I’ve been a fan of the work of street artist Liza for ages. The very first Liza design that caught my attention was the woman above with the scary crutch, and I have since delighted in finding his hand drawn faces and collage creations scattered throughout the Inner West. I regularly post photos of street art on the “I Love The Inner West” facebook page and it was through facebook that I made contact with the artist and I was grateful that he agreed to an interview. Bigs thanks to Liza for taking the time to answers these questions and I look forward to making more discoveries of his work on the streets of the Inner West.

1. How long have you been doing street art? How did you initially get started? Did you study art at school?
I think I put up my first paste ups around 2008 or 2009? I’m pretty terrible with dates and it was a really sporadic thing at first, months and months in between. I think I started because I’d have trouble sleeping and would wonder round late at night, having set tasks like putting up my doodles made me feel like less of a wandering crazy person. Yes, I went to National Art School but I dropped out half way through second year because I like to finish what I start.

2. The majority of your work that I have seen around the Inner West, have been pasteups. Why did you select this medium?
I rummaged through bins and aquired a lot of free paper, this seemed like the most practicle solution at the time and spray cans smell really bad.

3. How would you describe your street art identity and style?
Lone street rat.

4. I originally thought your signature was “Anza” but have since discovered that it is actally “Liza”. Where did the name “Liza” come from?
It’s my name in Cyrillic.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Completely by my surroundings at the time and the materials I find lying around the streets.

6. How do you pick a location for your street art? Is it usually planned or spur of the moment?
Generally I walk with a direction in mind. I’m always walking around looking at walls looking for spots.

7. Do you usually work by yourself on the street or with other street artists?
It depends, generally it’s spur of the moment and I’m by myself but it’s best to have a buddy to keep watch and company.

8. What is your favourite design/piece that you have done on the street?
I guess an early one I did in acrylic of some red monster thing I left on the Hub. It eneded up in the local newspaper in an article about how gross the Hub was and whether it should be knocked down.

9. Do you get inspiration from other Australian or International street artists? Who? Are there particular works you like?
There’s heaps of inspiration in the Inner West and most of Melbourne. My favourite street artists around these parts is Birdhat and Animal Farm. Their work is super inspiring to me.

10.  Do you do commission work? How can someone contact you if they want an original “Liza” design.
For sure! You can contact me by my email meister.trollech@gmail and check out more of my stuff at larbzieg.tumblr.com. <plug>

*And finally… Inner west questions*
Best place for a caffeine hit in the Inner West?
I don’t think it actually has a name but 109 Marrickville Rd is where I’ve been going a lot.

What/where was the last great meal you ate in the Inner West?
Sakae Kitchen on Illawarra Rd is pretty good.

What’s the Inner West’s best kept secret?
Dumpsters of industrial Marrickville streets!

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I’m impressed, yet again! Three amazing artworks have been created since my last update on the revolving street art exhibition on King Street. Ears and Birdhat both showcased their work outside the Crumpler Store throughout the early months of 2012 and in that last couple of days street artist Skulk has made his mark. This is the first time I have seen his work here and I hope he becomes a regular contributor to the space.

Other talented artists who have previously showcased their work on this wall include The Yok, Phibs, Hazzy Bee and SMC3. For anyone interested in dropping by to check out Skulks’s artwork in person – 305 King Street, Newtown is the place to go.

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Nestled among a plethora of Italian ristorantes, gelato shops and pizza joints in the very heart of Little Italy is Tomatoz, a colourful Mexican restaurant and tequila bar.

As you walk through the Italian Forum your eye can’t help to be drawn to this restaurant with its sombrero decorations and live music lighting up the piazza.

When I finally decided to try it out with my friend we were so taken aback by the quality of the food, service and extensive drinks menu that we will definitely be coming back.

We dined on a bitterly cold Tuesday night, there was more of a relaxed vibe to the restaurant and the head Chef Gustavo Miguel Torres Segura made us feel very welcome making sure the heater was at the right temperature for us and making sure every dish and drink pleased our tastebuds.

We decided to share the entrée size beef nachos, guacamole dip and tacos as it was taco night at $3.50 per taco. We also shared a jug of Sangria for $12. The sangria tasted rich with hints of cinnamon and fresh fruit lightening the taste.

The guacamole is fresh and flavoursome with chunks of avocado, tomato and a sprinkling of fetta cheese. The nachos hit the perfect balance of flavour; among the usuals it included succulent chunks of beef rather than mince meat and just the right amount of cheese.

We sampled the beef and chicken tacos that came out in little soft shells with a plate to add any extras you may wish including salsa, guacamole, sour cream and salad. In both instances the meat was cooked to perfection and the shells added something extra to the flavour.

Tomatoz features a great variety of authentic Mexican dishes and a sizeable list of Tequilas, cocktails, wine and Mexican beers.

The Italian Forum
23 Norton Street, Leichhardt
(02) 9569 2325

There’s only 3 days left before the start of the second annual Garage Sale Trail, which brings together garage sales all over Australia on one huge day! So far there are 5,719 registrations but I’m sure there will be more last minute sign ups.

