speak without my voice

make me a bird...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:16:00 +0000

‘Dear God,
Make me a bird.
So I could fly far.
Far far away from here.’
~ forrest gump

lucidity....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 06:52:00 +0000

vision over visibility...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:59:00 +0000

At the moment of surrender
Of vision over visibility
I did not notice the passers-by
And they did not notice me
~ U2 - Moment of Surrender

monochrome....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 07:36:00 +0000

Victorian Heart Relics...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:42:00 +0000

The heart was a symbolic keepsake during the Victorian era. It was a treasured item that had many meanings depending on circumstance, at what time and to whom it was given. For instance, the heart symbol was given as a departing gift to time travellers who were about to embark on their journey into the great realm of time and was given to wish the travellers a safe passage. Often they wore the gifted hearts on their persons, some chose to wear the heart on a chain while others preferred to pin the heart to their jacket lapel. Some even wore them adorning their top hats.
Once the time travellers returned home, it was custom for them to then pass the heart onto another traveller of time to protect them on their journey. The more travellers that the heart was passed on to and who return home safely, the more the heart was thought to be a lucky.

The heart was also a symbol of remembrance for the Victorians and what were known as mourning hearts were given in times of death to the grieving, in remembrance of their loved ones. The mourning hearts were personalised with locks of hair, droplets of blood, fragments of clothing, names, and photos of the departed.

The custom of placing hearts in the home was commonplace by Victorians. The heart in this form was used to ward off so called evil spirits and unwanted bad luck. The heart was always placed inside and to the left of the front entrance door. A priest would be called upon to bless the hearts. It was believed that if the heart was to fall from its hanger, that bad luck would ensue. The hearts were adorned with all kinds of symbols with eyes and wings. It was believed that the eye would watch upon the occupants of the home and that the wings would carry away any evil or bad vibes.

'Victorian Heart Relics'
azemblages

reverie...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:58:00 +0000

reverie
A state of abstracted musing; daydreaming

alchemic transmutation chamber...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:12:00 +0000

The alchemic transmutation chamber is a medical device that was invented by Victorian fringe scientists and was considered a breakthrough in medical technology. Notably, it was the first device of it's kind in the field of medical fringe science that was officially recognized and certified by the International Medical Council to be allowed for use on human test subjects. The alchemic transmutation chamber was used to transform genetic binary code into working mechanical clockwork hearts. The device worked by calculating and restructuring sequences of DNA, stem cell and molecular equations, resulting in a process known as alchemic transmutation.

The transmuted hearts were implanted into a select few individuals who volunteered to be receivers of the mechanical hearts. Although stringent testing took place as to how the human body would react to such an implant, it was not fully understood as to how each individual with their own unique DNA would behave. It is said that the recipients of the transmuted hearts all acquired not only a fully functioning mechanical heart, but that they also gained abilities that were unheard of amidst the general population. The full extent of the recipient’s abilities was never known, as they all remained very tight-lipped as to the abilities that they had acquired. It was said that they were so extreme and otherworldly that they became known as the 'transmuted superpower receivers'.

It is unknown if the alchemic transmutation chamber device is still in use today. Perhaps it is, and if that is the case, then there is indeed the possibility that there are many among us who hold unique abilities that most of us are unaware of.

'alchemic transmutation chamber'
azemblage
250mm H x 100mm W

find a way back home...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Take me to your heart
Feel me in your bones
Just one more night
And I’m comin’ off this
Long & winding road
I’m on my way
Well, I’m on my way
Home sweet home

~ Motley Crue - Home Sweet Home

we'll shine like stars in the winter night....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Mon, 16 May 2011 08:44:00 +0000

light leaks & bokeh....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Mon, 02 May 2011 04:13:00 +0000

my favourite time of the day for taking photos is late afternoon when the sun is low and descending, when the quality of the light is glowing and golden. it's a magical time.

i walk pass this sports clubroom daily, on this particular day someone had left a single chair on the wooden decking. all of the dirty hand prints and markings on the building are evidence of where rugby players have leaned to put on or take off their boots.

