The Naturalist, by Tea Cooper, is a terrific read and a fascinating blend of fact and fiction. Because it also has an art theme I thought I’d ask Tea some ‘arty’ questions (and try a watercolour out for my portrait of an author this month. I hope you like it, Tea).
Now, onto those questions…
Q: Pose and composition are important factors for a portrait. What kind of ‘look’ would you like your portrait to have?
- On a chaise lounge (Kate Winslet/Titanic style)
- Fully clothed in a rocker (Whistler’s Mother style)
- A close up of your face (Girl with the Pearl Earring style/Mona Lisa)
- In all your formal finery befitting your ‘authorly’ status (Regal style)
- Other
A: 3 with a bit of 5, because it couldn’t be too close up!
Q: *Snap* I just took your photo for my portrait of you. Tell us where you are and what you’re wearing. (Be honest.)
A: Sitting on the floor, surrounded by my current pile of research books, in the * tongue-in-cheek* library, that used to be the garage. (It was a toss up between my car and my books – no points for guessing the winner). I’d be wearing Capri pants, an oversized shirt (or a roll neck sweater if it’s cold), and no shoes.
Q: Given a choice, what precious item would you want to be included in a portrait of you?
A: Not my car! The book of fairy tales my grandfather gave me.
Q: With acquired savant syndrome* featuring in my next novel, I’m curious . . . If you were to wake up from a coma one day to find yourself totally obsessed and a genius (in something other than writing, of course) what would you want it to be? (music, painting, languages, maths, touching your toes while typing, etc)
A: I’d be able to sing … loud and impressive opera … actually, opera’s not necessary. Just sing and not send everyone running for cover. I can read music, the result of too many years of enforced choir at boarding school where the music mistress would turn from the piano, grimace and say ‘Why not come and turn the pages for me, dear.’ But sing? Nope. Not a note that vaguely resembles anything that could be interpreted as musical.
Q: If you happened to wake up one day and be a genius with a paintbrush, whose portrait would you want to paint and why?
A: Anh Do. Perhaps I could absorb his stunning ability to capture the essence of a character … I’d then like to take that talent and apply it to my writing.
Q: Your preferred medium would be?
- Oil on canvas
- Watercolour
- Pencil/Ink
- Pastels
- Kiddy crayons
A: Bearing in mind my answer to the above question it must be OIL ON CANVAS. I rather like the idea of a huge canvas and sweeping brush strokes, and the smell of oil paint, linseed and turpentine is so evocative … Monmartre, berets, red wine, garrets and French accents.
Q: Picasso once asked the question: “Are we to paint what’s on the face, what’s inside the face, or what’s behind it?” In my next novel, the artists says to 58 y.o Ava, “A mature person has depth of character and it’s their layers, built from life’s lessons that interest me the most—when wisdom replaces curiosity and experience replaces youthful exuberance.”
What two traits would you hope an artist captures in a portrait of you?
A: Curiosity and naivety. I was paid the greatest compliment a few years ago. I was at the beach with some friends. Their daughter and I had a wonderful time exploring the rock pools. When we returned to the picnic her father asked her if we’d had fun. ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘but I think she’s forgotten she’s a grown up.’
Q: Because every fireplace deserves a portrait, in whose house would you hang a Portrait of You as a surprise and what would they say?
A: A little bit of poetic licence here … over the fireplace in Wollombi Museum (it was built as the court house in the middle of the 19th century but the magistrate’s room has a fireplace) just so I can keep an eye on any new exhibits. I don’t think I could bear it if something interesting was donated and I missed it. And everyone who came in would say ‘That bloody woman’s always here.’
Q: Keeping in mind that lucky recipient of your portrait, how would see yourself framed?
- Minimalist or no frame at all – just the canvas (take me as I am)
- Modernist – chrome, nothing too fancy
- Sophisticated – warm, wood, old world
- Flamboyant – go all the way and gilt-edged!
I’ve no doubt the Historical Society would demand something old world but I’d have to refuse. Absolutely no frame. I’m somewhat claustrophobic so it would a disaster. I’d fight my way off the wall and cause all kinds of chaos.
Q: Finally, if someone was to add a plaque/title your portrait, how would it read?
Every one of those wrinkles tells a story!
About the author: Tea Cooper is an established Australian author of contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the bestselling author of The Horse Thief, published by Harper Collins/MIRA in 2015, The Cedar Cutter (2016) and The Currency Lass (2017). Her latest story, The Naturalist’s Daughter is available now.
Website: http://www.teacooperauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaCooper/
Now… Before you go, I have some more author portraits to celebrate the release of my 5th novel (now available for pre-order) and ready for 1 March release (ebook) and (for print books) March 19 in Australia/NZ and April 5 overseas.
Yes, I am excited!!!!!!!!
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*Acquired savant syndrome, in which a person acquires prodigious capabilities or skills following dementia, a head injury or concussion, epilepsy or other disturbances.
