One is as complete as its likely to be. This is of Garry McDonald in the persona of his creation Norman Gunston. For those of you unfamiliar with 70's and 80's Australian humour Gunston was a kind of forerunner to Ali G. That is a character developed by an actor to enable both extremely dim and/or wonderfully naive and insightful questions to be asked of various celebs or politicians. The outrageous "combover", the blobs of toilet paper covering shaving nicks, the pallid skin, the cheesy grin and the frantic panicked look in his eye all became trademarks.
My favourite line comes as a response to an American celeb - already "corpsing" hysterically at his nervous demeanour - who suggests that he use an electric razor from now on. Straight faced and quick as a flash he replies, "I do". End of any chance of a serious interview as she dissolves into uncontrollable laughter.
McDonald has been open about his struggles with his mental health and so this portrait joins others in a short series of favourites of mine who achieved great things whilst living with a mental health issue.
Oil on canvas, 1000mm x 750mm.
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