Wisdom for the New Year from Women

 

With the start of the new year comes that time-honoured tradition - New Year's resolutions, when we are strong in our resolve to make the new year better, more successful, more exciting. In wishing you an abundant 2013, I would like to share some inspiring words of wisdom from women who ruled Hollywood once upon a time.

"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labour, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life.  The money is the gravy" - Bette Davis

"The river is constantly turning and bending and you never know where it's going to go and where you'll wind up. Following the bend in the river and staying on your own path means that you are on the right track.  Don't let anyone deter you from that" - Eartha Kitt

"I decided, very early on, just to accept life unconditionally; I never expected it to do anything special for me, yet I seemed to accomplish far more than I had ever hoped.  Most of the time it just happened to me without my ever seeking it." - Audrey Hepburn 

"I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be prooud of that." -Lauren Bacall

"After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery.  Its better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe.  Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life." - Sophia Loren

 

 

Best wishes - may 2013 be your best year yet!

Doreen Pfeiffer 

 

 

Helmut Newton

"My job as a portrait photographer is to seduce, amuse and entertain"

 Legs in stockings, Paris 1979

Helmut Newton (31 October 1920 – 23 January 2004) was a German-Australian prolific fashion photographer whose provocative, erotically charged black-and-white photos were widely published.

 

Catherine Deneuve, Paris 1979

Newton was born in Berlin and  attended the American School in Berlin. Interested in photography from the age of 12 when he purchased his first camera, he worked for the German photographer Yva (Elsie Neulander Simon)  from 1936. He settled in Paris in 1961 and worked as a fashion photographer.  His works appeared in magazines including French Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.  He established a particular style, marked by erotic, stylized scenes, often with sado-masochistic and fetishistic subtexts.

"I was lucky to have my wife as the art director, and it turned out to be quite something - a great success"

In his later life, Newton lived in both Monte Carlo and Los Angeles.  He was in an accident on 23 January 2004, when his car sped out of control and hit a wall in the driveway of the Chateau Marmont  which had for several years served as his residence in Southern California.  His ashes are buried next to Marlene Dietrich at the Stadtischer Friedhoff III  in Berlin.

Lauren Bacall

"A woman isn't complete without a man.  But where do you find a man - a real man - these days?" - Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was barely 20 when she starred in her first film To Have and Have Not (1944) with Humphrey Bogart, whom she married soon after.

She reportedly practiced for months to get her voice at that low, dusky pitch for the role.  It became her trademark and eventually became her day-in-day-out voice.

Memorable titles among her many movies include How to Marry a Millionaire with Marilyn Monroe, Harper with Paul Newman, The Shootist with John Wayne and Murder on the Orient Express with Sean Connery.

Bogart and Bacall both suffered from a mild vocal disorder that has been named for them, Bogart-Bacall Syndrome.  BBS is now the medical term for an ongoing hoarseness that often afflicts actors, singers or TV/radio voice workers who routinely speak in a very low pitch.

Shortly after Bogart's death in 1957, Bacall had a relationship with singer and actor Frank Sinatra, shown below. 

Lauren Bacall is still considered a fashion icon.

Do you have a best friend?

Best friends forever? if you have a very close bond with one friend, you are very lucky, according to researchers.

Here is why a very close friendship bond (not just a few "good friends") is so good for you ....

Experts from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre says it may not be so great for your health to just have just lots of close girlfriends.

According to their research, people who have a true "best friend" have lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in their bodies. Too  many stress hormones can make us feel unhappy and can also contribute to disease.

"One of the interesting things about these findings is that it's not just any friend, it's the best friend" - said the study's lead author.  Though the study looked at children, experts believe there could be some applications to adults, too.

Johnny Depp .... aaahhhh ..

Some Hollywood careers are built on smart choices.  Last year Johnny Depp earned $75 million - a wealth and fame he achieved by making some unusual choices in his career.

Born John Christopher Depp II on June 9, 1963 - he is an American actor, producer and musician.  

 

He gained fame at a young age and refused to take the obvious path.  After the TV show 21 Jump Street, he chose to work with offbeat directors like Tim Burton and John Waters, rather than become an action star. 

Johnny turned to more challenging roles such as the title character of Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

His insistence on making each role his own paid off with 2003's Pirates of the Caribbean when Depp created Captain Jack Sparrow's character to become as important to Disney as Peter Pan.  

