Alice Springs (Sunday)

The Aussie Rollers, Aussie Men's wheelchair basketball team, undefeated since Beijing, played Canada for gold this morning. Unfortunately they suffered the same fate as the women, with their shots not sinking, going down 58-64. Again, silvers amazing, but it's still heart breaking.
I had a rather slow start to the day again, before heading into Bindi, Sandra's work, for their art exhibition. In all honesty, I have never spent so much time looking at art as I have these past three days, but it has been really good. It was really good to go into Bindi and meet the artists Sandra works with and talks about, and to see their work. Billy Benn has been listed as one of Australia's 50 most collectible artists, so it was a privilege to meet him, and to have him show me his work. It was humbling to see how excited he gets about having his work hung, even though he is such a big deal. The piece behind his head is of the Harts Range, where he comes from.

Billy Benn and I, with his work behind him.

One of the other artists I really liked was Lance, who does a lot of horses and camels. There was a sketch of his for sale I really liked, but it was sold before the exhibition even opened, so I didn't end up with anything. Kukula McDonald was another artist whose work I really enjoyed. I think she likes cockatoos...

A painting by Kukula McDonald. Spot the cocky getting blown away...

I have noticed alot over the past few days that alot of the indigenous artists don't paint the sky blue. It's purple, green, red or orange. Billy Benn is one of the few I've seen who do paint it blue.
It is amazing how many people I have run into these past few days. I saw Wendy, the Acacia Hills principal Friday. Yesterday I saw another four people I have met since arriving in Alice, at Bindi's exhibition. One of those people was Michelle, who introduced me to Owen, a budding film producer from Sydney. He is in Alice for the launch of a short film he produced. He is also doing a series of documentaries, for a short film competition. This is an initiative of Nova Employment, attempting to bring the focus back to ability, rather than disability. One of these documentaries will be on Bindi, but he has also asked to do one with me! Wow! Alice Springs really needs some news. I have never had some much media attention, in such a short period in time. Owen is only in town a few days, so we have arranged to meet up tomorrow to have a chat and start filming. What a crazy thing to happen to little old me!
I also gave Owen my blog address to get some background on me. I don't think he realised just how much I've written- he thought he was going to get through it in one night. I found the best bits for him instead. What have been your favourite bits so far?
I cooked tea again last night. It look until the lasagna was on Sandra's plate for her to realise it was seafood, not beef. The prawns gave it away. In her defense, she'd had little sleep, no food and a couple of glasses of wine...
After tea I gave Mum a call. Not long now until I see her, and Ellie and Adam only a few days later. I have had the time of my life, but I really am looking forward to getting home and seeing everyone. Apparently my cat has been spoilt in my absence. I can't say I'm surprised, she really is adorable. So much for Mum's no beds, no sofa, so kitchen rules. She is now sleeping on mum's computer, because it's nice and warm!
Until tomorrow!

Some of Kukula McDonald's work

Billy Benn