This book is a deeply personal look at one of the most significant modern artworks in Australia. In this new publication written by the artist himself, John Olsen reflects on his Sydney Opera House mural and Kenneth Slessor’s poem, Five Bells, which inspired it. The publication features Olsen’s illustrated journal, one of the most spectacular art manuscripts in the National Library of Australia. His richly illustrated scrapbook of thoughts, quotes, diary entries, original drawings and clippings documents Olsen’s experience. Olsen’s great intellect and creativity shine through in lists of ‘Things I like’, haikus, and playful and poetic expression; margin notes offer great insight into the artistic process of one of our living treasures. Alongside Olsen’s colourful account are full-page spreads and details of the mural, original works of art and a self-penned poem (appearing for the first time). Also included is a page from the hand-written notebook of Kenneth Slessor showing the words and imagery that so inspired Olsen.

Positioned within the field of linguistics and multisemiotic discourse analysis, the theme of this book is the multifaceted interaction between text and image in different discourse genres, and it offers critical views on how we talk and show our experience of the world around us.

A singer overwhelmed by his crowd. A dancer on ice above sea. A teenage girl, later to become a virtuoso conductor, jolted by the sound of a symphony. Two filmmakers exchange vows on their opera set. A photographer hears a Cistercian echo in the sails. And one night, after a Verdi curtain call, an audience member who looks a lot like Bob Dylan receives a private singing lesson in a theatre named after Australia's greatest opera star. For fifty years, the Sydney Opera House has elevated the spirits of all who enter its orbit. Here, fifty artists - from Simone Young to Nick Cave, Sylvie Guillem to Briggs, Baz Luhrmann to Carlotta - share their most indelible memories from a building that embodies the Australian contemporary experience.

This volume, companion to John Olsen: Teeming With Life (2005) which contained this artist's complete printmaking oeuvre of more than 900 editions, presents a selection of several hundred paintings and drawings created over more than four decades. Perhaps more than any other post-war artists, John Olsen and Fred Williams have helped Australians see their unique landscape and its features with fresh vision. The several hundred glorious reproductions, accompanied by an historical overview and comments drawn from the artist's diaries, is certain to provide the viewer with an unique vision of Australia and particularly the spectacular 'outback' - as well as honour the artist in his eightieth year.

Includes index; Impressions of people and places, comment on alcoholism and race relations in area; history and conditions at Jigalong, Strelley, La Grange Mission, Beagle Bay, Lombadina, Looma, Mowanjum community (Derby), leprosarium at Derby, Kalumburu, Lake Gregory, Balgo; conditions at Broome, Wyndham, Halls Ck, Fitzroy Crossing; rock engravings at Burrup Peninsula and Gallery Hill (with photos.); paintings of Wandjinas, Dingo Dreaming, crocodile at Napier Rge, others in Drysdale R. National Park (with photos); dance festival at Hooker Ck; story of East Kimberley outlaw, Major; Bardi legends of Galalang and Guradidj (little people)