Bethany J Fellows

The Hobart Urban Illumination Project

2011-10-12T08:39:00.000+08:00

http://www.iterationagain.com/

http://hobarturbanilluminationproject.blogspot.com/

The Hobart Urban Illumination Project

2011-09-09T15:34:00.000+08:00

Has it's own website: http://hobarturbanilluminationproject.blogspot.com/
As a part of Iteration: Again
Curated by Sarah Jones, (curatorially) directed by David Cross.

French Toast

2011-05-18T14:55:00.002+08:00

EX-CHANGE AGENT

2010-11-15T09:00:00.010+08:00

Gifting as public servant. An equal exchange with minimal gratitude expressed. Where does the agency lay?

DISCO SAUNA

2010-11-15T08:39:00.004+08:00

7 butane camping stoves, portable marquee, 9 emergency blankets, disco ball, 90s disco music. 65 degrees Celsius.

KITCHEN SAUNA

2010-11-15T08:18:00.002+08:00

"People want authentic experiences from their leisure time"
Harri Hautajarvi in Villas/Saunas in Finland

5 butane camping stoves, 5 burner gas stove, 1 emergency blanket, potato pierogi. 50 degrees Celsius.

DIY SAUNA RESTAURANT

2010-11-15T06:28:00.012+08:00

Latent heat can cook AND provide a healthy communicative experience. The sauna is a place to relax with friends.

YOU NEED:

TINIEST SOUP KITCHEN

2010-06-17T00:11:00.002+08:00

Tiniest Soup Kitchen was serving up to those in need of a good hearty feed this week. Camped at Monash University as students madly prepared for assessment, the pipin' hot soup was well received. On the menu so far: cauliflower and caraway and a Thai style sweet potato.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

BRING A STRANGER DINNER PARTY TAKE TWO

2010-06-17T00:09:00.006+08:00

Five guests, four strangers (Bethany's didn't come!).

MENU:
Roast Beetroot Soup with Horseradish Cream
Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms with Polenta and Asiago.
Pear, Rocket & Walnut salad
Coffee and Pistachio Gelato

BRING A STRANGER DINNER PARTY TAKE ONE

2010-06-17T00:08:00.002+08:00

Eight guests, nine strangers.

MENU:
Coriander Tamales
Traditional Refried beans
Roast Pepper Salsa
Corn Salsa
Homemade Mexican Chocolate Ice cream

BRING A STRANGER DINNER PARTY

2010-06-16T23:23:00.008+08:00

PREMISE:

In preparation for my major project this year I am developing several experimental and experiential social practice food/dinner events. Your company and participation is requested at the first of these events:

Bring A Stranger Dinner Party  a social practice event

The meal* and all refreshments will be provided. You are each however required to bring a vital component: a Stranger**. You have the day of the event, to find and enlist their attendance. I will do the same. Taking place at: Anytime Place, 20 Ovens St, Brunswick.  

Kind regards,
Bethany J Fellows 

* Three courses. I am an excellent cook and regularly cater for large groups (50+) in conceptual and formal capacities. References can be provided if the incentive is lacking. 
** Someone whom you do not know, one who is neither a friend nor acquaintance.

Of key interest is the strategies that participants take to find guests and the exchanges that take place.

The Finer Things in Life...

2010-06-10T20:25:00.006+08:00

Bethany was out and about greasing it up boutique style last week despite the blustery weather. Louis Vuitton paper bags very popular, potato cakes marginally less popular...next up Chanel battered savs!
I joke, I joke.

MORE ON THIS COMING SOON...

MX CLASSICS COMPLETE

2010-04-15T12:44:00.002+08:00

Finally! Bethany J Fellows headed down to Southern Cross Station this week to hand out some classics! It took a whole hour during the work-home rush. Can't even give 'em away...

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

GRAFFITI FOR THE BLIND

2010-04-15T11:34:00.005+08:00

Bethany was out and about offending the blind this week with some convenient sticky braille graffiti. This of course has been done before, but has never been so accessible and rude. Nothing like a bit of toilet humour to offset the commute

I FUCKED YO MAMMA
Southern Cross Train Station

I FUCKED YO MOMMA
Flinders Street Train Station

DICK N BALLS
Southern Cross Train Station

SALINA IS A SLUT
Ladies Bathroom Vision Australia, Kooyong

BLOW ME
Ladies Bathroom Vision Australia, Kooyong

TUPAC 4 EVA
Southern Cross Train Station

FOR A GOOD TIME CALL 0468727686
Flinders Street Train Station

TUPAC 4 EVA
Vision Australia, Kooyong

FROM THE ARCHIVES...

