brisbane

2012-02-20T17:22:00.001-08:00

Only three more sleeps and the Pop Up shop in Paddington will be under way. I have been working on the window display and will be installing Thursday night for Friday's opening.

Excited. tx

First order completed

2012-02-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is a 4.5 metre order of Desert Rose I have finished. I bought it all back to my studio before sending it to be heat pressed and took a second look. I'm so proud of it and can't believe I made it. It looks so professional, which is what I guess I am now! Excited. tx

Dr Irene Amos

2012-02-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Today I received news that my first ever artistic mentor Dr Irene Amos passed away. I so often think of her when making work and the times I went to summer schools and work shops with her along with her dedicated students. She loved her students and some of them she called her own. She taught me to express my true self through my work. Irene was loud, dominating, foucused, dedicated, loyal, scarey, courageous, sensitive, honest and above all unforgettable. Thank you Irene. Tarn x

The two images are from babco-op.blogspot and aasd.com.au

Ocre and Isobella Barber Interiors

2012-02-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Towards the end of February two interior designers, and friends, from Toowoomba Isobella Barber and Yasmin Dight from Isobella Barber Interiors will be installing a Pop Up shop in Paddington, Brisbane for a week. They want to take just about everything from the Ocre Showroom/Studio and put it in their shop. I am going to hand paint 3 metres of upholstery fabric for the window, it's a surprise for now of what I will paint, but I'll post up the images of the shop before they move in. Excited. tx

Morning Glory and Waterlily Sample Box

2012-01-30T22:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the box with the samples of the Morning Glory and Waterlily design which has landed in Sydney to be shown off to some distributors. It's kind of my sample box for future sample boxes, or should I say 'Treasure Box'. tx

Ocre Textile Samples off to Sydney

2012-01-29T09:14:00.001-08:00

This last week (and month) I have been putting together a small collection of hand painted as well as hand printed textiles in the Morning Glory and Water Lily design to go to a distributor in Sydney. I wanted to create a small collection of samples in a range of colours that are diverse and easy to work with, from bold and colourful to more subtle colours. Mum helped me with sewing the edges to make them neat and tidy and in the morning I will have them heat pressed. My Printmaking lecturer from University put me on to a wonderful German man who's trade is traditional book binding. He has been kind enough, over the weekend, to make me a box to put the samples in. I pick it up later tomorrow and am so excited to see it all come together. For future collections my girlfriend Emma Mactaggart has decided I should call the boxes Treasure Boxes. tx

le minor French Textiles

2012-01-25T02:17:00.000-08:00

Spending time organising a sample book to go off to Sydney to a textile distributor. (I'm thinking if I went back to the beginning of this blog and then re read what I just wrote that I should be saying 'Cheers Tarn') Anyhow it means time in the textile studio as well as hours working out the technical side of how I fill potential orders. This is what January has meant for me with no beach or sun or surf!! First time ever, but I have to say I have never been more content. I also have to say that when I have the ball rolling I am plonking my family in the car and heading! I'll post up an image of the first sample book to go off interstate by Monday but until then here is a web site I came accross of a French company, established in 1936 who specialise in traditional folk textiles. I love that they have stuck to their tradition and come back to ground routes on which the company was established. Maybe Ocre Designs will be still be telling its tale in 80 years time. Check them out. tx http://www.leminorboutique.com/

Beth Orton Matisse Yayoi Kusama Dinosaur Designs GOMA

2012-01-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the week my brother Richard took me to Brisbane to see GOMA's exhibtions for its fifth year celebration as well as to see and hear Beth Orton sing at the Old Museum. The Matisse exhibition 'Drawing Life' was a reminder to keep making marks on a regular basis. I have no idea how may works on paper there were but his life's journey was on full and magnificent display. My favourite was the end room which was colour filled with screen prints taken from cut outs and collages. Intrigued and inspired. It's worth the visit from wherever you are and don't miss the Dinosaur Design plates at the entrance, especially made for GOMA's Anniversary as well as Yayoi Kusama's interactive installations. tx P.S Beth, Thankyou.

Adam Moser at RAYGUN

2012-01-18T23:27:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night Ali and I were lucky enough to have US artist Adam Moser's opening at RAYGUN. While Adam didn't come over to Toowoomba for the exhibition, he sent over some photographs of his uncle's time spent in Australia that his 92 year old Grandmother has treasured and looked at over the years.

He requested that the images be displayed around the walls for the visitors to look at and interpret. There was a table in the middle of the back room where people could write his Grandmother a hand written letter after reflection of the images. We put reply paid stamps in the envelopes incase she would like to reply. The idea was really well recieved with a beautiful nostalgic atmosphere filling the space. I think over ten letters were written and Ali will be sending them to her, a few at a time over the next week or so. A video of the night has been downloaded on the site at http://www.raygunlab.com/ and we are looking to stream/skype and record a session with Adam in the next week or so. tx

