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Academic Progress, Aesthetic Pleasures
Jun. 24th, 2023 12:32 pmWith the final grades received for the final course (with a solid B), I am now a GradDipAppPsych, I just have to wait for the stiff piece of cardboard. I rather wished it had delved more into neurology rather than organisational, developmental, and social psychology, but that's fine. Results are also coming in for the first trimester of my Master's in Climate Change Science and Policy and thus far I received two "A" grades for the final assignments in Climate Pricing and Political Ecology and also (based on my calculations) for the courses overall, with Environmental Law and Physical Basis for Climate Change still pending. It's somewhat amusing to think that I've finally found my life's calling this late in life, but I should have a few decades left and will hopefully make a difference.
With these results and with no essential study to carry out, I've spent the past few days engaging in some aesthetic pleasures because I do love beauty for its own sake. It a sense this little adventure started about two weeks ago when I ventured to see the Rembrandt exhibition with Alison B; I am not overly-enamoured by Rembrandt's style or technique in painting but do recognise his truly impressive contribution to etching technologies. Whilst we were present we caught a presentation on "Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi", which led to a visit last night with Liana F. whose intimism transitioned from impressionist to modern styles. Mention must be made of Mahdavi's excellent design for the extensive exhibition.
Betwist of these events, I also had a visit from Lara D., who is visiting Melbourne for family reasons. "I knew to see you for cultural events", she opined. On her suggestion, we went to the "Shadow Spirit" First Nations art exhibition at the beautifully dilapidated old Flinder's St Station ballroom, which was truly evocative through mixed media. After that we ventured to "Lightscape" at the Botanical Gardens, which was a lovely walk in the park, coupled with wonderment and, it must be noted, attention to detail by the designers. Finally, on Thursday night I was taken by Maggie S., to Graham Geddes Antiques in the sprawling showroom for their recent Italian shipment, which was rather like a well-catered and visually impressive gallery opening (as the invite said, "bevande i divertamento pur tutti"). Plus, I suspect we made two new friends there.
With these results and with no essential study to carry out, I've spent the past few days engaging in some aesthetic pleasures because I do love beauty for its own sake. It a sense this little adventure started about two weeks ago when I ventured to see the Rembrandt exhibition with Alison B; I am not overly-enamoured by Rembrandt's style or technique in painting but do recognise his truly impressive contribution to etching technologies. Whilst we were present we caught a presentation on "Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi", which led to a visit last night with Liana F. whose intimism transitioned from impressionist to modern styles. Mention must be made of Mahdavi's excellent design for the extensive exhibition.
Betwist of these events, I also had a visit from Lara D., who is visiting Melbourne for family reasons. "I knew to see you for cultural events", she opined. On her suggestion, we went to the "Shadow Spirit" First Nations art exhibition at the beautifully dilapidated old Flinder's St Station ballroom, which was truly evocative through mixed media. After that we ventured to "Lightscape" at the Botanical Gardens, which was a lovely walk in the park, coupled with wonderment and, it must be noted, attention to detail by the designers. Finally, on Thursday night I was taken by Maggie S., to Graham Geddes Antiques in the sprawling showroom for their recent Italian shipment, which was rather like a well-catered and visually impressive gallery opening (as the invite said, "bevande i divertamento pur tutti"). Plus, I suspect we made two new friends there.
