Well a typical January in Melbourne. New Year was hot turning to thunder storm and torrential rain. Next few days were freezing cold and we had to turn out our winter woollies. Now, we are back to scorching C35+ days and it is too hot to do anything....
So in the cause of being environmentally friendly and reducing carbon emissions I decided that the best thing to do would be wrap the house up in a blanket of thermal protection. Just like Cristo, that amazing artist who wraps huge buildings, rivers, island and such, I proceeded to cover my little space with layers of insulation.
Off to Bunnings for some super efficient shade cloth, 90% block out and a few staples. The colour range now available is fabulous, everything from white, to sand to turquoise and light green as well as the original dark green and my choice grey. It comes in two widths, 180cm and 360cm , is light weight and very easy to cut and stitch. though the man did recommend I use a solar resistant cotton thread for the sewing if I wanted it to last. Not exactly sure where to find that on a regular Saturday morning trip to the hardware, but someone might know.
A few hours later, and hey presto, like magic, the shade cloth has transformed my little space into a cool, shady retreat. A yes, the temperature inside has remained quite comfortable regardless of the sun burning down all day.
It was really good fun and makes me think maybe adding some big outside pieces to my work this year might be just what the doctor orders for reigniting a flagging muse.
Just in case you want to see more fabulous works, check out Cristo's site.
http://www.christojeanneclaude.net/wrw.shtml">
Happy New Year.
