AustLit

'If she hadn't spent so long raking in her backyard she would have caught that train and the last tour at the aquarium. She'd have seen big-and-small-fish (with lots of colours) who swam around everywhere. She would also have seen the other things that were (less colourful) not-quite-fish. Someone of the many someones who wore a name badge would have explained away the fishness of the not-quite-fish until they were just "not-quites"...'

 (Publication abstract)

'I watch as the sculptor plays with the Plaster of Paris, twirling the white, thick paste in her hands. The mixture will hold the bones in place, avoiding displacement and tearage. She takes a cherry red Revlon lipstick and using a thin paintbrush, delicately applies it onto the dead woman's clammy lips. Using photographs and information from the family, she knows it's her signature look, one she never left home without wearing. Before stepping back to assess her handiwork, the artist checks the Tan Glo that was sprayed on 20 minutes ago to liven up the skin with a healthy summertime finish. She refines her handiwork, plucking hairs from the eyebrows to give them the perfect arch. Once she's satisfied with her work, she shows me the photograph of the lady alongside the life-sized doll. I can't believe how realistic the lady's face looks. It's almost as if she's alive, except she isn't.' 

 (Publication abstract)