I’ve never really understood the prejudice about cosmetic surgery, or why when someone famous decides to have something done, the Media slates them so much you’d think they’d kidnapped a Royal Corgi! Where did this prejudice come from? Perhaps because of those who’ve taken the former title of Plastic surgery too far and the plastic look is not a good one.
There’s a strong ‘Left Flank’ that advocates growing old gracefully and embracing the fact that every cell in your body is on an interminable move southwards. Our inner self is supposed to be above the immaturity of still wanting to look great. Why can’t you be deemed to be growing old gracefully, yet maintaining your looks to the best of your ability, via modern technology and medicine? Is the general disdain for these procedures to do with vanity? Yet is it anymore vain to have a facelift than it is to want new clothes you don’t actually need, or to colour your hair or paint your toenails? Is the disdain maybe due to envy because costs prohibit the masses from taking part?
Most people will live in a number of different houses in their lifetime, whether bought or rented, the majority of us will spend a great deal of time and money making these homes comfortable and to our liking. We will renovate, restore, re-build, landscape, secure and do just about anything to the particular abode we’re to inhabit for a certain amount of time. Why then is it frowned upon when we decide to do some restoration or renovation to the actual home we inhabit our ENTIRE lives? Surely if the plaster is showing cracks or there’s a little subsidence, it’s a good idea to get it sorted, especially when you can afford to do so. Afterall, with this type of restoration, you won’t have to worry about the builders stopping for tea and fag breaks!
If your ‘house’ is on public display because of the industry you happen to work in, it’s very understandable that you need it to look as good as it can for as long as it can. We should all grow old gracefully, accept and embrace the new challenges that come with getting older, but who has the right to say we can’t stay beautiful too?
Fiona Mackenzie-Spence’s work is often a little bizarre, certainly wacky and unusual, in that she’s not looking for perfection from the photographer’s point of view, but from the eye of an artist. “I use the camera and technology as my media in which to create my images, but I don’t call myself a photographer, because I know far too little about the technicalities of photography and cameras – it’s on my to do list”!
Although photography has always been something of a hobby, the introduction of Fine Art into Fiona’s life began in the early 1980’s when she was involved romantically with a student at Maidenhead College of Art & Design. The result was a four year relationship and a great deal of time spent with him on London outings in the Cork Street Galleries and The Tate ...
To Order Email Fiona Mackenzie-Spence at cameratechart@gmail.com