2010-03-22T15:36:00.001+08:00

Stool 101

2009-11-12T13:41:00.003+11:00

A Very Large Stool

2009-11-12T11:20:00.005+11:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

BAD

2009-08-09T15:42:00.004+08:00

Bethany sat around this August atoning the BAD deeds of anyone who cared to be absolved. This performance is in development and will be performed again later this month and at This is Not Art Festival in early October.

GLOBAL EMOTIONAL CRISIS

2009-08-09T15:29:00.003+08:00

MX CLASSICS PROJECT

2009-03-30T20:40:00.002+08:00

2009-03-24T10:29:00.001+08:00

“The modern hero, the modern individual who dares to heed the call and seek the mansion of that presence with whom it is our whole destiny to be atoned, cannot, indeed must not, wait for his community to cast off its slough of pride, fear, rationalized avarice, and sanctified misunderstanding. “Live,” Nietzsche says, “as though the day were here.” It is not society that is to guide and save the creative hero, but precisely the reverse. And so every one of us shares the supreme ordeal-carries the cross of the redeemer – not in the bright moments of his tribe’s great victories, but in the silences of his personal despair.”

Joseph Campbell, The Hero With a Thousand Faces

2009-03-09T17:07:00.002+08:00

Leg Update

2008-12-19T07:20:00.003+08:00

Leg currently (no scabs!). It got pretty scary there for a while...

FOOTAGE COMING SOON

2008-11-27T10:49:00.004+08:00

Statement issued from the artist:

"1. Body modification is not a recent manifestation of modern performance art, it has a 50 year history that can easily be traced.

2. Branding originates from a ritualistic tribal practise traditionally used to mark a rite of passage facilitating the journey from one life stage to another (typically into adulthood). A recognized and respected tradition, the individual undertaking a rite of passage was supported by the others in the community in order to be able to cope with the trials of such a process. It was an opportunity for celebration, and was regarded as a milestone in the life of the community and above all of the individual.

Essentially the branding for me was an opportunity to externalise the pain that so many people feel, for those that are trapped in a system that they are not capable of escaping. It explicitly references so much that it seems redundant to even express a position about amongst other things: prison camps, slavery etc

Many people have expressed disgust at the knowledge that I have received payments from Centrelink. Statistics from the Centrelink website state that they serve 6.5 million customers, that’s one-third of the Australian population whose stories are entirely unknown. Here’s a graph of the Australian population:

Is the work a lesser piece of art because of my intimate knowledge? If the work had been made by someone who worked at Centrelink it seems to me that they would not be labelled as an artist but rather a social crusader. And if I was neither a recipient or an administrator what qualifies me to make such a work at all? I would be merely meddling, taking an issue at hand and making art, like a first year university student enrolled in ART POLITICS 101.

People have said that my willingness to undergo such suffering is a testament to my dedication, but I do not equate the pain I experienced to artistic integrity.
I do not play a character in my work. I am not a blank slate. I bring with me histories, flaws, pains and joys. I am first and foremost myself: a human being."

Branding documentation

2008-11-23T13:52:00.012+08:00

402 807 197K went smashingly smooth, tho still causing a lot of controversy. Assisted by Gray Taylor, Zak Bennett and Akean Lewinski, Bethany J Fellows was branded with her Centrelink Customer Reference Number at Fitzroy Centrelink on Wednesday the 19th of November. There was minimal fuss with security, The Law and Centrelink staff ("We can't have people burning themselves outside Centrelink" a Centrelink employee was heard to exclaim halfway through the performance). The Artist's leg was strike branded a total of 33 times as she read out a letter to Centrelink. The performance went for approximately 10 minutes and spectators mostly said that the piece was very beautiful and moving but also nauseating. Bethany will post an Artist's statement later today. Her leg is healing well.

CRN later that night

Here's the letter Bethany read whilst she got burnt:

Dear Centrelink,

Mood: Shackled, liberated, contrary

I said I would never do this, I struggle so much in my life to be open in my communication, to give my words shape verbally and not scribed. And so I read this letter aloud, a prompt so I don't forget, lose the guts, start crying. We've been doing this foxtrot for seven years, very different creatures, trying to just BE.

