Focus: Reflections

Editor: Julie Hale

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I'm a sucker for good photography, I love light and I am fascinated by reflections. Is it any wonder I grabbed a book from a stack offered by a passing bookseller that combines all three? This is a small format hard-cover book packed with fascinating images (around 180 pages with an image per page). With a theme like "Reflections" the subject matter is very broad, from "found art" (photographs that are impromptu of people and scenes that are not rehearsed) through to carefully structured close-ups.

There are a wide range of styles as well. I love the shot of a single pencil coil of pencil shaving shot against a shiny dark table, but equally an astonishing shot of a closed lily bud with three dew drops hanging from it... each reflecting perfectly an open flower from the background.

The pages are mostly offered as diptychs, with pictures on the left and right that have some resonance with each other. Sometimes it is a colour, sometimes a concept such as a page of pool reflections that have been inverted so we see the reflection as the reality. Some of the links are shapes, some are textures, some are technical, such as a set of three shots that are duo-tones with vignette... but all from different photographers.

There is little discussion of how this collection was put together. All artists are attributed, but the back cover suggests the sources are "emerging photographers" from image hosting sites.

This is a celebration of light and reflection in a thoughtfully selected presentation with dazzling variety. It is well printed and a surprisingly satisfactory format for a relatively small book. There is no material I could find that would give parents any cause for concern for younger viewers... and I'm going to suggest that younger students would enjoy glancing through this to find and enjoy eye catching photographs. As well as the book cover I have added one of my own "reflection" photographs from the Blue Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.

Andrew Lack
Head of the Odell Learning Resources Centre

The Old Man Mad About Drawing and Hokusai Prints and Drawings

Hokusai was a renowned Japanese artist who died in 1849. Even if you know nothing about Japanese prints you will be familiar with one of his famous images at it inspired the Quiksilver Clothing logo. We have two beautiful books now in the OLRC. The one I love most is Hokusai Prints and Drawings (Author Matthi Forrer). It is a hefty book with 200 pages covering Hokusai's major series (such as 36 Views of Mount Fuji)   nicely reproduced in colour, though not at the original size. There is a thirty page introduction about his life and art.

I can think of many reasons to sift through these beautiful and exotic images. He is an acclaimed master, but also heavily influenced the French Impressionists. Many well known artists have been collectors of his prints. He is sometimes said to be the forerunner of modern Manga, but his works were never assembled into comic styled stories. Individual pictures, however, often tell intriguing stories. When you reflect that much of what is in the book are hand carved woodblocks you can also start to appreciate the artisanship involved in the fine lines, detail and delicate textures.

For younger readers, we have The Old Man Mad About Drawing (by Francois Place). This lovely book tells the story of Hokusai's life from the point of view of a young boy who sells rice cakes and meets the famous artist. It is illustrated both with original Hokusai prints and also with charming illustrations of Japanese street life done in the style of Hokusai. Both book are suitable for any age, with the Biography suiting Year Four and up.

For those who want to follow up connections, I reviewed 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Cathy Davidson a few weeks ago. This is the story of her time spent in Japan and is named and structured as a tribute to Hokusai.

Andrew Lack
Head of the Odell Learning Resources Centre

Graffiti Moon

Author: Cath Crowley

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It is so pleasing to see this author exploring the lives of three teenagers who are deeply affected by art and poetry. This is made all the more delightful because their passion for art has emerged in a working class suburb.

Lucy has just finished Year 12, and seems to lead a relatively uncomplicated life. Her parents do have some unusual arrangements, and she does worry about them, but they are loving parents who care for her. She has become interested in glass blowing and used that medium to create her HSC major work. She does not have a boyfriend at the moment, partly due to an unfortunate incident where a boy asked her out and when he touched her bottom she lashed out and broke his nose. Lucy also has developed a passion for a local graffiti artist called “Shadow”. Unfortunately, Lucy knows him only by his evocative and soulful works, and has never actually met him. She is sure if she can only catch up with him (and his friend “Poet” ) she will have found her soul mate.

It is hardly a surprise that this plan of action goes drastically wrong, and the author tells the story by swapping between two first person narrators, Lucy, and a boy who agrees to help her find Shadow. On the way we meet their friends (and enemies). Interestingly the events actually take place over a single night.

This is not an overly subtle book. To create a dramatic situation in ordinary suburbia there is a sub-plot involving a minor gangster like figure who I did not find entirely convincing. Don’t imagine, by the way, that the book cruises along on some ethereal level discussing high art. Lucy’s friends are mostly interested in partying, relationships and drinking. There is a smattering of swearing, and quite a lot of discussion about “doing it” though no actual sex scenes.

Recommended for Senior School and above, though do be mindful of the swearing and adult themes.

Andrew Lack

Head of the Odell Learning Resources Centre