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Get your art-respect out and pay homage to a creative genius. If you haven't heard of him, then you should have. Performance artist, painter and print-maker rolled into one, Abstract-Expressionist Robert Rauschenberg was like the ultra-talented older brother you secretly wanted to emulate. Claiming that he wanted to work within 'the gap between art and life', his semi-sculptural pieces are characterized by intense, haphazard brush strokes and integrate unrelated recycled objects. Often struggling to make ends meet, he exploited any materials he could get his hands on, famously using his own bedspread, a toothbrush and nail-polish to construct the 1955 work 'Bed'. Rather ironic it's now worth millions. Intensely evocative and highly improvised, the New Yorker's vast body of work has left a distinctive print on art history. He passed away at 82 earlier this week. A personal thank you to Rauschenburg for a bevvy of aesthetic delights I will continue to lust after.

For those who know me, I have an addiction - to shoes! The Dior stilettos I purchased in London are still tucked away in their shoe bag because to me they're art. The Prada's too. So when I discovered the most recent collaboration to hit the creative industry, my heart stopped momentarily - and I am not exaggerating. Shoe master Christian Louboutin has saddled up with film-maker David Lynch to create an extraordinary photographic exhibition revolving 'round that sexy red sole. Entitled Fetish the show features Lynch's signature cinematic style; dark and twisted with each film still capturing the the simultaneous sensuality of the Louboutin shoe and the voluptuousness of the model who wears it. And yes, Louboutin has pushed design to the limit with a 26cm heel, but since when has the boundaries of art or style been in the box?

What's the latest fashion trend you ask? It's green! But before you trip it to town to secure a new collection of cardigans in every shade of grass imaginable, you should read on. For the fashion pack, going green is about adopting energy efficient practices industry-wide. Today's young designers are utilizing organic fabrics and natural dyes, encouraging sustainability, re-invigorating recycling and investing in green power production. Leading the eco-friendly way is Australian designer Lisa Gorman and this year we see the label's launch of the Gorman Ship Shop. In partnership with the Melbourne architects at NEST; an industrial shipping container, constructed entirely from recycled materials has been transformed into a portable Gorman store (change-room included!). There are no carry bags or cash register but consumers are able to touch, try and then buy the green goodies online at their own convenience. So if you happen to catch a glimpse of the Gorman ship shop make sure you stop!

Workplace surrounds tend to get a little monotonous on the eyes. So whenever you're in need of some visual euphoria, look no further than the sumptuous work of Lithuanian photographer, Paul Paper. The enigmatic artist boasts a collection of enchanting personal works eagerly waiting for hurried lunch hour inspection. Each image is a curious amalgam of child-like simplicity and refined photographic technique, with an emphasis on light and shadow. With titles such as 'Evening's Standard' and 'In the Corner', it's hard to grasp just how he manages to make every day objects and people appear so gloriously unique. Don't go out for lunch - immerse yourself in this delicious photography.

Controversial photographer Bill Henson returns to Roslyn Oxley9 art gallery this May 22. Disturbingly beautiful with slight gothic undertones, Henson's work has indeed drawn attention. Berated for his use of underage teens occasionally in compromising positions of intoxication and despair, Henson manages to portray both innocence and maturity in his photographs of adolescents. Set against dark and forboding landscapes, his young muses are almost nymph-like in their vulnerability.
Perhaps not for those with a dislike of confronting subject matter, come see one of Australia's most talented photographers this Autumn before he takes off again. 

Some girls have an obsession with shoes and some girls indulge in a fetish for bags. I am from both schools of thought, and the need for a high maintenance girl to combine these loves is tempting. Being high maintenance involves hording tonnes of items for those 'just in case moments'. This involves food, bottles of water, note pads, pens and sometimes a spare pair of shoes. Those innovate kids at Chip Chop have designed the tote of my dreams - a bag big enough to carry an infant. If their denim Love tote isn't the most lovely and versatile thing around, then I don't know what is. Check out the rest of their superbly simple wares.

In 2007, alternative-folk artist Krista Polvere left Australia for New York to further pursue her music career. One of the first people Krista’s music caught the attention of was Lost Highway / Universal artist, Ryan Adams. Adams has since collaborated on songs on Krista’s debut album, “Here Be Dragons” which has just been released in Australia. Krista will be heading to the US later in the year to support Ray LaMontagne but before she heads off, Krista will do a run of shows in her home country. You can catch her album launch @ The Toff in Melbourne on Wednesday May 28^th or for further dates head here