Deception Bay by JP Powell

Author:JP Powell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brio Books
Published: 2022-02-07T23:48:05+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Donald sighed as he approached the studio on George Street, Brisbane’s attempt at an artistic precinct. Caroline Barker’s studio here, Daphne Mayo up the road. The town might be a backwater, but he’d agreed to visit and he must make the best of it. You never knew who you’d meet.

He had caught up with the Margarets — Olley and Cilento — on one of his recent periods of leave from the army. He’d travelled by train to Sydney, to visit friends and breathe the air of a more sophisticated city. The Margarets had met at Somerville House, the girls high school now overtaken as American headquarters in Brisbane; they’d declared themselves lucky to have left.

‘You couldn’t call it art,’ Margaret Olley said, describing her classes at the Central Technical School in Brisbane. Her nasal tones dripped with an affected sophistication, at odds with her youth and inexperience. ‘They’re wedded to the syllabus of the South Kensington school — everyone up in Brisbane defers to the Mother country, of course. Weekly exercises, all very prescriptive, everything outlined in ruthless detail. Perspective, colour, form — it’s all about rules to be followed,’ she’d said. She waved a lit cigarette, stressing each point with a stab in his direction. ‘No chance to deviate. No room for experimentation. Nothing emotional or adventurous, nothing individual. Thank heavens I made my escape.’

Her laugh was fruity and generous.

But the Margarets had recommended their art teacher Caroline Barker and here he was, about to dip his toe into the Brisbane art scene.

‘I don’t know if she’s a great artist,’ Margaret had said, ‘but she inspires her students. And she’s game enough to offer weekly life drawing classes. Very risqué . . . for Brisbane.’

Donald knocked on the door. A middle-aged woman wearing glasses and hair swept back from her forehead greeted him with a confident handshake. Her inspection of him was friendly but intense.

‘So, you’re Donald Friend,’ she said. ‘We’re delighted you are able to visit. Welcome to our little group.’

Donald followed Caroline Barker into her studio.

‘We have a distinguished visitor today,’ she announced to the group of studious young people arrayed in a circle, sheets of paper propped on easels in front of each. The girls — for unsurprisingly most of the students were girls — looked up expectantly.

‘Donald Friend needs no introduction, of course. Speaking for myself, I feel privileged that he’s decided to visit and give us the benefit of his expertise. We’ve all been looking forward to this so much.’ Caroline looked around at her students, their faces raised in anticipation. ‘I’m sure we’ve all heard about Donald Friend’s successful exhibitions in Sydney. Some of you may even have read his latest book. Mr Friend has agreed to join us for our life drawing class today and I know you will all benefit from his advice.’

‘Please,’ Donald said. ‘I’m here to participate. We all have something to learn, no matter what our experience. Just ignore me.’

Having inspected Donald warily, the students turned back to their easels.

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