If garage sales are your cup of tea, you need to keep this Saturday (5 May) free because it will be treasure hunting heaven. There are heaps of registered garage sales in the Inner West and you can be super organised by checking out the official Garage Sale Trail website to find out all the location details and a list of what each registered garage sale is selling.

The Garage Sale Trail encourages sustainability, community and creativity and it’s a great to chance to meet the neighbours and celebrate our local community. So get out there on Saturday and join the thousands of Aussies nationwide who will be searching for treasure, connecting with neighbours, and having fun! Good luck with your treasure hunt.

This Must Be The Place is an unusual film. It is a rich character study and a wonderfully weird and ambitious American road movie from master Italian director, Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo), directing his first English language film. It is one of the best films to hit screens in 2012 so far.

Cheyenne (a performance of incredible precision from Sean Penn) is a former 80’s rock star living in his reclusive Dublin mansion with his devoted wife, Jane (Frances McDormand). Retired, but growing increasingly bored (or is it depressed?) by his purposeless, self-involved existence, he lives off his royalties and still dresses like his younger ‘Goth’ rock star self – dark clothing, wild unkempt hair, eye and face make-up, earrings and red lipstick. He shares touching moments with his wife and hangs out with one of his teenage fans (Eve Hewson), and is continually plagued by the knowledge that two teenagers committed suicide having been influenced by his lyrics.

When Cheyenne hears that his father, with whom he has not spoken to in decades and was not on good terms with, is dying, he travels to the United States to be with him in his final hours. He arrives too late but later learns of his father’s humiliation at Auschwitz at the hands of a former SS officer, Aloise Lange, and his lifelong obsession with finding the man. It is believed Lange is hiding in American under a different name. Despite the skepticism of Mordecai Midler (Judd Hirsch), a professional Nazi hunter, Cheyenne borrows a truck from his friend Ernie Ray (Shea Wigham), and sets off on a road trip across America to track down the elusive war criminal.

Though Cheyenne is a man on a mission, haste isn’t one of his strong suits. He kind of floats through life, and is usually pulling something along with him: a grocery cart or his small suitcase. There are some stunning long shots of Cheyenne as he navigates the changing landscape, and Sorrentino’s image of America rivals Wim Wenders extraordinary vision in Paris, Texas. It is then fitting that Harry Dean Stanton should make an appearance – as the inventor of the wheeled suitcase of all things.

In addition to Stanton’s character, Cheyenne also runs into his longtime friend, David Byrne (Byrne is Talking Heads’ front man and the creator of the song where the film’s title derives), an elderly history teacher (Cheyenne only knows about the Holocaust in a general sort of way), and Rachel (Kerry Condon), a single mother who takes him in when he comes through New Mexico. How he impacts on the life of her and her son is undeniably touching.

This Must Be The Place is funny in a droll, deadpan sort of way and is full of great dialogue and clever self-referential comedy. Visually, there are plenty of laughs too – and the seeming impossibility of Cheyenne’s quest, which takes him through New York, New Mexico and Utah, remains one we mysteriously find ourselves wholeheartedly embracing.

Part of the reason is because Cheyenne is such an eccentric and fascinating character. He has such a heart, and his endearing qualities win everybody over. Whether he is playing matchmaker, extreme handball in his waterless swimming pool, schooling kids at ping-pong, or simply sipping on his orange fizzy water through a straw, he never fails to be interesting. Penn is in Robert Smith (of The Cure) mode with an expression that is consistently bemused or expressionless (though his rare expressions of emotion are faultlessly captured in close-up). He has a sweet, child-like honesty and when he converses he never says very much, but manages to convey all that is necessary.

This oddball collaboration of far-out comedy and heartbreaking drama is highly original and unpredictable filmmaking from Sorrentino, and inventively put together. The photography from Luca Bigazzi is sublime and almost every shot in this film is a work of art on its own. One of the highlights is a one-shot of Byrne’s live concert performance of ‘This Must Be The Place’. Byrne’s small cameo was fun and his music (with lyrics written by Will Oldham aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy) perfectly accompanies the bizarre events.

Sure, it is a little needlessly indulgent at times. Some of the elaborate crane shots didn’t serve any purpose, but for this reviewer they only enhanced the experience. There is perhaps a little too much going on – Frances McDormand is forgotten about in the second half, and a subplot involving Mary’s missing brother is confusing, and not satisfactorily resolved. Still, there is plenty to admire here, and for a film that moves as patiently as this one, the 118 minutes quickly disappears. Penn is astonishingly good, and Cheyenne’s eccentricities, the film’s surreal qualities and the memorable cameos will continue to linger with you long after the film.

This Must Be The Place is now in cinemas. I rate the film 4 Stars.
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You can read more of Andrew’s reviews at his weekly updated blog: Andy Buckle’s Film Emporium

I’m a lover of design and the newbie in the industrial landscape of Alexandria, The Grounds, showcases an appreciation of design in every aspect of its construction and presentation. I drove past The Grounds about a month ago and did a double take because it was still under construction but it already looked super cool. Needless to say I couldn’t wait to check it out once the doors had opened.

