More hand gestures, or There's life in the old girl yet #4

Hand gestures. Photo: Julie Clarke (c) 2015

I've been experimenting with 'curve' adjustment in Photoshop, which basically allows me to change the tonal quality of the colors in a photograph. Also, I haven't made a collage for over two decades so I've begun cutting out interesting objects and elements from glossy magazines. This, plus the fact that I've been (again) looking at the art of Hieronymus Bosch may mean that I will produce some interesting chimaeras, though hopefully not too monstrous. Every time I look at this self-portrait (above) I think of Gloria Swanson in the 1950s film Sunset Boulevard, and that amazing final scene as Norma Desmond, fading film star walks down the stars. Salome I am not, but hand gestures really interest me.

Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond. http://villains.wikia.com/wiki/Norma_Desmond

There's life in the old girl yet #3

There's life in the old girl yet #3. Photo: Julie Clarke (c) 2015

MIRKA MORA

I had the pleasure this morning of walking from Swan to Tanner Street with that petite French/Australian artist Mirka Mora where her recent paintings are on show at William Mora Galleries, 60 Tanner Street, Richmond. I first met Mirka when she ran a doll-making workshop at the Hawthorn Community House in the mid 1980s (of course, I have seen her from a distance during that time). I couldn't believe that this sprite, gorgeous lady, who still throws in a little of the French language amongst English when she speaks, turns 87 years old next week - talk about the epitome of  the phrase I have been using of late - There's life in the old girl yet.  I was absolutely delighted to be in her company and see her recent paintings, which sport her trademark symbols. I wish I had my camera with me, but I didn't. I'm hoping for an opportunity to photograph her in the future.

There's life in the old girl yet! #2

I took this self-portrait in Citizen's Park, Richmond yesterday afternoon. I didn't like the look of the cars in the background so replaced them with more greenery.

There's life in the old girl yet! #2.    Julie Clarke (2015)

There's life in the old girl yet. Self-portrait before sleeping.

There's life in the old girl yet! Julie Clarke, March 2015