Depp has been nominated for top awards many times, winning the Best Actor Awards from the Golden Globes for Sweeney Todd and from the Screen Actors Guild for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

He has been twice named as the "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine in 2003 and 2009.  Depp has been listed in the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records as the highest paid actor, with $75 million. 

We just love having him in the gallery at all times!

A little bit about Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon's fashion and portrait photographs "helped define America's image of style, beauty and culture for the last fifty years" - this according to an obituary published in The New York Times.

Avedon was always interested in how portraiture captures the personality and soul of its subject.  As his reputation as a photographer grew, he photographed many celebrities and politicians in his studio - Elizabeth Taylor, Buster Keaton, Marilyn Monroe, John F. Kennedy and Andy Warhol, to name but a few.

His portraits are easily distinguished by their minimalist style, often the person is looking squarely in the camera, posed in front of a sheer white background. 

He would often bring up uncomfortable areas of discussion or ask psychologically probing questions, to evoke a reaction.  Through this technique he would produce images that revealed aspects of his subject's character and personality that were not typically captured by others.

Wenda Parkinson in Hyde Park in 1951

Henri Cartier-Bresson - the Godfather of Street photography

One of my favorite photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson is of this little boy carrying two bottles of wine under his arms, on Rue Mouffetard with the triumphant grin of a champion.  Henri Cartier-Bresson was a master at taking photos of children in their natural playful state, creating images that convey beautiful nostalgia to his viewers.

Children are great subjects to shoot when it comes to street photography - in that they don’t mind being in front of the camera, and often ignore it. Therefore you are able to capture their true essence: playful, curious, and often mischievous.

When Henri Cartier-Bresson would talk about “The Decisive Moment” he said sometimes it would be spontaneous but others times he had to be patient and wait for it. Regardless he was very methodological when he would go out and shoot, and would only keep his images if every element of his image (people, background, framing, and composition) were perfect.

When he shot on the streets, he would stay as low-key and unobtrusive as possible. It is reported that he would cover his chrome Leica in black tape and  sometimes with a hankerchief to make it less noticeable when he was out shooting.  Most of the images that he captured his subjects were oblivious of the camera, therefore truly candid.

Although Cartier-Bresson shot with several different lenses while on-assignment working for Magnum, he would only shoot with a 50mm if he was shooting for himself. By being faithful to that lens for decades, the camera truly became “an extension of his eye”.

Riding the Breeze

I read an  interesting article on why dogs stick their heads out of moving cars at almost any chance they get.

So what is the joy in the wind-whipped snout?

A number of dog behaviorists agree that the window's main draw isn't the scenery or the breeze, what they are after are smells.

Dogs are walking noses.  While our human olfactory membranes (a lump of tissue tucked up in the nose) are about the size of a postage stamp and hold about 5 million olfactory receptors or "scent cells," a large dog has an olfactory membrane closer in size to a handkerchief and more than 225 million receptors.

As air moves over the olfactory membrane, odor molecules settle on the scent receptors and get recognized.  The more air there is flowing over the membrane, the more scents the dogs can detect.

So when a dog sticks its head out the window, it's like pigging out at a hi-definition all-you-can-smell scent buffet.

Waiting for the bus.

We got the mother and the kids
We got the guy and his date
We all get mad
We all get late
Looks like somebody forgot about us
Standin on the corner
Waitin' for a bus
Say hey mister driver man
Don't be slow
Cause I got somewhere I gotta go
Say hey mister driver man
Drive that thing fast
My precious time keep slippin' past
Lets call the mayor lets complain
Looks like the city's done to us again
Tied up in traffic what'ya know
The damn city bus moves so slow
I said hey mister driver now man
Don't be slow
Cause I got somewhere I gotta go
Said hey mister driver man
Drive that thing fast
My precious time keep slippin' past 

Lyrics for Waiting for the Bus by Violent Femmes

"The Bus Will Come" image taken in Paris by Eric Miyeni

Available from the Cow Artworks

More on the Statue of Liberty

This iconic symbol of freedom celebrated its 125th birthday at the end of October 2011 and promptly closed for a year's repairs.

Created by French sculptor Frederic August Bartholdi, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the USA as a sign of friendship from the people of France.  For immigrants specifically, it became a symbol of freedom - 12 million of whom passed through Ellis Island as they entered the United States.

During the celebration the American and French national anthems were played and "The New Colossus", a poem by Emma Lazarus which is inscribed under the statue in bronze was read by actress Sigourney Weaver - with the famous line about welcoming "your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

A salute from passing boats and a fireworks display followed.  

