BOOKS

MEALS IN HEELS:DO-AHEAD DISHES FOR THE DINNER PARTY DIVA By Jennifer Joyce; Murdoch Books, $39.93

My space

IN A pocket of Southbank surrounded by construction sites, the Boyd School stands in defiance of the developers, a modest, two-storey structure offering low-cost artist studios. Part of Melbourne City Council's Creative Spaces program, run in partnership with Arts Victoria, the building is a creative refuge at a time when rising rents have forced many artists out of the city. In what she calls "the best room" in the building, fashion illustrator Louise Baker is surrounded by remnants of a career spanning 60 years, from the advertising department of the Myer Emporium during the 1950s, to illustrations for leading New York department stores in the 1960s and '70s, and a series of teaching positions following her return to Melbourne in 1971. Paintings line one wall, while shelves and tables are strewn with drawings and clippings celebrating the fashion illustrator's art, an art she hopes to reinvigorate by running classes in the studio.

Little Lord Fondle-roy

THE performance by morals-crusading radio star Chris Smith at his station 2GB's Christmas party involving not one but three glamorous young women has delivered him a particularly amoral dilemma.

Acclaimed botanical artist pushed environmental and social causes

ELIZABETH VIVIENNE CONABERE ARTIST, WRITER 3-6-1929 €” 29-10-2009

Once prime minister, now prime meddler

The intrusion of a non-qualified former politician into a design issue is inappropriate on many levels, of which one is most pertinent ("Storming the headland", September 19-20). It is apparent Paul Keating is forcing his own scheme via the back door to override a transparent process that resulted in a design scheme worthy of its selection as winner.

Lurid art of fighting

Military history dresses up in uncomfortable fancy clothes. War Comics: A Graphic History By Mike Conroy Ilex, 189pp, $55 Camouflage By Tim Newark Thames & Hudson, 192pp, $49.95

Show time for a surreal clown

Although he promoted himself as a loony genius, Salvador Dali should be remembered as a money-hungry extrovert. Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, until October 4

Shape - design

Mentor as anything AS ANY designer will tell you, creation is easy. It's getting your designs to market that is the challenge.

Bruno's goose Chase

THE Chaser boys are striking fear into the hearts of PR companies around the country and for once they haven't done a thing wrong. Originally Universal Pictures asked the Chaser to plan a stunt for last Monday's Bruno premiere at the State Theatre but the team members don't like to be asked so they declined.