You've supported me through some real rough times and I am forever indebted. I cannot overstate how much you have informed and changed my life. I know you don't feel the same, and after so much waiting, I know you never will, AND that reciprocity is obviously one of my major challenges in life and I accept that that's my problem. But you've also really let me down.

We entered this relationship aware that we were very different.I am a Gemini, quicksilvery, Mercurial and you are so obviously a Capricorn, restrictive, Saturnine. I feel so tied down and long for freedom. I want to share, be open, reveal all that I am: the dark cobwebby corners, not just an impish grin. You won't let me in, I meet so much opposition...

Lately, have you noticed? I've been lying to you. What else can a cloistered kept woman do? You're constantly checking up on me. It's been a month and you just keep calling and calling and calling. You're calling from three different numbers trying to trick me into answering but I know it's you.

8888 4600: that's you.

Private number: that's you.

0423 295 029: the most slippery one of all, I know that's you on the job network's work mobile.

Haven't you heard of caller ID? I'm out living my life.

Your obsessive attention seeking is so trying. You're like a child always trying to get a reaction out of me.
Do you remember that time I was sick, and I rang up to tell you and that I had a medical certificate and as a precautionary remedial measure, you cut me off?

Do you remember that you called every single one of my employers over the past seven years and you made me feel like a small piece of dole bludging dirt underneath the government's shoe?

Do you remember that time that you called one of my employers, a charity, to check up on me and I answered the phone and you were so sheepish and I sent you hate mail & your employee quit?

And do you remember when I couldn't supply several months of dates that I worked at my minimum wage job so you cut me off & I sat on the steps and sobbed after waiting for five hours. And a man who'd also been cut off because his daughter turned six, came and sat next to me on the steps and helped me fill out my form?

Do you remember that I stood outside Centrelink and stamped people's healthcare cards with the words "the holder of this card is a valued member of the community"?

Do you remember the time that I offered to re-design your promotional youth allowance material free of charge because it looked like it had been designed in Paint?

Do you remember that time that I sat in the waiting room and had a picnic? The look on people's faces…

And so this is it. I just can't do it. We are worlds apart. It's hard but we're better off without each other.

No, there's no-one else. I won't answer the phone. I'll RTS your mail. Please don't contact me. I'll never forget you.

Bethany

BLACK GOLD

2008-11-03T13:10:00.003+08:00

Bethany made a special guest appearance in her friend Zak's final year performance assessment at Victoria University last week. Whilst he sat and played in a pool of honey, she sat in a pool of vegetable oil rubbing herself and swallowing vast quantities attempting to vomit. Here is the blurb from the handout:

"A short performance which looks at the relationship between energy transformation within the body and energy transition within the global/societal body, from fossil fuel to sunlight."

Time lapse: One frame per second

Bethany fasted the entire day to preserve the aesthetic of the vomit. She swallowed at least five big mouthfuls, her gag reflex didn't kick in & she felt terribly ill. Apparently you need a whole lotta stuff in your tummy to spew. After the performance she drank a big glass of water and had the second most interesting vomit of her life as she watched the oil and water separate as it swirled down a sink basin.

Picnicking yesterday in Ben Cairn, the artist commented that the ordeal had left her with "soft skin and easy bowel movements".

BRANDING

2008-10-27T09:10:00.002+08:00

Painting the Town Red

2008-10-25T06:40:00.003+08:00

Bits of concrete at This is Not Art Festival, Newcastle Australia.

402 807 197K

2008-07-23T12:22:00.004+08:00

A small hiatus and Bethany is back on track. Her long awaited branding is soon to happen, with acclaimed jeweller fashioning a good ol' fashioned branding iron, Trainer Akean Lewinski booked in for the strike, astrologers consulting the stars, cameras at the ready and the staff at Centrelink eagerly awaiting her dole form. She is branding her Centrelink customer reference number (CRN in dole-speak) onto her left forearm. 'Political' you say?! Dangerous! Third degree burns!

Moreland Centrelink

2008-03-27T10:47:00.003+08:00

Bethany J. Fellows made a guest appearance at Moreland Centrelink on the 26th of March handing out little cards and stamping people's healthcare cards. Apparently an inter-Centrelink memo was sent out to staff and she had a lovely conversation with the manager. Her presence was mostly met with good humour tho with liberal amounts of suspicion. She later handed in her fortnightly form which was late and gave her customer service provider a little card who was glad to have it.