Ollie, my little fluff ball of mischief <3

self portrait

grunge texture, lighting and bokeh effects

i've posted this one before. this version is processed in a different way than the previous time that I posted it. i think it looks like a unicorn, it just needs a spiraling horn protruding from it's forehead.

also a re-post. this was taken in my back garden. i have amped up the colours, and although the original photo already had a light leak, i emphasized it and added a dust texture to the photo.

There are three key things for good photography: the camera,lighting and... photoshop
~ Tyra Banks

Lest we forget....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:36:00 +0000

They shall not grow old,
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.

~ The ANZAC Dedication: For the Fallen
by Laurence Binyon

ANZAC information

abstractography....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:19:00 +0000

Voyageur du Temps ....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:28:00 +0000

It was nearing noon as I readied my equipment for my next appointment. Sporadic bursts of clacking from my assistant’s long manicured talons making contact with the smooth typewriter keys filtered through the partially ajar door of the adjoining office. The noise distracted me momentarily and my mind wandered to the tales that my noon appointment could speak of. This would be the first time that I had photographed travellers of time and I admit to being somewhat curious of their time spanning adventures.
It was hoped that the photographic setting would consist of a time machine but alas the contraption was far too cumbersome of dimension to occupy the studio space. Instead, the studio adornment was left to my best judgment, and my clients had decided upon dressing accordingly for the occasion, in their best attire complete with head and geared eye accoutrements in place.

With my mind back on the task in hand I went about my final perusal of the studio set-up. The room was lit with lamps, their luminous glow was casting flickering shadow silhouettes on to the heavily patterned damask wallpaper that lined the walls of the studio. Deciding to let the subjects and their attire speak for themselves, I had adorned the studio sparingly. I had chosen to suspend from the ceiling a lush embossed velvet draped curtain, and had placed an ornate cabriole legged chair clad in a heavily patterned fabric in front and just to the left of the draped curtain. A simple understated set-up that allowed my subjects to be prominent. My camera was set up on it’s wooden legged tripod and the studio backdrops were all waiting to be enhanced by human subjects.
Adjacent to the studio backdrop in the far corner stood a paneled dressing screen for privacy when changing attire. Sitting in front of the screen was a tin box that contained spinning tops and wire-haired bears with askew eyes that was used to entertain children in an attempt to distract them from becoming restless during their portrait sitting.

The commotion of spinning gears, whirring, and the plumes of steam that was filtering past my studio window alerted me to the fact that my noon appointment had arrived. Upon looking through the window I could see that the trio of time travellers had arrived at the Dominion Lane photographic studio in the style that only such travellers could. The contraption and its occupants seemed to be causing quite an amount of interest from the townsfolk who appeared very intrigued and had started to gather around the contraption. A low pitched hum reverberated from the machine, as gradually the device’s door lifted up before coming to a halt at a ninety degree pitch. Amongst the slowly dispersing plume of steam the time traveller’s emerged from the contraption to be greeted by an impromptu welcoming party of the local townsfolk.

I could hear the voice of my assistant as she greeted the trio as they entered the foyer of the studio, after offering to take their coats, she then ushered them into the photographic studio. We all shook hands and I welcomed the three travellers consisting of Gilbert Jenkins, Adelie Moore and Clementine Spencer to my studio.

After our introductions I explained to my clients that it was imperative that during the exposure time of the photographs that they remain as still as they possibly could, this was to ensure that there was little to no blur in the end photographs. It was commonplace to use rods to prop subjects up in chairs, especially those that were frail and also children who tended to become restless and lack concentration. The travellers would not need these measures to be taken. They had gathered plenty of practice in the art of patience and particularly in remaining still, as often time travel would require stillness of movement when time shifting between realms.

Who knows what adventures the trio of time travellers will encounter in future passages of time? However for now, in this moment in time, their portraits have now been forever captured.