The $27,25m renovation is to improve the spiral stairway up into the crown and to add safety devices and other modern requirements. The installation of five webcams in the torch will bring never before seen views of Liberty Island and New York harbour to the general public.

The Statue of Liberty, New York

When it comes to the Statue of Liberty, it seems the public can do whatever like like with her !

As perhaps the most visible symbol of the USA, lady Liberty has suffered numerous indignities upon her person.  She was almost blown up after a German attack in 1916, half-buried in radioactive sand in Planet of the Apes in 1968, made to disappear by magician David Copperfield in 1983; brought to life in Ghostbusters II (1989), destroyed in Independence Day (1996); and submerged in snow in The Day After Tomorrow in 2004.

 

Quote

"Photography is an immediate reaction, drawing is a meditation."

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Queen Charlotte's Ball

Eve Arnold

One of the world's greatest photographers and one of the pioneering  women of photojournalism, Eve Arnold, died on Wednesday the 4th January 2012 at the age of 99.

She travelled the world as a photojournalist, working mainly for Life Magazine and the Sunday Times.

Widely known for her photographs of Marilyn Monroe (whom she photographed extensively for 10 years) and other celebrities, Arnold just as often photographed the poor and the unknown.  "I dont see anybody as either ordinary or extraordinary," she told the BBC in 1990.  "I see them simply as people in front of my lens." 

In 1995 she was elected a "Master Photographer", the world's most prestigious photographic honour, awarded by New York's International Center of Photography.

Her work has appeared in most major magazines such as Stern,  Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, Paris Match and Vogue.

Born Eve Cohen in Philadelphia on April 21, 1912, she was one of nine children of Ukranian immigrant parents.  When she was 28 years old she gave up plans to become a doctor after a boyfriend gave her a camera.  She studied photography for a brief time under Alexey Brodovitch, (celebrated art director at Harper's Bazaar) at the New School for Social Research before going out on her own and finding her style.

She didn't work in a studio and didn't light anything - she found a way of working which pleased her because she didnt have to frighten people with heavy equipment.  It was the camera and her.

Whilst living in the UK, she photographed four Prime Ministers. Alec Douglas-Home carried her equipment into the house; Ted Heath went swimming to evade her; and John Major gave her a hug. Margaret Thatcher, who wanted to be photographed next to a heroic sculpture of Churchill, was, recalled Eve Arnold, her most difficult subject. She was also the only one who told her how to take her pictures. 

Arnold published 15 books in her lifetime.  In 2003 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elisabeth II, whom she had once photographed.

Eve Arnold with Marilyn Monroe in 1961 during the filming of The Misfits.

 

The Muse

In Greek mythology, Muse referred to any one of the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.  Muse in modern day terms refers to a guiding spirit or a source of inspiration.

According to psychologist Carl Jung, the Muse represents the male's anima: "immortal," she is "disguised under the many names we give to creative impulses and ideas."

Some muses are erotic wives and lovers, while others are chaste and unattainable, some solely devoted to the artistic expression of a single artist, others are serial Muses, facilitating the artistic work of many.  

Many artists, writers, poets and musicians have said that their creative work has been inspired by an individual whom they refer to as their muse.  Someone who has such influence on another that he or she becomes the focus and inspiration for that person's creative work.  

Norman Parkinson was a British-born star photographer at British Vogue and spent several months of each year working for the American edition. He first met Wenda Rogerson, when she was appearing as a young actress at The Arts Theatre Club.  Several of the underpaid acresses supplemented their salaries through occasional fashion modelling.  Parkinson was alerted to her beauty and photogenic qualities by Cecil Beaton who had worked with her on one of his settings.

Wenda Parkinson

Wenda married Parkinson in 1947.  As well as remaining his muse, lifetime companion and home-maker for their homes in Twickenham and Trinidad, Wenda researched and published an important biography of Toussaint L'Ouverture the Haitian slave-turned-revolutionary, entitled 'This Gilded African 'in 1978.

Parkinson also photographed many of the greatest icons of the twentieth century, as well as some of the world's most beautiful women, incuding Audrey Hepburn and famous fashion models such as Jerry Hall.

Wenda Parkinson died at the age of 60 in London, a few days after Norman Parkinson.

