Clem Bastow will discuss her book ‘Late Bloomer’ on Wednesday 27 April from 6.30pm via Zoom. Photograph Kristoffer Paulsen.
A warm, witty memoir about receiving a late diagnosis of autism and the fascinating journey of a Boolarra South ceramics artist will be explored in upcoming Latrobe City Libraries author talks.
Clem Bastow’s will discuss her book ‘Late Bloomer’ - a heartbreaking yet hilarious story about life before and after her autism diagnosis - at an ‘In conversation’ event with Claire Halliday on Wednesday 27 April from 6.30pm via Zoom.
Ms Bastow reflects as an autistic adult on her formative experiences as an undiagnosed young person, from the primary school playground to working as an entertainment journalist in Hollywood.
Along the way, she challenges the broader cultural implications and ideas around autism, particularly for women and gender-diverse people.
Then on Saturday 7 May find out more about the extraordinary life of one of Australia’s finest ceramics artists Owen Rye, when he discusses his memoir ‘Beyond Short Street’ at a special author talk at Morwell’s Latrobe Regional Gallery (LRG) from 2pm.
Currently living in Boolarra South, Mr Rye was a lecturer at the Gippsland Institute’s art school, and later Monash University campus at Churchill, for 20 years.
He is internationally renowned for his ceramic art and his writing about woodfired ceramics.
An unexpected inspiration led to a PhD, followed by travel and adventure; from driving trucks and flying gliders to gracing the Smithsonian in Washington, exploring the deserts and high mountains of Pakistan, immersion in politics, archaeology and assassination in Israel, Mr Rye’s journey an eclectic epic.
The emotional ups and downs of teaching art in schools, insights into the practice creating ceramics and the subtleties of isolated rural living feature throughout the story.
Former Latrobe City Mayor and globally recognised glass artist, Tony Hanning, will introduce the event.
Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said the talks are a chance to see the world through others’ eyes.
“As well as hearing about books themselves, the audience has a chance to think about different perspectives, cultures and lifestyles. An author talk is about listening and learning, and these both promise to be insightful and emotional,” Cr O’Callaghan said.
Both events are free but bookings are essential. Book at Eventbrite or your local library. Find out more at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/library.