The following portraits are the results of the photographic sitting.

Gilbert Jenkins
Dirigible Engineer & Logistics Advisor

Adelie Moore
Navigator of Realms & Quantum Physicist

Clementine Spencer
Explorer & Apothecarist

'Voyageur du Temps'
Time Traveller Portrait Series
azemblage

Hypnos....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:37:00 +0000

The inspiration for 'Hypnos' came from psychological illusionist Derren Brown. His ability to mind manipulate is as intriguing as his stage shows and elaborate often controversial 'events'. He claims that he achieves his results using a combination of magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship.

The piece is titled after 'Hypnos' the Greek God of sleep. In artistic forms Hypnos was portrayed as having wings attached to his temples or shoulders and was often depicted with a beard. It is said that he held great power over both mortals and immortals. His dwelling was an Underworld cave, it's entrance lined with a myriad of opium poppies and other hypnotic sleep-inducing plants.

To consider Derren Brown to be a modern day Hypnos would not be entirely inaccurate. His ability to use psychological suggestion and mind control with the flair and ease that he does to manipulate the minds of mortals is indeed Godly, even if he isn't Greek!

'Hypnos'
azemblage
320mm height x 150mm width x 60mm depth

six point three...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:06:00 +0000

As many of you will have heard by now, the city of Christchurch New Zealand has yet again been hit by another earthquake. This one at a magnitude of 6.3 is much more devastating than the previous as the epicenter was much closer to the central city business district and much more shallow at only a depth of 5km.
The last quake back in September struck at 4:35am when most people were in bed, miraculously no lives were lost. This quake however hit right in the middle of the day at 12:51pm and tragically lives have been lost and the amount of fatalities keeps rising.

The television coverage right after the quake was surreal. So many dazed, bloodied, screaming people running for their lives to escape falling debris from the collapsing buildings, cars and buses crushed flat under the mounds of fallen debris, quite possibly with people trapped inside some of them, multiple story buildings pancaked to the ground, huge cavities in the ground have opened partially swallowing vehicles, roads have fractured spewing out sandy silt laden liquefaction, landslides and rocks have come crashing down onto homes, the devastation is widespread. Christchurch city and it's people has been bought to their knees.

It's while watching the coverage on the television of the eye witness reports from the people who only narrowly escaped being crushed by falling buildings that the reality of it all really hits you hard, their faces say it all. People not being able to contact their loved ones, no word as to whether they have survived. Phone calls and text messages to families from people who are trapped under piles of rubble at their workplaces below their desks where they had taken cover from the quake, wait to be rescued. So many utterly heartbreaking horrific stories.
One woman spoke of driving with her two young children in the car when the quake hit. She said that the noise of the earth moving beneath her was what first alerted her that something was wrong, then the loss of control of the car as she struggled to keep it on the road as the earth trembled violently, she said that within seconds buildings around her just crumbled to the ground like houses of cards, the road in front of her opened giving her no choice but to get her kids out and run to safety to escape the falling debris.

I can't believe this is happening to the beautiful historic city of Christchurch, to the city that I know so well, to the city that was just starting to rebuild and get back on it's feet after the earthquake five and half months ago. My heart breaks for everyone who has been affected by this horrific tragedy, to all of the families, friends, and colleagues who have lost loved ones, for those who are waiting to hear word of their loved ones being pulled out alive, for all of those who tragically will never return home, and for all of the rescue workers and the teams of volunteers who are risking their lives in the search for life beneath the broken piles of concrete while aftershocks continue to shake the ground, my heart and love is with you all.

To all of those kind people who have contacted me to ask if I'm okay, thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I am shaken and tears keep flowing at the thought of what has occurred, but luckily my family and I are okay, unlike so many people in my neighbouring city 150km away who are not so fortunate, my heart breaks for you all.