Bush Tukka

2011-12-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned in previous posts my brother Richard is a chef and loves to specialise in Bush Tukka. This year he has had some generous clients who gave him creative freedom to present exciting menus. I recently helped him at an event where he served Escargo and Truffle balls, where the snail has had a diet of truffle mushrooms for its last 24 hours. Barramundi Fish served with Bush Lime Aeoli. Baoab Tree Nut and Pickled Ginger Nori and Pan Fried Kangaroo marinated in Pepper Berry and Rye Berry. I took a photo of Richard in action but in the near future I'll upload some professional food shots of the creative plates he served up at a different event which was a Ball consisting of 260 people. After my trip to the Australian Outback earlier this year with him as well as working with him at these special events, his passion for Bush Tukka has inspired me to make my own design. It's pictured above and has Baoab Flower, Rosella and Rosella Flower, Bush Tomato and Bush Grapes. The work needs some tweeking still and I am hoping to do something exciting with it in the near future which I will share with you soon, but for now I thought I'd upload my work in progress and rough draft and show how I work in preparation to a new design. I call this method of working my own version of Photoshop. I have a Mac Pro and full photoshop suite on my wish list for 2012, but until then its lead pencil and paint. tx

Christmas at Ocre and Piet Hein Eek

2011-12-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

While I'm posting a Christmas wish to my Ocre Design followers I won't be far away from my studio or updating blogs. A mixture of excitement for things to come as well as the momentum Ocre is creating at the moment will keep me near the studio and adding to my posts. Through my art gallery RAYGUN which I run with friend Ali Lawson I have learnt how exciting it is to create a space to share where things happen by chance and with passion. These are the things I have enjoyed most about my move in 2011 from one studio to the other. Both have allowed me to take new steps and remain open to change and growth. I have just come accross Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek who has also recently moved studio/showroom, and while he has done it on a larger scale (with 70 staff) I enjoy his simple take on it - where he has created a space where things happen and people meet. Happy Christmas and New Year friends and followers and thank you for your support in 2o11. http://www.pietheineek.nl/

Ocre Designs now selling in Edinburgh

2011-12-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

My beautiful girlfriend Nikki Kent, came out to visit her Toowoomba friends during the year from Edinburgh and decided to take home some Ocre Designs Eagle clutches. She now has them stocked in her beautifully Scottish Goodstead Shop. I woke this morning to find she had commented on my new web site on facebook. I love that we can all support each other in this cyber way. And while Im on this topic I have to admit I only discovered last night (thanks to my technologicaly savvy 14 year old son) that people have been leaving lovely and supportive comments on this blog. Thank you so much everyone and please know that I will be endeavouring as soon as possible to respond and recognise. Check them out http://www.goodstead.co.uk/

Spina Design

2011-11-30T20:07:00.000-08:00

I can't stop thinking about these two British designers of Bespoke tie backs who are featured in the latest Australian Vogue Living. It's the ten years of craftsmanship and dedication to their craft/art that has resulted in them making exquisite pieces of art for the home. They make all of their works from home and by hand as well as sell to clients all over the world. Truley inspirational for my own practice of hand painting homewares in my studio/showroom. Check them out. tx

http://www.spinadesign.co.uk/

Ocre Web Site launch today with Homewares Page

2011-11-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

Im so excited. Today the new Summer Edition of Highlife Downs Living came out with images of the new studio/showroom as well as pictures in the social pages from the opening night. Also today the updated Ocre Designs web site is up with the new Homewares page. Its taken a while but well worth the wait. tx http://www.ocredesigns.com/

P.S I'd love any feedback on the web site. All suggestions are welcome on how to make shopping and browsing a beautiful thing. x

Sample Books

2011-11-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here is the first sample book for Ocre. My girlfriend Emma Mactaggart suggested I bind it with something different like aluminium instead of the usual covered cardboard. Oz Autoquip in Toowoomba make truck bullbars and nudge bars out of Aluminium so I headed out that way and the job was given to the very talented Will. I sent through a sketch of what I wanted (his craftsmanship leaves my sketch to shame) and this is what he came up with. Im thinking our local engraver in Grand Central shopping centre has finished the job off beautifully. Excited! tx

Studio/Showroom for the Launch of Ocre Homewares

2011-11-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some room shots before the opening. tx

Social Shots of the Launch

2011-11-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

And I have to thank Anthea Gwynne for the playlist, Ali Lawson for taking care of sales and keeping the bubbles flowing, Stephen Spurrier for his beautiful speech and Mum for .......... being mum. love love. txx

Nerida Tupas for Ocre Launch

2011-11-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

Wow what a night. It was such fun and thank you so much to everyone who came and celebrated the launch of Ocre Homewares. Before I set about getting Ocre Homewares out into the world, here are some amazing photos taken by Nerida Tupas of Ruby Red Photography. Thank you Nerida and thank you friends and family. My feet still arent touching the ground. txx

Ocre Homewares Launch Tomorrow

2011-11-09T01:51:00.000-08:00

Its here. The launch of Ocre homewares tomorrow at 5.30. Upstairs 245 Margaret Street Toowoomba. Very excited. PS this is the chair..... after. Tx

Launch week for Ocre homewares

2011-11-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

Made it. The count down is on for the Ocre Launch this Thursday. The studio/showroom looks as if its been turned upside down. Thank goodness for mum who has been doing the late nights with me, ploughing away on the sewing machine making cushion covers and table runners. I have finished painting as much as I can so everything gets taken to be heat pressed in the morning. Then the last of the sewing, cleaning the space, setting it up as a show room and pulling it all together with the help from some clever girlfriends who work in retail. Not sure if its sunk in what I'm doing really - Delirious. tx

