Cotton Pickin'

The Fabric Of Society

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This photograph is more than merely my depiction of red; it is also part of my life in many ways. Why? Because it was taken a year ago, at the New Market in Calcutta, India. I grew up in Calcutta and trips to the New Market (or Sir Stuart Hogg Market, to give it its real name) were a special treat. It was the sights. It was the sounds. It was the aromas. The New Market, under one huge roof, was an unforgettable experience then - and it still is, even now.

It is also part of my life because the New Market is lovingly described in my first novel, Vegemite Vindaloo, which was on several bestseller lists and was even ranked at No.3 on one list, behind the Booker Prize Winner at No.1.

I took a variety of shots for this week's "Red" theme, but discarded them all in favour of this image, with the generous daubs of red splashed through the frame. These cotton outfits, displayed in a shop's entrance, are known as "shalwar kameez".

As a child, I must have walked past this shop hundreds of times. On this occasion, during a sudden and unexpected trip to the land of my birth, it was my turn to point out familiar sights to my three Australian-born children. And today, it is such a great privilege to share a part of my life with you, my readers.

Please tick the camera poll on the right. Thanks!

Wall, Street

Calcutta Is Bathed In A New Light

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON

I took this shot during a ten-day visit to Calcutta late last year. This is the Corporation building, behind the New Market. It dates back to the era of British India and I was delighted to see that the building had been painted and tastefully illuminated with floodlights. It is always a pleasure to go back to the city where I was born and to see the many improvements that are being carried out. This is a great example. Once a nondescript building, it is perfect proof of the renewal of civic pride. I have wonderful memories of this historic city, so it's no surprise that the first half of my bestselling novel, Vegemite Vindaloo, published by Penguin Books India, is based here. It helps if you write about things you genuinely love.

Stand Up Routine

This Must Be The Dummy Bidder

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

These two pictures were shot beside the New Market in Calcutta. At first glance, it looks like the bloke is catching the latest headlines before he gets into his car. Right? Nope. Wrong. Completely wrong. Now have a look at the picture below. The guy is actually a dummy. Yes, yes, I know you think most blokes are dummies anyway, but he's just a mannequin. The clothes are real. And the newspaper's real. And because I'm a stickler for detail, I even went and checked on the dateline on the newspaper. It was the edition of the day, so I'm guessing someone replaces the newspaper every day and places the current edition in his waxy hands.

The Daily Lama

Faith Gets A Positive Spin

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

As a keen photographer, I find the combination of metal and soft light irresistible. These two frames were shot in Calcutta/ Kolkata, during a very brief recent trip to India. The Buddhist prayer wheels were on prominent display at Chamba Lama, the well-known store in the New Market. When I asked the manager if I could use my camera inside the store, she graciously agreed without hesitation. In the course of the conversation, it transpired that she and I had finished school in the same year in the same Himalayan town, Darjeeling.