In memoriam: June Newton a.k.a Alice Springs (1923-2021)

“Mirror, mirror on the wall—how am I doing as night-time falls? There she was again, posing before the mirror with her small camera in her right hand, her body firm, and as always this very same determined gaze, bursting into an unspoken stream of creative strength.

EYEMAZING: How were these self-portraits born?

Alice Springs: They were never meant to be a project, just a series of reflections of what I saw on the way to bed after dinner at the Chateau Marmont early this year. I never know when I’m going to photograph myself. It mostly happens when I’m cleaning my teeth or taking off my make-up in front of the mirror before going to bed, or even sometimes after surgery when I am wearing a tube that is for collecting my blood on the night following a face-lift.

EYEMAZING: What makes one a good photographer?

Alice Springs: Good photographer…Many are called, few are chosen.

EYEMAZING: Which do you consider is the best photograph you have ever taken?

Alice Springs: Graham Greene, simply because it was the only portrait of mine that Helmut was ever jealous of. But, the most beautiful portrait I’ve ever taken must be the one of Helmut on his deathbed. Who will photograph me on mine?

Extract from a ten pages article interview with June Newton that was published in EYEMAZING spring issue 2008.