Little Black Chair

2011-10-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for some furniture to reupholster with my fabrics to help fill the showroom at the Ocre homewares launch. My mum found this gorgeous little chair last week. I invisaged painting the old timber a shiny black and having a smart fabric in pinks and black. This is the work so far. I got the black part right, now fingers crossed once the fabric goes on it will look how I imagine. tx

Exhibition at Feather and Lawry

2011-10-24T18:20:00.001-07:00

This Friday night is the opening of an exhibition I'm in at interior design space Feather and Lawry. They have included some furniture from Space Furniture in Brisbane and mixed the pieces up with some paintings from Toowoomba artists. I checked in this morning and took some shots. 4 Russell Street Toowoomba starting at 5.30 if you're in town. Should be fun. tx

October in the Studio

2011-10-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

Organised chaos in the studio now. Lucky to have just completed an order of 6 large scatter cushions and other bits to match which are at upholsterers so will upload images of them when completed. The client has bought a new lounge suite so the scatter cusions are for that and the other pieces are to cover some furniture in her bedroom. It looks fantastic so far and I cant wait to see it in the space. Nothing like custom made. Now that's completed I'm making as much as I can for the Homewares Launch date. Yes its official there is now a date marked for the doors of the Ocre Studio/Showroom........ I'm hoping to have as many things in the space as I can from screen printed tea towels to hand painted table cloths and hand painted upholstered furniture. A busy time but Im loving it. The date will be early December so will keep you posted once details are finalised. Til then just studio shots of all the random things I'm making...... tx

Art Monthy Australia September 2011 Issue

2011-09-09T00:24:00.000-07:00

This week was slow in the studio as I was out of town for most of it, but I still have some exciting news to share. My work that was in the Brisbane show Interscapes at Jugglers art space in June was reviewed and given a full page spread in the September issue of Art Monthly Australia. Im so excited and thankful to Louise Martin-Chew for writing such a generous review. Also the one and only beautiful Ashleigh Bunter for curating and of course Peter Breen for allowing us to exhibit in his space - Thank you. The magazine is out now with Margaret Olley on the cover. I'm humbled. tx

2011-09-03T00:16:00.001-07:00

Also last week RAYGUN had another opening for the month of September with US based Video Artist and Photography Sarah Martin showing. Check it out at http://www.raygunlab.com/ tx

Waiting for Stock

2011-09-02T23:46:00.001-07:00

Summer holidays are over in Europe now so hopefully my stock, such as linen tea towels, napkins and tablecloths, as well as upholstery fabric arrive very soon. I really am looking forward to having an opening in the studio with lots of stock and showing friends and family what Ive been up to. In the mean time I've decided to make one off pieces most days. This last week I made a new cushion cover and am just finishing off a new lamp shade cover. My art practice will have to happen back at the home studio. tx

Stuff in the studio

2011-09-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

So this last week we put up some shelves in the studio. I like the idea of hanging them Salon style like a wall full of paintings where on them I can keeping things moving with different stuff that I make. For now I have placed whats left of my handbags and coin purses, as well as 2 cushions I have made. tx

First Week of Spring

2011-09-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

Spring - Its here and Toowoomba is loving it. Carnival of Flowers is underway and the whole place is blossoming. I went to mum's garden this morning which is 4 acres of native Australian flowers and took some photos. Think I'll use the exquisit Pandorea (first image) as my next design for fabric and will have to have a look through Adams botanical watercolours to see if he painted it also. tx

Dumbo Feather and TED

2011-08-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

One of the things that's been really good about moving studio into the CBD. apart from the coffee, is the access to new stuff, people, and overall information. I'm lucky enough to be situated directly over a newsagencie that stocks good Art Magazines, and one that's caught my eye and now addicted to is Dumbo Feahter. Its motto is 'behind extraordinary ideas, there are extraordinary people'. Check out the article on Chris Anderson the curator of TED. http://www.blog.ted.com/

Inside Ocre Studio / Showroom

2011-08-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Its done! well enough to start focusing on production anyway. The Wallpaper is finished, all hand painted and Im glad its done. I came up with 2 new botanical designs from Adams watercolours - the blue Sturt Desert Rose and the neutral Kurrajong. The other designs are random and I love it all mushed together as a sample wall. I asked my daughter which one she wanted on her bedroom wall and she said all of them!! Hopefully she'll be happy with Moshie Monster posters just for now. My beautiful friend Cindy came to take photos of the space this morning and I'll be updating the Homewares section of the Ocre Designs web site and looking for editorials so I can start getting Ocre out into people's homes soon. Until then here are some shots I took. Enjoy tx

Ocre Studio - Wallpaper going up

2011-08-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

Day three in the new Ocre Studio/Showroom and have decided to get started on the showroom side of things. I'll paint five drops of hand painted 'wallpaper'. A showcase of samples, some in coloured stripes etc, and some in botanical flowers. tx

RAYGUN's first editorial

2011-08-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from the uni that RAYGUN has an online editorial today. Our first. The picture is with Ali Lawson, my co director and artsit in residence from Greensboro, North Carolina - Sam Peck. Exciting. tx http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2011/08/08/raygun-blasts-toowoomba/