Lumen SF-38 - Steam Focus Valvulator...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:48:00 +0000

ONE

Brighton, England 1896

It was nearing sunrise, the glow of the moon was beginning to surrender to the imminent rise of the sun. It was still dark enough to warrant me using my gas lamp to guide me home, however it also announced my presence to anyone who was near, something I’m not sure I desired. I flicked off the gas lamp preferring to take my chances with navigating the semi darkness in the short trip up the winding bricked path to my door.

It had been a long night. The frantic rapping on my door hours earlier had seen me abruptly awoken from my slumber and hurriedly summoned to attend a situation at an abandoned warehouse on the docks. Midnight visitors to my door weren’t an unusual occurrence. My job as a reporter for the local paper had me being woken at all hours of the night and saw me setting off at a moments notice to follow a story. Often one of the local police officers was sent to collect me if the Department felt that a reporter should be notified of a newsworthy event, this evening however, my visitor was Bernard Smithers, a local harbour worker.

His pale moonlit face stared at me as I opened the door. Smithers was usually a polite courteous gentleman with impeccable manners, tonight however, he gave no greeting or apology for his untimely visit. I had only just pulled the door ajar when he blurted out, “You must come quick Ms, I need your assistance!”

“Whatever is the matter Bernard?” I asked. “Are you okay?”

His wide eyed stare reminiscent of a startled 'possum caught in the headlights' look spoke the words that he was unable to. I didn’t wait for his answer. “Wait here while I collect my camera”, I said.
I knew that the usually unflappable man was scared out of his wits and that whatever had happened had really rattled him. I hurriedly dressed, opting for my less voluminous riding habit attire, then checked my camera satchel for equipment and film before heading back to the front door. Waiting for me outside was Bernard in his two-seater velocipede, I climbed into the seat in front of him, smoothed my skirt and off we set, pedalling toward the location of the docks. During our trip through the cobble stoned streets Bernard was able to gather a little composure and filled me in on the situation.

Bernard was doing his usual check of the docks, making sure that the ship moorings were all securely fixed. He was heading back down the dock toward the row of abandoned buildings that sat alongside the waterfront when he caught a glimpse of something through the vandalised windowpane of one of the old warehouses. He was a short distance away but close enough to see movement. He walked toward the dilapidated building trying to sight any further goings on. Upon reaching the window where the movement had alerted his attention, he held his gaslamp up to the partially paned window. He called out, announcing his status as a harbour worker, then inquired if anyone was there. He paused for a short spell but after not seeing or hearing anything further he turned to leave. It was at this moment that he heard what he describes as a deep yet clearly audible voice calling his name. The voice reverberated from inside the concrete walled room where Bernard had caught the glimpse of movement only moments earlier. From where he stood he was unable to get a clear view inside the room so Bernard decided to investigate further by making his way around to the entrance of the old abandoned structure.

The dilapidated remains of the building sat on the edge of the waterfront. With each tidal peak, water had seeped through and over what walls remained standing of the old warehouse. It was now low tide but previous tides had allowed water to become trapped in the concrete confines of the decaying building.
Bernard navigated his way to the entrance and soon found himself wading through the stagnant tidal water. Every so often he called out, stopping to listen for any movement. It was eerily silent.

He reached the room of the building where he had heard the voice speak his name and was adjusting the brightness of his gaslamp when he was startled by a sudden splash of water. The splash came from the direction of door that was opposite where he stood. With his gaslamp lighting his line of sight, his heart racing, he scanned the perimeter of the room. Once again his name echoed from the confines of the stark concrete walls. Bernard turned to where the voice rang out from, his hand tightly gripped his gaslamp, his arm stretched out in front of his body as far as it would reach. With no time to react he watched as a dark shadowy figure rushed passed him from right to left and vanished through the concrete framed doorway.
That was enough for Bernard, without hesitation he turned in the direction that he had come, his feet and legs treading frantically through the shin deep water toward the exit. He could feel his heart pounding like never before and feared that his water sodden legs wouldn't carry him out into the moonlit night. Just as he neared the exit he felt an intense blast of crisp air pass right through his body chilling him to the bone. He felt his hat violently fly from his head and heard it land a short distance away, making a ‘plop’ sound as it landed behind him in the water lined building. Making it out into the open space of the night Bernard feared what he might see so didn’t once stop to look behind him, instead running as fast as he could to the awaiting escape of his velocipede. His legs found new strength as they worked like pistons pedalling him hastily away from the building and toward my residence.

