WHO IS SHIRLEY BARRY?

Recently unreleased archival footage of the incredibly talented and popular Shirley Barry has emerged from the archives.

Lisa Defazio host of the youtube channel Have You Got a Minute that shines a light on passionate people and their interests has just revealed she is the custodian of this incredible legacy.

Details of how she came to get the footage remains unclear what is evident however is that she is onto something truly significant as for as our Australian cultural heritage is concerned.

Shirley Barry, it is believed was raised in a typical outer suburb of Melbourne, during her hay day as one of the medias most loved hosts and entertainers she rubbed shoulders with all of the networks most significant icons. Shirley reigned supreme as on the Australias most respected female entertainers of the late 60s through to the 90s. As her show was stated she was the Royal Standard in variety entertainment.

Shirley Barry as she first appeared on Australian TV

Then in the late 90s Ms Barry all but disappeared from view, it was rumoured that the break down in her eighth marriage, weight gain and the loss of her time share apartment at Club Mulwala was the final straw.

Defazio claims she discovered the footage spanning Shirley's entire 40-year history while rummaging through a charity store. An avid vintage collector this could be possible but the fact that this footage could be discarded defies belief.

Shirley's Mother and sister seen here on board a flight toasting to the Ansett Airlines sponsorship of the show.

Companies lined up to get endorsement deals with Shirley thus was the calibre of her influence.

There is currently a bidding war raging between the ABC and the ill fated channel 9 over the rights to not only the Shirley Barry Variety Show but also never been released tell all interviews. The footage has programs like The Project, The Circle and the talent at the ABC running scared as Shirley threatens a return.

Heralded a feminist icon and regarded not only for her sharp with and feisty attitude her take no prisoners approach to life Ms Barry was more akin to her male colleges of the time. Shirley stood toe to toe with them all. With most of her peers now retired she could be on the verge of a comeback and is about to prove that She who laughs lasts laughs loudest.

Defazio is guarded when asked about her plans of the footage.

Newly appointed ABC art critic Mx Rasberry Curtains has met with Ms Defazio for an interview on Have You Got a Minute - discussing the cultural significance of Shirley's role in Australian entertainment. This endorsement alone speaks volumes. Ms Curtains suggests you subscribe to the youTube channel to keep abreast of developments.

Mean while Ahn Do is trying to gain access to Shirley hoping to use her status as leverage for his Brush with Fame series. The Project, Laurence Mooney and Working Dog and Princess Productions have all put forward collaborative offers to Lisa to access the material.

It seems ironic that Shirley Barry an unconventional yet brilliant woman from an age now perceived as archaic could stand to revolutionise this uninspired media landscape of political correctness and ever expanding fragmented inclusion and reemerge as a pivotal dynamic force.

For the time being, we are being drip feed snippets of Shirley via Instagram, facebook and youTube.
Let's just hope the world is ready for it.

Classic 1960 Pontiac Catalina Restoration

So this is my car...my beautiful sky blue 2 door 1960 Pontiac Catalina. Isn't she a beaut?

I have had this dream machine for a couple of years and purchased it as is which is original with a newer but very tired interior. While I know a lot of car collectors and customisers I am more of a traditionalist and get very excited about original features and design elements.

I had been planning to restore the interior of my car and had accumulated quite a bit of information including this incredible promotional video.

The current upholstery can be seen in these images below on the front bench seat. I will also change the elements of the dashboard paint. The speaker system was tucked into the glove compartment and four speakers were sitting underneath the front seats - let's just say the heavy bass was quite the experience.

All of the springs and padding had completely eroded or broken which made you feel like you were sitting on the floor while driving.

I soon found that SMS Fabrics could supply my original door trims and replace almost the entire interior. They are great to deal with and if you have any trouble finding what you are after just send them an email they offer sample swatches and were very helpful. My car already had new navy carpets, roof, and boot linings, so I chose to keep those. SMS was a great company to deal with and I purchased a stunning woven fabric, two different shades of blue vinyl, three embossed panels for the seats, door handle pads, and the parcel shelf. Every item was made to order and delivery was staggered but well worth the wait.

Two tone heat embossed door panels 

All seals and finishes are being replaced and the mechanisms serviced.

I am so happy with the team that is working on this stay tuned as there will be a follow-up blog and video soon, so if you haven't already please subscribe to my youtube channel here.

MY Nervous breakdown ::: Featuring a Diet of Constant Shit

My nervous breakdown might come in the form of a stand up routine...

I mean why not?

Normal is neutered - and here is THE question...

Why are we so busy trying to be normal?

Oh my normal is quite extraordinary, quite well formed, quirky and self effacing it is the decade for that isn't it?

The 70's was a time for sexual revolution and role reversal or at least challenging your role as a man or woman - so my nervous break down then (had I been an adult then) might have involved a lesbian phase and a feminist book being published.

 The 80's...hmmm the drugs could have took me but I am not that self destructive so perhaps some in your face 'Vagina Monologue - esque - Fuck You' to the world.

Ladies your va-ja-jay is not that interesting.

The 90's Expressionistic but warm at heart, some giant disturbing art instillation or show? Some bizarre stuff for the sake of being truly ground breaking and avant garde.

The 00's Safe very safe - an ironic poem and some sad faceless dolls - oh yeah I did that, but this below is just as bad...ah the malaise.

The thing is
I am getting over something, processing something.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Psychological Violence.

Crime Scene Investigation

It all sounds good doesn't it? Good if it doesn't apply to you. But when there are files and fall out its shit. It's a buffet of shit. Would you like a shit roll, a shit baguette or a shit croissant with shit sprinkles and a steaming hot turd on the side? Yeah its a bit like that.

I don't take anti depressants oh no no no I am far to good for that, no I am too real. Episodes and snippets of complete denial or at least keeping up appearances is the drug of choice for me. Face full of make up, washed and appearing to be functioning. Even better be creative, funny and popular.

Refusing to curl and wither my firm grip on denial and coping mechanism - humour might just be the thing to bring to the fore.

Fuck it! There is an inner battle, continue to parade the existence or call it.
But I am no Debbie Downer - I dislike them and refuse to be one myself, my creativity and humour has keep the drugs and down fall at bay, perhaps its time I turn it, perhaps the depleting can become the tool to invigorate me.

In an ideal scenario my insecurities fall away, my will to please is put aside, I allow the words and the feeling linked to those feces encrusted experiences to be shared and regale my personal experiences.

The flames, the betrayal, my denial. Ultimately my ability, yes my ability. My ability to laugh at myself to laugh at my flaws, my shortcomings, it's actually not about other parties involved. I do not seek revenge and respect peoples privacy - this is no backlash. This is not bitter or vengeful I have seen expression and comedy like that it is anything but appealing.

As an artist and expressive creative my life and my work have always revealed where I am at.

Perhaps comedy is next...
or I could be come the next Nigella,
stay tuned.