2011-08-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Looking at US artist Rex Ray at the moment. He shows around the states as well as is a graphic designer doing works for Apple, Dreamworks, Sony Music, Rolling Stones, Bjork, U2 and more. check him out. www.rexray.com tx

New Studio 245 Margaret Street Toowoomba

2011-08-07T01:39:00.000-07:00

So Ocre is in its new residence. Room number 2, upstairs above the newsagencie. The views are fantastic and there's a great feeling of space with heaps of light from the south as well as high ceilings and honey coloured floor boards. Thanks Ray for the beautiful finish to the floor. I thought today would be a good day to take a photo of it as it looks so pristine and probably not how a studio/showroom will be looking all the time. Tomorrow is day one. The plans are to turn it into a working studio as well as a showroom with samples of handpainted wallpaper, cushion covers, tea towels, table cloths and metres of fabric for upholstery and curtains. Once its looking full and abundant with Botanical floral designs everywhere I'll endevour to have it placed in a magazine editorial. It's coming together. Thank you beautiful friends for regularly keeping up with the blog and the journey I've made with Ocre and to those who've supported me through various purchases as well as feedback on direction over cups of tea and glasses of champagne. And before you ask, yes there will be more handbags! Little bit excited. tx

Ocre's First Linen Tea Towels

2011-08-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

So while the photos are amateur, I wanted to share the images of my first batch of screen printed linen tea towels for Ocre Homewares. A friend mentioned I start making tea towels so people could easily access and buy a piece of Ocre - thanks Susie. I'm really happy with them. I've used Adam's Lily and Flannel Flower from his collection of Botanical water colours. Also I've decided to number them all, (after another girlfriend insisted! happy to do it Em) so will keep going with some more colours and have them ready to start filling the new studio. The other design is the Sturt Desert Rose. Will put up images as soon as I have screen printed them. tx

Tonita at Air Hair

2011-08-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Of all the creative things going on around me i think of the most obvious mediums of art fall into the categories of visual, multi media, design (Ocre - accessories, homewares) architecture, music and theatre. Over the years I've watched my brother Richard cook out of Phat Burgers for his catering business Etiquette and I have no doubt his food presentation and preparation strongly supports and is a part of the list of art mediums. I'll put some images up soon of his work but in the mean time I've witnessed a new medium after seeing my gorgeous hairdressers work, Tonita from Air Hair, for a photo shoot. She used her grand mothers fur vest/jacket, her own belt and clothes from Smoke and Mirrors (Previous Blog), and combined the look with her creative hairdressing skills. I'm not sure if you call this hair dressing, I think I'll name it Hair Art. Love. tx

2011-08-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

We had our first solo show at RAYGUN with printmaker Sam Peck showing as the gallery resident from Greensborough University, North Carolina. A great night and excellent exhibition. His various projects continue througout August until he returns to the States. One is where he sets up a table on the sidewalk and draws, encouraging passers by to draw with him. The idea behind this is to allow people who are busy doing their daily activities to stop for a couple of moments and refelct through the simple process of drawing. There's also his Dish Wash project continuing where he takes a photo from the same perspective of the dishes in the drainer after he's washed them everyday. Kind of like building/architecture, but with the everyday environment. Check it out and the opening night pics. http://www.raygunlab.com/ Our next show is the first Thursday of September with Video Artist Sarah Martin. This is fun. tx

RAYGUN

2011-07-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

So the last week has been busy getting ready for and having the opening night at our new art space RAYGUN in the form of a fundraiser. We had a great night and sold most of the works. The opening show was called 'These are not the droids you're looking for'. The images of the night and all the info on the space can be checked out at http://www.raygunlab.com/

The walls at the new Ocre showroom/studio are all painted now with the floors starting first thing tomorrow morning. They are beautiful hoop pine floor boards and im pretty excited to see it all finished. Will share images and progress as soon as I start moving in. Until then check out RAYGUN. Ali and I are very excited. tx

Home studio

2011-07-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

So the in between space is still the home office and now the home organised disaster zone. This last week I kept my sanity by finishing off this fabric which is Adam's Wattle, Desert Rose and Darling Wattle and will be upholstered on to a Louis chair with the stripe on the back. It should be ready in time for the new studio/showroom and have uploaded a before shot for you (second pic). Hopefully the floors get sanded tomorrow week. Today in the home office I started screen printing linen table cloths with Flannel Flower and Bush Lily which I'll upload tomorrow. Also last week Ali and I finished painting and preparing our new gallery RAYGUN which opens this Thursday night in down town Toowoomba. Check it out. http://www.raygunlab.com/ tx

In Between Spaces

2011-07-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

In between studios and working from home until my new studio is painted and floors polished. Also on the list of things to do is paint and polish the floors of our new Gallery RAYGUN so things are a little busy. Long nights painting this fabric so I can re upholster a chair for my new Ocre studio/showroom. A little bit squashed in here at home but still inspired. I just blogged on the Raygunlab site about Austrian architect and fabric designer Josef Frank c 1885-1967 who I think is a genius. Check him out. tx www.justscandinavian.com

2011-07-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press in down town Toowoomba, another artist Ali Lawson and myself have started up a new gallery. Its called RAYGUN and is sponsored by the University of Southern Queensland. Our limited reseach finds no other University in Australia doing the same other than RMIT's Spare Room (in a kind of a way). They sponsor and we live out our global vision of combining how 2 artists perceive Music, Theatre, Visual Arts and Multimedia in a bazaar place called Toowoomba in a far away country called Australia. We are excited. Hope you enjoy the journey as much as we are about to. Tx

About RAYGUN;

RAYGUN is a new non-profit project space located in the CBD of Toowoomba, Australia. RAYGUN focuses on developing a platform which fosters both individual and collective practices while creating a culture for new and challenging work from local, national and international artists.