TWO

Arriving at the docks I could see that Bernard was still visibly shaken by his experience and recounting it hadn’t been easy for him. I told him to point out to me which building it was and for him to wait on the velocipede but he insisted that he escort me to where he had seen and heard the figure. I suspect that he feared that he was losing his mind, that no one would believe his wild account of his experience and wanted me to document what he saw.

We made our way down to the waterfront building. A thick moonlit blanket of still night air suspended overhead, laden with the heady stench of coal smoke from the nearby docks. The glowing moonlight filtered through the mix of smoke and fog casting pockets of light onto the ground. I knew that obtaining a clear photograph would be a challenge in the conditions, but I readied my equipment just in case. In my years working as a reporter I knew that one should always be prepared.
Bernard showed me the window where he had first seen movement and told me again of what happened, as he spoke I scribbled his words down in my notebook. His voice was shaky. He kept pausing mid sentence to clear his throat and compose himself. Bernard admitted that he was unsure that re-entering the building would be in my best interest and suggested that I stay outside the building at the window where he saw the movement. I understood his reluctance to re-enter the building. His unconvincing attempts to appear concerned for my safety didn’t fool me but the poor man was still visibly shaken, so I didn’t force the issue.

The gravel scrapped and crunched as Bernard dragged a nearby crate across the ground, pulling it to rest under the window. As I clambered up on top of it I was grateful for my decision to adorn a riding skirt, under the circumstances layered attire would certainly not have been practical. With the luminous glow cast from the moon aiding my vista I aligned my camera in the direction that Bernard’s trembling hooked finger was pointing. Steadying my elbows on the window ledge, I fired up the valvulator bulb on my camera and released the shutter. The room momentarily filled with light. Apart from the sound of my valvulator bulb recycling, the room appeared eerily quiet and void of any dark shadowy figures, the only sound that I could hear was that of the waves breaking against the piles of the dock. Bernard seemed to be somewhat disappointed that we weren’t able to see or hear anything. I tried to assure him that I believed what had happened to him earlier in the evening and that whatever he had seen apparently seemed to have gone. He seemed uneasy with my answer and muttered something about being the laughing stock when the blokes at work found out.

It was nearing five in the morning, we decided to head for home. I persuaded Bernard to wait for me back at the velocipede, I wanted to take a few last frames from the opposite window before I called it a night. Positioning myself at the window, I angled my lens toward the far wall, framing the room as best as I could. As I pressed the shutter my valvulator failed to fire. It was drained. I took a new valvulator bulb from my satchel and fixed it in place on my camera. As I pressed the shutter, once again it didn’t fire. Being a fresh replacement it should have worked. At that very moment I felt a bone numbing blast of cold air penetrate through me, electrifying every inch of my skin. Although rattled, I somehow managed to hold my camera steady enough to take a few frames shooting directly into the room. Within a matter of seconds the air around me once again was still. Eerily still.

In the distance I could hear the call of the seabirds waiting in anticipation of the dawn. I began to pack away my camera equipment, musing over the night’s events. I decided not to inform Bernard of what I had experienced, I wasn’t sure that I had been able to capture anything on film, I didn’t want to raise his hopes. I thought that it be best to wait until I developed the negatives before saying anything.