The Grounds is a beautiful venue. The owners have successfully converted the Four ‘N’ ‘Twenty pie factory on Huntley Street into a stunning space which combines food, garden, design and coffee in amazing surroundings.

I couldn’t resist trying the Grounds Burger ($18), which was a delicious combo of Angus beef patty, tomato, pickles, cheese, mayo and relish, with chunky fries to die for, served on a rustic wooden board. The herb-crumbed schnitzel ($16) was the other selection of the day and it was a geat choice. As expected, the coffee was fabulous and I loved the refreshing gingerbeer with fresh mint from the garden.

Their carrot cake called my name from the house-baked pastries counter, and it was so good. I would go back just for that but I’d also like to try the handmade papardelle with slow-braised lamb ($17).

For anyone with kids The Grounds should be put on your ‘must visit’ list because there is a large outdoor terrace (plenty of room for prams), with a chicken pen and kids’ play area. Chairs and tables are scattered throughout the outdoor space and there is plenty of room to enjoy your coffee or meal while taking in the gorgeous design features everywhere.

The good news is that The Grounds is great and you need to check it out. The bad news is heaps of people already know about it so expect crowds, especially on the weekend. I suggest a mid-week visit if possible to avoid waiting for a table. I’ve been dreaming of that carrot cake… I’ll be back soon!

The Grounds
Building 7, 2 Huntley Street
Alexandria
T: 9699 2225

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The next Fabric-A-Brac is less than a month away, and it’s great news to discover it’s being held in the Inner West. This is a must see for all Inner Westies who love their fabrics. For those who haven’t had the Fabric-A-Brac experience it is basically a fabric and textiles market. Stall owners sell unwanted supplies which means people get the opportunity to purchase recycled and vintage materials at bargain prices.

This will be the second Fabric-A-Brac and Black Star Pastry, the Sydney Etsy Team and local band Evan and The Brave are going to be a part of the event. Black Star Pastry will be selling their delicious food while The Sydney Etsy Team will be running craft workshops and both companies are helping to raise money for Sacred Heart Hospice in Darlinghurst.

So if you’re one of those people that has a cupboard full of fabric that you no longer use, you should book a table and sell your unwanted items to other fabric-a-holics. The Fabric-A-Brac will be at Petersham Town Hall on Sunday 6 May (10am-3pm).

Fabric-A-Brac
Petersham Town Hall
107 Crystal St, Petersham

I have been to Gioia twice now and highly recommend it. The pizzas come out on a thin base with the perfect balance of cheese and toppings to create a sumptuous pizza bursting with flavour.

Both times my friends and I have been served by friendly Italian waiters who immediately make you feel welcome and relaxed. The interior is expansive, perfect for big groups, indoor and outdoor dining options are available.

Gioia’s pizza menu covers a wide variety of standard, gourmet pizzas and pizza bread. The staff will happily put together a half/half pizza for you and add any extras you may want. If pizza is not your thing there are plenty of alternative Italian dishes on offer.

We tried the pesto and parmesan pizza bread and found it a perfect starter for three hungry people. The bread is thin and crunchy and the pesto and parmesan so tasty it had us begging for more.

For pizzas I would highly recommend the Vegetarian Dream. It came out with tomatoes, eggplant, red capsicum, onions, olives, artichoke and fetta cheese. My friend had a classic Margherita with added garlic that was very strong, I could only handle one slice but she loved it.  On previous occasions I have helped myself to a variety of meat pizzas and have not been disappointed.

Gioia is licensed and BYO.

Opposite Town Hall
126a Norton St
Leichhardt NSW 2040

Nothing beats walking down the streets and through the lanes of the Inner West and finding great art on garage doors. There are some amazing designs out there. When I finally get around to fixing my dodgy back fence I need to find a street artist who can transform mine from a boring wooden paling fence into a work of art.

Some of the street artists that have redesigned these garage doors throughout Newtown, Enmore, Marrickville, Glebe, Surry Hills, Dulwich Hill, St Peters, Camperdown and  Annandale include Hazzy Bee, SMC3, Skils, Birdhat, Slug, Beastman, Numskull, Skulk, N4T4,and The Yok. Let me know if you have seen any other great garage doors around the Inner West. I would love to check them out.

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Man, I love Hopscotch Films! I’ve been given 5 movie tickets to giveaway to the new Sean Penn movie ‘This Must Be The Place’. Check out the trailer below for a taste.  The movie opens this Friday (5 April) and its perfect timing to head to the movies with the long weekend ahead of us and let’s be honest…who doesn’t love Sean Penn!

All you need to do to win a ticket is be one of the first 5 people to email me at nadine@innerwestlifestyle.com.au and tell me what your favourite Sean Penn movie is. Don’t forget to include your mailing address so I can send you the movie ticket via snail mail.

Happy Easter Inner Westies