RAYGUN functions as the extension of the way we (Ali and myself) perceive and are invigorated by culture and dialogue. The project is a transistor through which a fertile dialogue will result in exhibition,open engagement, and public contribution.

Raygunlab is an online extension of the project gallery which functions as a medium in the form of an online visual laboratory. This laboratory is continually updated and developed with writings, articles, blogs, images, artwork, muscic and videos which are focused around performative, experiential, conceptual and visual artworks and any other exciting anything.

RAYGUN is sponsored by the University of Southern Queensland's School of Creative Arts - SOCA http://www.raygunlab.com/

Our opening show 'THESE ARE NOT THE DROIDS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR' is on July 28th. tx

2011-07-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about what it is to be an Australian painter, and thinking about the culture of the Australian Landscape Painting thats been with us since we arrived here way back when.... and then thinking also about what it means to be a painter in a climate of mass information and contemporary artists making installation as well as conceptual art. It's interesting how we see our landscapes through google earth and wikimapia as well as a consistant inflow of digital information daily. So these things need to be acknowledged as a painter, even though I'm heading towards video work, and I've chosen to continue exploring the idea of Topography/landscape and digital manipulation combined with traditional application of paint. I'm calling it New Australian Landscape - Topography #7, and entering it into a landscape painting prize. Hope you like. Tx

2011-06-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ocre is steadily creating pace with more samples in production now in the home office by the fire. Art practice is coming along also with a painting half done (also by the fire) hopefully in time for the Fleurieu Art Prize to be sent in August. Have just sent one down to Mosman in Sydney also. While things are plodding along and also in the pipeline here's a link to my girlfriend Emma Mactaggarts web site who is an amazing author, inspiration and friend. http://www.boogiebooks.com.au/ Besides publishing and writing books the most amazing thing she is doing is attending schools and doing workshops with children to write and illustrate their own books. Kind of like childrens books for children. I worked along side her last year at a local school and was lucky enough to share with the children my knowledge of colour and paint application for their illustrations. I've lost count of how many children's books she's published and in turn how many children have been empowered by her, but thought I'd share another amazing artist with you. tx

2011-06-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

We went down to Brisbane last week and called into the Jephson Hotel in Toowong to see how the paintings look in the space............ and this is what we saw. I'm really happy with the works so far and keen to make some more, complete the hotel, have some professional photos taken and go and stay there with family and friends. Hope you enjoy. tx

2011-06-08T20:33:00.001-07:00

Just recently I was approached by Elysha Gould, gallery owner from made. in Toowoomba asking if I'd like to join some other artists in participating in a show that revealed the artist in their studio, a page description about our spaces and a work. The other artists exhibited were Damien Kamholtz, Catherine Parker, Alison Mooney and Chantel Scott. Elysha and her partner Alex visited my studio, took some shots and this is what they compiled. tx

The Studio Project was borne out of the desire to explore the working spaces of Toowoomba artists. Five artists have kindly opened up their studios for documentation, offering a rare insight behind the scenes of a practicing artist.

Each productive pocket of space boasts an eclectic array of art materials, and supplies as well as collections of pictures, photos and knick-knacks, that inspire ideas and provoke memories. Older works hang beside new plans for future works, with each item on display creating a visual dialogue for the artist.

Each artist has twelve photos of their studio on display, allowing the viewer to see intimate snippets of these working spaces that reveal the artistic and personal areas where creativity is nurtured and developed. - Elysha Gould.

2011-06-07T19:52:00.001-07:00

Just went on to a friends web site who i went through USQ with and showed at Jugglers with, Cara Ann Simpson, and checked out her latest project - Geodesic Sound Helmets. Her work is about sound and if you're interested in seeing her work you should check this out. http://www.caraannsimpson.com/. Such an inspirational artist. tx

2011-06-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for inspiration for fabric colours. I've got this fantastic book which has the Schumaker fabric in it that I cant stop looking at. Might see what I can do with the Waratah/Kurrajong. At the moment I'm painting it in dark, dusty navy blue. Suits the cold weather here in Toowoomba! tx

2011-06-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

Back in to Ocre for a little while now Jugglers is past. I'd like to finish off my first 2 books of fabric samples. So the first is pictured here, (along with Sophie our four legged baby), Adams Waterlilly and Morning Glory, in Ocre Black, I also have the Multicolour and Ocre Red as shown in previous post. All are completed and i just had a stripe moment. A friend suggested I concentrate on the Botanical flowers for starters which is a good idea and looking at the pages this morning I thought it would make sense to offer a stripe to compliment a room, just like balancing the surface of a canvas. So about to start on the second book which is a toss up between Sturt Desert Pea/ Desert Rose and the Waratah/Kurrajong.