THREE

Reaching my front door, I fumbled in my pocket searching for my door key. My fingers were chilled from the crisp night air. My hand trembled as I turned the key in the lock. Although it was nearly dawn I was wired and wide-awake, a combination of the night air and the evening’s events I would imagine. I headed downstairs into the basement where my darkroom was located. I knew that the developing of the images couldn’t wait, I was eager to see what, if anything, I had captured. A tumultuous mix of excitement and anticipation surged through me. I couldn’t help but wonder what my negatives would reveal.

----

(click on each photo to enlarge and see detail)

Taken through the south window. You can see part of the door opening where Bernard saw the dark shadow disappear through. On first inspection of the photo I didn't think that I had captured anything but closer investigation reveals what appears to be the face of a bearded man staring in the direction of the camera.
Can you see him?

A shadowy figure exiting through the door perhaps?

The same view as above. The very first photo that I took. This was the only time that my valvulator worked.

I returned to the abandoned building during daylight hours and took this photo from the same angle as the photo above

The last three images are of the camera that I used to capture the images. Incidentally the valvulator bulb that failed to fire is now working perfectly.

Lumen SF-38 - Steam Focus Valvulator
azemblage

giveaway winners ...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 01:59:00 +0000

grrl + dog and Seth are the two winners drawn at random of my giveaway.
Congratulations to you both!

ebb & flow...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 07:55:00 +0000

I dream that one day I will live on the water's edge in a home by the ocean. For now, I am content living close by. On a still night, when the wind is just right, as I rest in bed, I can hear the hypnotic ebb and flow of the tide soothing me to slumber.

My photo giveaway still has a week left before it closes. Go here to enter.
Have a fabulous weekend!

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like
A thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment
I am happy, happy
I, wish you were here

Incubus ~ Wish You Were Here

giveaway...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:04:00 +0000

Time for a giveaway.

If you would like to enter to win a set of prints, all you have to do to is leave a comment on this post and you're in the draw. Two of my blog readers will each win a set each of ten 6x4 inch photographic prints.
Entry is open to all no matter where you live. The two winners will be drawn at random in two weeks time. Entries close at midnight on Thursday 27 January NZDT. The two winners will be announced on Friday 28 January. Be sure to leave your contact email if I don't have it already so I know how to get in touch if you are one of the winners.

This is the set of prints that I'm giving away.

Good luck!

Time Traveller's Apothecary Kit....

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:47:00 +0000

'Inventas vitam iuvat excoluisse per artes' - Let us improve life through science and art.

For all safety conscious travellers, the 'Time Traveller's Apothecary Kit' is quite the accessory to equip your Time Machine with. You never know when the need may arise that you may have to partake in a swig of 'Vitality Tonic' to steady those nerves. Or perhaps you may find yourself a tad under the weather and feeling somewhat nauseous from the bands of time ripples, just reach for the 'Time Travel Sickness Remedy'.
A highly effective yet somewhat controversial addition to the kit is the bottle marked 'Laudanum - Tincture of Opium'. This tincture is to be used with caution as hallucinations may occur if you over indulge.
The 'Calming Salve' used for particle burns has been a favourite of Traveller's of Time for generations with excellent results. Some say that they use the salve for oiling the gears on their time ships if they run out of machine oil. It has the added bonus of shining the brass gears like mirrors, just imagine what the salve would do for your skin!

The kit contents have been researched* but not tested*, and have been found to be effective in the treatment of minor ailments. It is recommended that a patch test be conducted before use. If allergic reaction occurs, or causes worsening of symptoms, discontinue use.
We must make users heed to the fine print by reading the disclaimer that accompanies the TTAK.

DISCLAIMER: azircalabs accepts no responsibility for any ill fate or possible allergic reactions caused by the use or misuse of the Time Traveller's Apothecary Kit (TTAK). To be used strictly at your own risk. In the unlikely event that death occurs, medical advise should be sought.

references:
*researched - via the interweb and the mind, which of course means that all recipes of the kit contents may be entirely fictional and not at all suitable for use.
*tested - no person was harmed in our trials due to the fact that no-one was game enough to be the subject of testing.