COURTESY AND ASSISTANCE

2008-03-03T10:39:00.002+08:00

Spied recently handing out little cards and stamping people's health care cards, Bethany will soon be appearing at Moreland Centrelink to validate any and everyone's existence...

RENT-A-PROTESTOR

2008-01-01T13:13:00.000+08:00

Out and about on new year's eve, Bethany J Fellows' RENT-A-PROTESTOR attracted a lot of attention but little business. Despite a lack of employers she settled on a sing-song call of "NO TO 2008!" but her protesting did little good with the new year arriving loudly as usual.

In other news, a Safety Officer has been appointed for the much talked about Coburg Lake Project. Scott Appleby, a rope-access professional with rumoured links to the fireworks industry will ensure the artist's safety during her dangerous performance.

Trainer/Choreographer/Fight Sequencer Announced

2007-12-05T08:36:00.000+08:00

Quiet on the old Art front lately, tho Bethany's Coburg Lake project seems to be taking off with the announcement today that Akean Lewinski has been confirmed as her trainer.

Here's what the artist had to say:

"For the life of me I could not come up with a plot for my Coburg Lake project & have decided to make the art equivalent of an ACTION FILM. It involves guns and firecrackers and Chuck Norris round house kicks and flaming hoops. There is absolutely no plot."
"Mr Lewinski was the natural choice, we really enjoyed working with each other on Bethany J. Fellows V. Helen Hunt. The training for this project will be less athletic and more a series of controlled stress situations. I am very excited and feel safe in Akean's hands."

Plotless art, how postmodern?! And there are rumours that you are going to branded with red hot steel?

"I am prepared to do this, yes."

Make Sound Art Melodic

2007-10-15T09:39:00.000+08:00

Newcastle's This is Not Art Festival, known for its socially irrelevant discordant sounds, recieved a loud and clear message from Bethany J Fellows after her petition to "Make Sound Art Melodic" managed to gather six pages of carefully penned names. The support from festival goers was overhelming and featured many high profile names from the general public and also TINAs directors.

Badges

2007-09-10T14:19:00.000+08:00

Mary Kostakidis Lamington Action

2007-09-09T21:11:00.000+08:00

Bethany J Fellows presented a small Lamington Action in Fed Square on September 8th in response to Mary Kostakidis' departure from SBS Television. Positioned in front of the SBS building the artist offered free lamingtons & badges emblazoned with Mary's face. Public support for news reader Mary Kostakidis was overwhelming, the general consensus being that she was very much loved by the community and also thought to be very attractive. People also really like free lamingtons. Security asked Bethany to leave Fed square on two occasions despite their lust for lamingtons, the stall eventually finding a safe haven in front of St. Paul's Cathedral on Swanston St.

Why Lamingtons?

"I thought they were the most succinct symbol to represent both Australian Values and Mary Kostakidis"

The event was documented by Trippy Taco employee Claire M Alexander.

The Artist with Fed Square security.

"You want a Lamington? They're FREE!"

HOT DOG ACTION

2007-08-27T09:35:00.002+08:00

The Artist staged a small action on Sunday 26th of August. Witnessed by a small entourage, she fed the local warehouse guard dogs concealed by the veil of night.

Akean Lewinski - Personal Trainer

2007-08-07T19:00:00.000+08:00

Pre-performance interview with Akean Lewinski.

UPDATE

2007-07-23T18:55:00.000+08:00

Pia K. Niebel issued a statement earlier today in broken English as she was busily editing the Artist's funding video in South Melbourne.

"I feel very honoured, very honoured, tremendously honoured, that I was chosen to fulfil this task. And I do not accept any payment or any other form of exchange than to recieve the magical and unearthly gaumenschmaus prepared by the Artist herself. I can't wait to get home."

FRONT PAGE NEWS

2007-07-08T21:28:00.001+08:00

Front Page Moreland Leader July 9th

Fitness Regime & Performance

2007-07-08T00:35:00.000+08:00

A quick rough edit done for the Moreland Leader. A longer & better version will be up at the end of the month.

The performance went for about 20 minutes & the soundtrack is available for downloading to the right.

The Artist sends her thanks to all who helped her throughout the Helen Hunt Fitness Regime & lead up to the performance, especially Colin, Pia, Rudi & her trainer Akean Lewinsky.

HELEN!