My brother just phoned and voted the Waratah and Kurrajong. Must be the New South Welshness (sp) coming out in us. tx

2011-06-02T20:10:00.000-07:00

About to head back to Jugglers for the closing night of our show. That means its the last night my window/wall work will be in existance so here's a shot of it to say farewell. tx

2011-05-30T23:22:00.001-07:00

Jondy just picked up the latest copy of the June edition of Country Style for me. A nice little write up about Adams botanicals published by Christobel Mattingly on page 131. (Hopefully soon my fabric will be on page number........) "From his 900 drawings of Austalian wildflowers the National Library of Australia has selected and handsomely displayed 90 items, every one of them an ode to tranquility". tx

2011-05-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

By the way this is a close up of the work on canvas in the show. I'll get some shots of the video installation and the window/wall work on Brusnwick Street tomorrow night. tx

2011-05-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

The storm of the InterScapes exhibition has calmed down but the show is still up and this is its last week. Looking forward to having another look tomorrow and fingers crossed we can get some kind of review but will keep you posted. Back at the studio making the sample book for Ocre Homewares. Two pages finished being the Morning Glory and Waterlilly design in two different colours. I'm thinking at this stage I'll make one book full of different designs but all monochromes and the other book multi coloured including stripes. Really liking the work so far and hoping to have it ready to take to interior designers mid winter, ready for Spring. Still using Adam's botanical flowers for inspiration, both the old book as well as the new which apparently is advertised as a must read in the June Country Style Magazine. Will show the work so far, note the amazing table custom made to hand paint the linen on, made by

my husband Jondy. Lucky me! tx

2011-05-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

So its the night after the show and it was amazing. We had amazing art, amazing music and amazing company. I'm thinking all round it was amazing and at this stage and due to lack of sleep I should just be posting you some images of the night, including the album cover of one of the groups who played, Inland Sea, and let you be the judge. It's been fun sharing the journey with you. Thanks for watching. night. tx

2011-05-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is it. The morning of the show and I have to say it looks amazing. A few household jobs to do and we press play. A little on the busy side so will fill todays blog with images for you. tx

2011-05-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Last night after uploading photos of the work in progress at the gallery I wondered briefly what photos of the art works in their final stages I would be blogging for you tonight. Well this is the sight I woke up to just now and I'm thinking if I dont get round to blogging anything else today it wouldnt really matter! Some things just have to be shared. tx

2011-05-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a long but productive day at Jugglers Art Space with another artist Faharna Ahad and myself putting up wall paintings and Ashleigh organising the finishing touches on the essay for the show. I'll post up images as the week takes shape but for now here are some work in progress shots. tx

2011-05-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

....and finally here is the sneak peak of Jugglers Art Space before the show. It will be good to meet the other artists I havent met yet and of course catch up with the ones I know. Just to fill you in the show is being curated by a friend and emerging curator Ashleigh Bunter http://www.abunterprojects.com/ . Its all about digital technology and how the group of artists showing on Friday night have embraced varying forms of it and applied it within their works. This is going to be a fun week and very inspiring to be around such creative people. To top the night off Ash has even organised for emerging musicians (The Peel Street Band and Inland Sea) to perform out the back of the space at the opening. Little bit excited. tx

2011-05-16T23:17:00.001-07:00

......and the other gap to fill you in on is the painting that I sent down to Goondiwindi Art Show did really well. Edwina Corlette from New Farm in Brisbane judged the show and awarded my work 1st prize in the emerging artist section. This is a very welcome prize and I'm happy to share the news. Finally the hard work spent in the studio and doing Honours last year is paying off. tx

2011-05-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd go back a bit and fill you in on some gaps.......... while I was on the plane to Uluru I did some writing in my visual diary (the wine was consumed for prevention of dehydration that may have occured in the desert), and documented that I need to leave Toowoomba a bit more often for some inspiration. Well here I am in Brisbane for the week preparing for my exhibition on Friday night at Jugglers Art Space in the Valley, staying in my girlfriends (and her gorgeous husband's) unit. There's still a bit more painting to be done on the canvas and then this week install a video installation and paint the gallery window and interior wall. Thought I'd give you some sneek peeks of the before....... and of course later in the week, the after. tx

2011-04-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Back from the outback with my brother and I have to say to you all that if you havent already done the centre then its a must. I'm so pleased I did it, for reasons that vary such as the colour, the space, the cultural history and the stars, but lots more as well. We were in great company and cant wait to take my family there. We went to Papunya where some Aboriginal ladies were making works for an upcoming show in Melbourne. So inspired and have updated my Ocre Designs facebook page with images to share with you. Also since my last blog which mentioned I was entering a work in to the Goondiwindi Art prize, I have been lucky enough to win my section there (Emerging Artist) by Brisbane gallery owner Edwina Corlette. It's nice achieve and even nicer to share them. tx

2011-04-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

This week is starting on the oil section of the work for Goondiwindi art prize. Then on Friday i go to Ularu for a week with my brother cooking for a group of people where one of them is celebrating her 40th birthday. Cooking for 20 people is a little daunting but i guess i'll manage. Camping by the rock and olgas cant be a bad thing! Little bit excited. Will take lots of shots but guessing I'll be out of range to upload for you while I'm there so I'll write notes ready for some new work and post images of the week on my return. tx

2011-04-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

We went down to Canberra last weekend for the launch of Adam's new book. So good to see family members and meet Christobel the author who has done so much research on his life and art. I think its for sale in Angus and Robertson bookstores this month. I cant stop looking at the images. Amazing man. He aimed to make 1000 botanical paintings before he died and he made it to 918. I wonder what the other 82 would have been.........