Just a sampling of the Time Traveller's Apothecary Kit have been mentioned here, click on the adverts and photos below to see all details.

(click on adverts and photos to enlarge)

'Time Traveller's Apothecary Kit'
azemblage
height 400mm x width closed 270mm width open 510mm x depth 70mm

'Inventas vitam iuvat excoluisse per artes' - Let us improve life through science and art.

views from my lens...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:08:00 +0000

My Christmas tree is decorated in royal purple and gold, at night the vivid blue lights cast weird blob patterns onto the wall.

A rare moment where Ollie and his cousin Ruby actually sit still long enough for me to take their photo.

I was sitting in the car down town when I spotted a lone clown walking down the street, it was certainly 'out of the blue'!

instagram...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 07:06:00 +0000

Collage of images created using Instagram.

Navigational Aether Alignment Calibrator...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:47:00 +0000

I wish to speak of a tale that has lead to the uncovering of a device of great significance in the field of time travel and realm exploration. It's impact has the potential to rewrite history.

----

A substantial inheritance had allowed Edmund Thurlow to fulfill his life long dream of acquiring his very own dirigible. Before Edmund could take to the skies on his first flight, his dirigible needed a few minor repairs. Edmund had toiled away spending many hours repairing the dirigible's interior and was almost nearing the completion of his undertaking. As he was removing one of the panels near the steering section of the airship, an envelope slipped from behind the panel and fell to the ground landing in front of Edmund's foot. Bending down, Edmund picked up the envelope and proceeded to open it. Inside, neatly folded, was a handwritten letter, a page containing diagrams, and operating instructions for some kind of device.

The letter read;

12 October 1889

To the discoverer,

If you have found this letter, I have succumbed to what I feared would be my downfall. My mind has been overcome with incomprehensible thoughts that I am failing miserably to make head nor tail of. As of date of writing I have been unsuccessful with my attempts to clear the clouded space that resides in my head and I fear that my sanity is fast waning.

As you are reading this, it must be known to be true that I have failed in my ongoing exploration to learn of the co-ordinates to the wondrous Aetherical Realm and my journey remains incomplete. You fellow traveller, now must satisfy my last lucid wish and undertake the remainder of my exploration, thus being to fathom the set of co-ordinates needed in order to travel to the yet undiscovered Aetherical Realm.

During a moment of lucidity I have placed an object of great importance in a location where I anticipate that it still remains. I cannot utter enough how essential it is to you. You will require it on your journey. Without it there is no hope. The device is the only one in existence, this I know because I invented the contraption. I kept its existence a well guarded secret in a vain attempt at being the first time traveller to the Aetherical Realm. I pray that no one but the reader of this letter learns of the power that this device holds. In the event of the device falling into the wrong hands, I have cleverly disguised the device as a common lamp. In time however, you will become aware of its potential and come to realize it is so very much more than just an ornate lamp. You will learn of it's importance once you locate it's whereabouts.

You must journey to Chandaport Lane, Tunbridge Wells, England. It is there in the underground vaults of Chandaport Lane that I have concealed my invented device, the Navigational Aether Alignment Calibrator. Finding your way through the vaults may be somewhat of a daunting task as it is difficult to comprehend what obstacles may lie in your path. I can assure you that the discovery of the Navigational Aether Alignment Calibrator will be your good fortune and a most worthwhile undertaking. To learn of what lies within the Aetherical Realm will be a monumental discovery and history will be written on your findings. Further instructions rest hidden with the device.

I anticipate that your journey to learn of what awaits discovery in the Aetheric Realm will be both life and history changing. So with this now said, I wish you luck, may your travels be safe and your mind be sound.
Go forth my friend, discover!

Yours Sincerely,
Bardric Langworth

Edmund couldn't believe what he had just read. He knew that for centuries Time-Travellers have been pondering over the mysterious co-ordinates to the Aetheric Realm. They all speak of a device that supposedly has been created that enables a worm hole to open, a direct gateway to the Realm. It is believed that far above what we know as the sky, exists a great infinite expanse known as the Aetheric Realm. A dimension where time is nonexistent and possibilities are infinite.

