blog free self funded residency.

no phone, no computer India unplugged

With some trepidation I relinquish links to cyber space for 6 whole weeks. Family too leaving I pods and psp. No Blog, no nada. A retro postcard-type introspective exploration of the immediate.

10 days in Northern India starting with a brief stay at Sanskriti Kendra - an art residency, a quick view of the Himalaya, the Taj Mahal and visit another art resdiecy- Jaipur Inn. Then fly to Bangalore to meet Prahbu a 'popet' maker and slow down the pace to cruise by local transport though southern India for a month doing who knows what- hopefully no much. Finishing at a four day pongal - cow festival with sculptures of fruit (your guess is as good as mine!!)

Sip a Singapore sling with my sister and catch up on details of her families trip to Nepal before returning to OZ to re join the rat race.

Art Residency- Sri Lanka & Thailand.

In July / August 2008 Tis Milner -Nichols and family will be travelling abroad to study the cultural significance of puppets and masks in conveying stories and customs.

Commencing in Northern Thailand with 'Makhampom' a communty cultural development organisation then on to Sri Lanka south coast to be mentored by Nalin Gamvary - the last traditional puppeteer and on to the hill town of Kandy to observe Dance and puppetry performances as well as visit significant cultural sites and conducting workshops in schools.

Tis is investigating Art as cultural short-hand by examining the refinement of cultural practice and story telling through visual art. Puppets and masks viewed as sculptural objects, rather than through performance, convey meaning through gestures incorporated in their basic form and via adornment. Tis will explore avenues that masks and puppets offer to cultivate and transmit stories and customs. On return to Australia Tis is looking forward to sharing her findings through wokshops and presentations in a range of forums.

Thanks to generous support from the Australia Council for the Arts.