"I just loved the way girls would show their personalities by the way they dressed." - Norman Parkinson

In the 1970's  David Bailey published his "Trouble and Strife" book.  His model, muse and wife was Marie Helvin, and she inspired this collection of sensual portraits (nude and semi naked) which depicted their professional and private life together.

 Kate Moss

Over the last two decadeds Mario Testino has photographed his muse and friend, Kate Moss, for many fashion houses and front covers.  Testino was drawn to her by her beauty and spirit.  He recently published a collection of his private photos of her as homage.  His style of photographic intimacy has produced many fashionably sensual photos.

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937. It has become one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco, California and of the United States.

Before the bridge was built, the only practical short route between San Francisco and Marin County was by boat.  The ferry service began in 1820 for the purpose of transporting water to San Francisco.  The construction cost more than $35 million and the opening celebration began in May 1937 and lasted for one week. 

The day before the bridge was opened for vehicle traffic, 200,000 people crossed on foot and roller skates.  In May 1987, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the  bridge was again closed to traffic and pedestrians were allowed to cross the bridge. This celebration attracted 1 million people. Ineffective crowd control meant the bridge became congested with about 300,000 people, causing the centre span of the bridge to flatten out under the weight.  Although the bridge is designed to flex under heavy loads, and was estimated not to have exceeded 40% of the yielding stress of the suspension cables, officials have stated that uncontrolled pedestrian access will not be considered as part of future anniversary events.

Today this bridge is popular with pedestrians and cyclists as well as cars, was built with walkways on either side of the six traffic lanes.  

The colour of the bridge is an orange vermilion called international orange.  The colour was chosen because it complements the natural surroundings and enhances the bridge's visibility in fog. 

Using light as your subject

Using light as your subject and not just as a photographic tool is perfectly demonstrated in this photograph of sunlight streaming into New York's Grand Central Station as commuters make their way across the concourse.

Light is something you see everywhere and anywhere - in the mornings when you wake up or walking in a gallery or museum or just working somewhere.  Everything that the light is hitting here is being lit up.  You dont always have to think of your subject as being lit.

Sometimes the light itself can be the subject.  If you look at the people in the photograph - none of them are doing much at all - they are just acting in the background.  It is all about the light.

The Grand Station - by Tate Husband 

(Image available from The Cow Artworks)

Boulevard Diderot, Paris - 1969

"We photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing, and when they have vanished, there is no contrivance on earth that can make them come back again.

We cannot develop and print a memory. "

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Boulevard Diderot, Paris - 1969

Michael Doran

Michael Doran is one of South Africa's most affluent stills photographers, having travelled the world shooting for various clients.  From Morocco to New York, he has shot countless advertising campaigns.

He trained and worked as a photographer in Europe, before returning to South Africa.  His talent has also won him awards around the world.  His career has taken him from working internationally in London, Paris, Italy and New York, winning international recognition at The New York festivals and the London advertising awards.  

His photographic eye has been in demand for 19 years and has captured many exquisite panoramas.

With an extraordinary eye for detail and a strong desire to discover the beauty of any situation, Michael tackles each project in a unique and personalized manner, from finding the smallest detail and moment to set to tweaking the grade to perfection in post production.

Michael has photographed, written and published a photographic art book entitled "Impressions of an Artist", which was accepted by the Louvre in Paris for exhibition.

Michael Doran's images are available from The Cow Artworks in Parkhurst.

A Letter from Paris

"A Letter from Paris" is Eric Miyeni's first foray into the world of photography as a professional.  He is a self-taught photographer who picked up the camera more than 20 years ago and went on about learning the craft, photographing friends, family and anything he found interesting until 2008, when he went to Paris and got inspired to produce "A Letter from Paris", a book that Miyeni calls "a stillsfilm-word documentary on the city of Paris".

Miyeni was born in Soweto in South Africa in 1966.  He attained a Bachelor of Arts (Law) degree from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal in 1987.  Choosing not to enter the legal profession, Miyeni entered the creative world of communications by working as a copywriter for the then award-winning advertising agency D'arcy Massius Benton and Bowles.

His professional passion, communications, has seen his career  span the world of radio as a talk show host on SAfm, television - Molo Fish - actor and film (Cry The beloved Country).  He wrote O'Mandingo! The only Black at a Dinner Party and the stage play - Twisted and Vile in which he acted and directed.

Eric's images from Paris are exclusively available from The Cow Artworks in Parkhurst.

Finding pictures

"You can find pictures anywhere.

It's simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them.  

You just have to care about what's around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy"

Elliott Erwitt