2011-04-03T19:53:00.001-07:00

Here's the new foyer painting. The other one was a little too colourful so this is the replacement. The original foyer work goes on to the top floor i think. The hotel have four of my works now so they should be installed soon. I'm thinking of sending down some prints to go in to some of the rooms or in smaller places around the hotel. As soon as they are up I will take a photo and post it.

2011-03-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Just completed a work for the Toowoomba Grammar Art show. Topography #4 and then working on a second work for the hotel foyer which I'll upload next week. The curtains with the orange blossom flowers are completed and waiting to be sewn up so still cant show those images. I'm off to Canberra this weekend for the launch of Adam's wild flowers book and see his original works out on display at the National Library. The book is amazing and I've already started on some drawings from his works for new fabric designs. I'm guessing this weekend will be really inspiring seeing them in original state. Will post you some info about the day next week. tx

2011-02-26T19:08:00.001-08:00

In May 2010 I posted my handpainted tablecloth in Great Great Grandfathers (I'm going to call him Adam from now on) Adam Forster's Orange Blossoms. A client has commissioned me to make linen curtains for her spare bedroom/office. Handpainted is harder than the screenprinted process but I'm looking forward to seeing the result. She's requested the same colour Ocre red and the walls will be matched. The carpet she has chosen is crazy multi coloured striped carpet tiles. I hope to have the job done in a few weeks and will post the images of the completed room asap. tx

2011-02-24T02:11:00.000-08:00

There's a new boutique hotel in Toowong Brisbane called the Jephson and guess who got the job filling it with paintings!!

Here's a shot of it from across the road in the coffee shop. Its such a great location and so new and sleek. I'm so happy to have this assignment my first year out of Uni and the people who own it are wonderful. Cant wait to spend a night or two there and dine in the Restaurant. I've finished the first work which will hang in the foyer and have started on the next two that will go in to the restaurant. No rest, the studio is a hive of activity and the job needs to be done yesterday. All the works are for sale so its kind of like using it as a hanging space. Just updated website http://www.tarnmclean.com/, thinking I've hit 2011 running. tx

2010-10-12T00:35:00.000-07:00

Ocre has landed itself in another shop this time in the Valley in Brisbane. Check out Incub8r. Great concept. Great shop. tx

2010-10-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Shops we love to love - Smoke and Mirrors Toowoomba. http://www.smokeandmirrorsboutique.com.au/ tx

2010-10-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Still writing with only 6 days to go. Now the studio is past a train wreck! Just to keep you posted I thought I'd share what's happening on the Ocre homefront. Here are some shots of the bags in Smoke and Mirrors - Toowoomba. I walked in to the shop today and Brooke had placed them in this fantastic space. Thanks Brooke. tx

2010-09-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

just weeks to go to get those 15000 words written so no inside shots of the studio, (it kind of resembles a burnt out train wreck) - however here's a shot of my new lawn mower/mowers. tx

2010-09-06T04:52:00.000-07:00

Filling up the studio. tx

2010-08-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Counting down the weeks til Honours is finished. This is work number one for the final exhibition. tx

2010-08-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

I've been away from the studio for a couple of weeks with the arrival of bags for Ocre. Its time to paint again. Will keep you posted. tx

2010-08-08T01:07:00.000-07:00

This week in Brisbane on Tuesday night Ocre will be holding a stall at the Young Designer Markets in Southbank in conjunction with Merceds Benz Fashion Week. All Handbags will be on show and ready for their first outing. Can't wait. tx

2010-08-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Back on the Ocre Homewares, here is another image of the completed wall work. I'm currently making some stock for the Homewares range for the web site so will put this up as an example for custom wallpaintings. I'm working now on the fabric sample book so will add that soon along with the lamp shades. tx

2010-08-04T00:29:00.001-07:00

Well the news for the week is the hard work and patience have paid off. My gorgeous web site has been updated and i love it! Thankyou Harry for your web site engineering excellence, and thank you Cindy Laine for your photographic expertise and models Lucy and Jacqui. http://www.ocredesigns.com/ Enjoy tx

2010-07-29T02:06:00.001-07:00

So it's Thursday and like i said the bags had their photos taken today. Here's a shot of the gorgeous girls playing with the bags. We had lots of fun. Thanks Lucy and Jacquie xxxx Stay tuned for the web site update. tx

2010-07-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous clutches and soft slouchy shoulder bags - they've arrived! Here some of them are hanging in my studio ready to be owned and loved. They have their photographs taken on Thursday and web site updated after that. Will keep you posted. tx