----

I now invite you readers to propel yourselves forward in the calendar to the time where Edmund Thurlow has since embarked on his journey and has now located the Navigational Aether Alignment Calibrator.
His journey spanned three months and his experience of how he located the device is full of turmoil and intrigue. This story may or may not be recounted at a time in the future. His efforts now are being directed toward the epic journey that he is about to venture into.

After locating the Navigational Aether Alignment Calibrator, Edmund Thurlow now faces the task of learning the equations of operation for the device. He will then continue Langworth's incomplete exploration, fulfilling his last lucid wish.
It is only a matter of time before the Aetheric Realm is discovered and history is made. Just exactly how long that will take or what will be found, is unknown.

Navigational Aether Alignment Calibrator
azemblage
height 370mm x width 200mm x depth 140mm

"to boldly go where no one has gone before."
~ Gene Roddenberry

Steampunk - tomorrow as it used to be...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 01:18:00 +0000

I've had some artworks selected to be part of a group Steampunk exhibition to be held at Oamaru's Forrester Gallery.
The exhibition is called Steampunk - Tomorrow as it Used to Be and is being organised by the League of Victorian Imagineers, a group of Oamaru Steampunk enthusiasts. The exhibition will showcase a wide variety of Steampunk inspired artworks from New Zealand artists. Also on display will be some marvelous Infallible Aether Oscillators Rayguns from WETA workshop's Dr Grordbort.

Oamaru is fast growing in reputation as being New Zealand's Steampunk capital. It's the perfect backdrop for such an event as the town has some stunning Victorian architecture and each year the town hosts the Victorian Heritage Celebrations. The exhibition has been organised to coincide with this years celebrations.

Yesterday I delivered my artworks to the gallery and met the gallery's curator and exhibition organiser. It was just a quick trip to drop off the artworks but before I headed back home I took a couple of photos of the gallery and the fantastic architecture of the Victorian buildings.

The venue for the Steampunk exhibtion, the Forrester Gallery

Steampunk HQ

Victorian architecture on the streets of Oamaru

inspiration...

noreply@blogger.com (azirca) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:59:00 +0000

In my self indulgent quest to try to motivate myself with anything creative, I turned to the trusty old interweb. The infinite wealth of information and creative inspiration spillage that the web holds never fails not to inspire.
Here as some of my discoveries...

The interior of this cleverly named Acupuncture Clinic in Los Angeles is amazing. I like it so much that if I visited there, I think I could almost be convinced that letting someone stick needles in you is a good thing.

I not only love the way Russell Brown the owner of Poke has decorated his clinic, I also enjoyed reading his blog. His humour, and different attitude to acupuncture than his peers is refreshing.

© Bob Basset

This steampunk life sized dog by Bob Basset is insanely awesome. It's made from natural leather, brass and glass.

© Michael deMeng

Michael deMeng's Shades of Alchemy iPhone app looks handy. Go to Michael's blog to read all about it. Michael says that he has something in the pipeline for us non-iPhone folk too, looking forward to seeing what that is.

image and designs © 2010 Choi+Shine Architects, LLC. All rights reserved.

These human figure based designs for electricity pylons are ingenious. Pylons are ugly but these cleverly designed towers are quite spectacular. They would make for some fantastic photo opportunities.
They are designed by architectural firm Choi+ Shine for the Iceland electricity company design competition. Unfortunately, the project wasn't chosen as the winner but the company did receive an honorable mention.

© Ann P. Smith

Ann P. Smith makes animal inspired sculptures from recycled electronic and machine parts. Check out her web site for more of her creations.

© Jeremy Mayer

These anatomically correct life size sculptures by Jeremy Mayer are made entirely from typewriters. Each piece is cold-connected, no solder, weld or glue is used. See more of Jeremy's work on his web site.