Rhyll estuary, Photo: John Clarke John Clarke joked that most of his bird photographs had a tiny bird flying out of the top left-hand corner. But a calendar of his photos, many taken around Phillip Island, attests to his skills and patience.
By Jeff Waters
JOHN Clarke made us all laugh through his comic genius, his wit and satire. He was a very, very funny man, and deeply loved by two nations: Australia, where he spent most of his career, and New Zealand, where he started out and became an iconic figure.
But he wasn’t your normal 'funny-man'. He wasn’t prone to public display and overexposure. John was a deeply private person.
JOHN Clarke made us all laugh through his comic genius, his wit and satire. He was a very, very funny man, and deeply loved by two nations: Australia, where he spent most of his career, and New Zealand, where he started out and became an iconic figure.
But he wasn’t your normal 'funny-man'. He wasn’t prone to public display and overexposure. John was a deeply private person.
He found solace in the love of his family and close friends, but he also had a hobby with which to clear his ever-ranging mind. “Mr John Clarke’s” private love was photographing Australian birdlife, particularly around the family retreat on Phillip Island.
The Clarke Family has kindly given a series of his extraordinary photographs for a calendar to raise money for two of John’s great loves: the ABC and the Trust for Nature.
ABC Friends National spokesman and Clarke family friend Ranald Macdonald says the quality of the images show John could easily have had a second career.
“He was a naturally-gifted photographer. The images must have taken a great deal of time, patience, and concentration to achieve.”
The calendars cost $25 and are available through ABC Friends.
Jeff Waters is a member of ABC Friends National.
The Clarke Family has kindly given a series of his extraordinary photographs for a calendar to raise money for two of John’s great loves: the ABC and the Trust for Nature.
ABC Friends National spokesman and Clarke family friend Ranald Macdonald says the quality of the images show John could easily have had a second career.
“He was a naturally-gifted photographer. The images must have taken a great deal of time, patience, and concentration to achieve.”
The calendars cost $25 and are available through ABC Friends.
Jeff Waters is a member of ABC Friends National.