LIES

2007-06-30T20:14:00.000+08:00

Breaking statement from the Artist:

"...Now (that) the pictures are up I'm just gonna focus on my routine, protein shakes, stock answers for the media, and the logistics of transporting 97 tacos to town."

And when asked about the possibility of rain on Thursday:

"I'm trying not to think about it. A light sprinkle will be fine but we do have a wet weather plan."

In case of severe weather (raining tacos excluded) please note that the performance will take place in the Degraves St Subway. It's pink down there!

Bethany J. Fellows V Helen Hunt

2007-06-22T17:37:00.001+08:00

Testing Testing...1..2

2007-06-12T21:55:00.000+08:00

Helen Hunt Fitness Regime outfit complete!

2007-06-02T22:19:00.000+08:00

Such careful stitches & well placed felt. The much anticipated Helen Hunt Fitness Regime starts Sunday June 3rd. Tho clearly excited, the Artist has voiced concerns that she is worried how her ankles will hold up.

"I have weak ankles, it's true. I usually practice low impact sports, mainly cycling. Honestly I don't think I was meant to be a land creature but we'll see how we go. Master Lewinski has designed a program specific to my needs, but we'll be strapping my feet anyway. We'll take the jumping jacks slowly".

Please note: no real exercise is actually taking place in this unplanned photo shoot. The Helen Hunt Fitness Regime starts Sunday June 3rd.

Helen Hunt Fitness Regime

2007-05-27T13:53:00.000+08:00

The Artist brings word that her Helen Hunt Fitness Regime outfit is well underway. Shortly she will embark on a rigorous training program to get her in shape for her major performance later this year. She will be trained by well known Wing Chun master Akean Lewinski. Bethany J Fellows and trainer will be filmed during the process and ultimately featured in a larger video work.

TACO EAGLE

2007-05-15T22:07:00.000+08:00

PUBLIC NOTICE - AUDITIONS

2007-05-15T14:35:00.000+08:00

The Artist Bethany J Fellows announces open auditions for new friends.

friend (noun)
1. A person whom one knows well, likes, and trusts: amigo, brother,chum, confidante, familiar, intimate, crony, mate, pal, buddy, sidekick.

Applicants will need to write a brief character breakdown and outline previous experience. A photo will not be necessary as the audition procedure will be filmed. The Artist will be auditioning people one at a time and the process will most likely vary for each individual. Please allow plenty of time and wear something you are comfortable in and does not restrict movement (preferably non-flammable).

Please note: If you are already one of The Artist’s friends you are not eligible to apply unless you would like to apply for a different position to one you already hold, eg you regularly exchange pleasantries when you see Bethany on the street but would like to be re-cast as “best friend”.

This is a voluntary platonic position. No one will be paid. Bethany J Fellows encourages the fusion of diverse cultures and new forms of performing art.

Hippies and those with a penchant for gypsy music need not apply.

Salsa?

2007-05-10T12:58:00.000+08:00

Bethany J Fellows staged a small performance on the 9th of May in response to her burgeoning Work for the Dole status and Ash Keating's rival performance a block away. Dressed as a giant taco she sat on Swanston street's notorious begging strip for four hours. She earned $9.55. Some kids bought her some corn chips. No one had any salsa.

The performance was filmed by Samuel Indratma and in watching the rough cut seemed altogether more hilarious than the actual event. This will hopefully be available online soon.
The artist was also approached to be in a play at La MaMa theatre but who knows if anything will come of this. Sam got the director's number.
She was photographed numerous times.

Our Lady

2007-05-08T23:57:00.000+08:00

"Our lady helen hunt of brunswick station touch my soul this mornin as i rode by, her divine spirit emanating from thee platform, amen"
Text from local resident Kate Anderson

Britney Spears Vigil

2007-05-08T23:18:00.000+08:00

Bethany J Fellows presented this Britney Spears vigil on March 3rd in response to Britney's concerning behaviour. Staged in front of Forepaw on High St, Northcote's premier art venue, it was a fantastic success and overall raised general awareness about and support for Britney. We lit candles, held hands and prayed whilst listening to a selection of Britney's songs recorded in 'better' times.

Another vigil was staged a week or so later at Alia in Collingwood. A man shaved his head in solidarity, more candles were lit & there was dancing!

Billi Lime: Dancer.

2007-05-04T16:12:00.000+08:00

STILL DEVELOPING. AND SORRY FOR CRAPPY LAYOUT> I'LL GET RUDI TO FIX IT SOON. COME BACK!