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Includes bibliographic references (pages 245-262) and index.

Introduction : material traces -- A life larger than life -- Movers of the new force -- A different way of drawing -- Breaking the rules -- Cloth, stuffing and paint -- Communicating through materials -- Painting with threads -- Paintings alive -- theatre masks and puppets -- Painting the city -- A journey from fresco to mosaic -- 'My painting is my life' -- 'You never finish your work' -- Carrying the meaning of objects through time.

Mirka Mora features a rich insight into the intellectual life and art practice of one of Australia's most versatile, creative and prolific modern artists. A Melbourne cultural icon, Mirka, along with her ex-husband Georges, was instrumental in helping to establish Australian modern art on a global stage. She was integral in reviving the meetings of the Contemporary Artists Society, whose members included friends John Perceval and John and Sunday Reed, and later in creating hubs for artistic figures at Mirka cafe and the Balzac restaurant. Among her many artistic achievements, Mirka is much admired for her Flinders Street mural, Adelaide Festival frieze and stained-glass paintings at Heide. This book focuses on her idiosyncratic processes, which are largely self-taught and blend traditional techniques with modern creativity. With privileged access to Mirka and her studio, Sabine Cotte offers an intimate portrait of one of Australia's best-loved artists.