Melbourne through the eyes of The Potter...

We have enjoyed so much glorious warm summer weather in Melbourne of late that it came as a considerable surprise when confronted by grey, somewhat seeping skies...the sort of day that is perfect to pursue activities of the indoor, cultural variety.

It is easy to forget when one lives in a relatively modern city such as Melbourne with so many outdoor activities on offer, that public galleries and museums are not just places to visit when travelling, but should be taken advantage of and visited often in one's own city. 

Melbourne is fortunate to have at its disposal, one of the finest collections of Australian art in the world, with The Ian Potter Centre dedicated exclusively to Australian art.  Part of the National Gallery Victoria (NGV), the Potter proudly showcases to its many visitors, the full gamut of Australian art from the colonial era through to contemporary art and everything in between and includes photographs, textiles, sculpture and a number of galleries dedicated to a remarkable collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. 

The art is truly amazing and well worth a lingering visit but what particularly struck me on today's visit was the way the Potter provides the astute visitor with a striking array of views of Melbourne...through its own eyes to the world outside.  Many of Melbourne's landmarks are visible...just not from the usual, street level perspective. 

One thing I should point out is that The Potter is a component of a larger architectural vision and is part of the city's Federation Square.  The components of Federation Square are interconnected by a fractal facade comprising three cladding materials: sandstone, zinc (perforated and solid) and glass all used within a triangular pinwheel grid.  Before you fall into the trap of thinking I know what I am talking about here, it would be best to direct those of you keen to understand a fractal facade, to the Federation Square official design pages. Those of you happy to proceed with only a vague appreciation of the architecture and its beauty, can peruse Melbourne through a different lens; through the eyes of The Potter.

It certainly isn't common place to be "looking out" while in a gallery, but it was too difficult to resist and well worth the stares and aside glances that other visitors gave me as I was taking photos.

In many respects, Federation Square has become the focal centre for many of the city's visitors...with The Potter and other galleries, restaurants, bars, public spaces and visitor centre it has much to offer.  And it is to one of its riverside bars, almost discernible through the last window, that I repose for this evening's heart starter.  Completely out of character for me, but perfect to combat the chilly breeze coming off the Yarra River beside me, I have selected a Rusty Nail, that wonderful combination of Scotch Whisky and Drambuie that, despite being chilled over ice, is easy to drink, soothing and does a bloody marvellous job of warming the extremities!