2010-07-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Its holiday time and we are out of Toowoomba for a while and hitting the beach. I finally finished that painting so here it is x On the Ocre homefront the clutches have arrived and the shoulder bags arrive next week. Just a little bit excited!!!! We will have a studio showing and lots of champagne. Will download images when the website is updated. tx

2010-06-14T13:04:00.000-07:00

Holidays!.......semester 1 finishes today. a little bit ready to NOT go to uni and now catch up with family, friends and hang at the studio and paint. will upload images of new paintings, hopefully by the end of the week they will be complete. tx

ps - Ocre almost ready to move into action. the clutch handbags have arrived and hoping to have shoulder bags by end of the week..... studio showing/party asap. tx

2010-05-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

The first tablecloth for Ocre Homewares is now finished and ready to be uploaded on to the web site ready for sale with details etc. we will add a new dimesnion to the site for the Homewares - hopefully i can keep new designs coming in for sale a little faster than the handbags. until then here's a sneek peek....tx

2010-05-06T06:28:00.001-07:00

not much to report just lots of theory lately and starting tonight on a new body of work for honours. 11 paintings to do by..... cant remember, july maybe. too late in the day to think. will start another table cloth tomorrow. tx

2010-04-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

then there's the deconstruction of the canvas, using the architecture as canvas. previous work but will use it as a point of departure. tx

2010-04-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

And finaly there's the fine art. lots of theory of course which must seem boring but i'm loving it. latest words married with image.... the main idea within the work is to trace the current discourse of painting and to identify its relevance as an important medium within the climate of mass informatiom. The paper will aim to show the parallels between artists and art theory historically to the art practice concerned (mine), with different modes of reality which investigates the discourse of painting and the crux between its use within both the traditional canvas support and the architecture as canvas. Make sense? Here's study one. tx

2010-04-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

Then there's what has Ocre Designs been up to? Well I've been waiting for my manufacturers to finish off my next handbag collection...... waiting....waiting. It's times like these I have to think outside the square a little and make something for the homewares stream so here's my new table cloth i hand painted. It's taken from Great Grandfathers Orange Blossom painting (as discussed in previous post). I will screen print the botanical name on the edge and sew a bag to store it in out of the signature Ocre material. It comes with 6 napkins. Love it. tx

2010-04-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

So there's nothing like a few girlfriends to tell you how slack you are for not updating your blog regularly. I've just been hanging out at the studio 5 days a week studying honours in vis arts and making stuff. Firstly let me introduce my friend the one eared Wallaby.... havent got a name for him yet but he checks in on me most days. tx

2010-02-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

A great friend of mine has a son who turned 13 yesterday. He's a mad BMX rider so i painted this up on the wall of his new entertaining room. Teenagers only - no parents allowed. He thinks it's SICK! Happy 13th Harry. love Tarnie xx

2010-02-05T17:31:00.000-08:00

My new Studio, tucked away on the eastern escarpment of Toowoomba.

2010-02-05T17:23:00.000-08:00

This is the completed wall painting in the bedroom at Glen Alpine.

2010-02-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

A taste of the next collection for Ocre handbags which should be available within 4 weeks. This time the lining will be hand painted. Worth the wait. tx

2010-02-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

Doing a wall painting for a private residence on the Eastern escarpment of Toowoomba. The client initially wanted French wallpaper. We discussed her expansive garden and how it should be 'bought inside'. Couldnt resist the Lyer birds about to mate. Appropriate for the bedroom and so much more Australian. Work in progress and will keep you posted. tx

Silk scrren editions

2009-12-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

Some unframed silk screen prints, a collaboration in the print making studio with friend and lecturer Stephen Spurrier.

Hand Painted Wallpapers

2009-12-11T19:28:00.001-08:00

This sample book is to show some designs that i paint directly on to the wall. All custom made and i think personal for clients to have original one off's.

Ocre Homewares

2009-12-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

There's been a move into making homewares since my last post. I got kind of busy producing for the Young Designer Markets at Southbank Brisbane at the beginning of December. Will attach some of the wares for sale and will update ocredesigns web site asap. tx

Australian Idol

2009-10-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

Cant believe it's been almost a month since i've added to the blog. have been to sydney town to finalize samples for the next range which hopefully will be ready in no time. a friend was busy last night with one of my bags backstage at Australian Idol. Thanks Hayley, glad you like. tx

salt air

2009-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

there's nothing like the beach in september. my version of relaxing is having more time and space to create. i'm hoping the next lot of samples for ocre start next week and a little bit excited about the new range. have uploaded the first image of my dream wallet - it can double as a clutch and dont have to take anything else with me if i'm flying out to the shops or coffee. also i've plenty of inspiration for some bespoke wallpaper. hope to upload my first lot of Ocre Designs homewares before the end of year. tx

going to the beach for a week

2009-09-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

am off to the beach for a week for some stop time. before i go i thought i'd show you the photos of toowoombas carnival of flowers this morning where i painted in the park with toowoomba arts council. i'm thinking there is more than enough inspiration for a new design for wallpaper - who knows what i might draw up while lying on the beach!. have a beautiful week. tx

nude

2009-09-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

its been a while since i've painted some nudes and it's a nice one to do when there's a birthday gift on the list to fill. not sure if she's finished but will upload it anyway. tx