December 7, 2007
Story of a Miss South Africa in days gone by
The year was 1953 - not in my wildest imagination did I have any idea of what the year would bring me. Going to England to see the Coronation, going to New York and staying at the Waldorf Astoria, then being whisked off to Long Beach, California where the Miss Universe competition was held.
When it was announced that I was accorded the title of Miss SA (as Ingrid Mills) it wasn't in a hall or I wasn't crowned or had any type of audience. In my day the African Consolidated Theatres were the owner of the Miss Universe/Miss South Africa programme.
Let me start at the beginning.
I lived in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe) and I was taking a modeling course. There were two schools in Salisbury at the time. However I was persuaded by the school to enter the competition. I did not have any aspirations in that way, but I thought it was good fun.
I duly did my parading on the stage holding my No. 6.
In the middle of the heats, I had to go down to Cape Town for my sister's wedding. My father had an Austin and we duly drove down, taking a few days in which to do it in. Mr. Moffat the manager of the theatre at the time, was not pleased to see me go off in the middle of the heats, however he said as long as I returned in time for the finals it would be ok.
There was I in Cape Town, with hardly any spare money, except for some money that my boyfriend at the time (it was at the time of the Mau Mau emergency and the young guys came down to Salisbury to train) had given me air fare to fly to Kenya, as he was hoping that I would join him there soon. I had to use that money and promised myself that I would repay it as soon as I could.
The plane was a DC prop job. It took all day to fly back to Salisbury - I had to be on the stage that night for the finals.
Nothing daunted I did my parading and guess what? I was announced the winner, being awarded the sash of Miss Salisbury. Rhodesia was too small to have their own beauty competition, so we were incorporated into South Africa at the time. There was a Miss Bulawayo too.
I was feted by everyone, having my photograph taken with all the big wigs at the time. My only problem was I did not have too many clothes for the festivities that I was told that would be organized in Johannesburg. The head of the modelling school was so pleased that one of her girls had won, that she was only too delighted to lend me some of her outfits.
In Johannesburg the judging was held at Killarney Studios - we were made to stand and talk in front of cameras to see if we had "histrionic promise" and we had various teas where various judges sounded us out as to how we behaved in public, to see if we could hold a reasonable conversation and generally to see if we were "ladies"! We attended rugby games - where we were introduced to all the players, we drove to all the other towns on the reef, and all this was done by being driven about in Morris Minors!
We had a week of this and on Sunday when we were due to fly back to our various centres, I was told that my plane seat was given to an urgent case, I was very disappointed at the time, but my chaperon whispered that she thought I was going to be announced as Miss South Africa. Where was all the fanfare?
Monday morning I duly presented myself to Mr. Stodel the manager of the ACT and he calmly said, "Congratulations you are Miss South Africa." I just did not feel anything as it seemed such a let down, with no one else around to hear the news [see news clipping].
However after that everything happened.
I was taken to the dentist (nothing needed to be done) to check to see whether my teeth were straight. Nothing like a crooked mouth full of teeth to spoil a good smile. Then to the hairdresser where I was minutely checked out, fortunately they did not cut my hair! I was given a facial, manicure etc.
My next biggest visit was to the courturier who was making my Miss South Africa dress! I must say that the work they did on the dress was beautiful, hand-sewn pearls designed in the form of proteas etc. The dress weighed 20 lbs, as I had to have a heavy petticoat to keep the designs getting covered by the folds of the satin [pic]. I also had to have a big ostrich feather fan!
For my prizes I was given various items like small tables, rugs, jewelry boxes, shoes and a wardrobe of clothes. In those days - no cars were presented!
My big prize was a trip to London to see the Coronation from the balcony of the Dorchester which included lunch and tea!
While in London I had to do my Miss South Africa bit by distributing Outspan oranges to children in various schools in the East End of London! Other visits I made were to various film studios where I was photographed with film stars like David Niven, Gregory Peck, Jimmy Edwards and so on. I also attended fashion shows where wool was being used in the garments paraded for us [pics].
While in London I was on the "Tonite" show where I met such luminaries like Elizabeth Arden, Laurence Olivier etc! While in England I went to various hairdressers, and unfortunately they cut my hair. (Big mistake) as I learned later!
At last I was due to fly to New York to stay at the Waldorf Astoria where I was introduced to all the European Misses, e.g. Turkey, Switzerland. Sweden, Norway etc. We appeared on various tv shows "Ed Murrow show" the biggest talking show at the time! We stayed for about 4 days at the Waldorf Astoria before flying off to Long Beach where the contest was being held.
When we arrived in Long Beach we had to wear our national costumes and all we had on the plane to change into our clothes was the tiny toilet room. Remember my dress weighed 20 lbs.
We all took turns to stand at the top of the stairs to pose for a picture, and we had to appear alphabetically [pic]. Miss Sweden always tried to get in front of me?!!!
We were whisked off to the hotel where more photographs were taken. At last we had a chance to relax and we were allowed to take a rest at the hotel! My first thought was to make a booking for a trip to West Virginia where my aunt and uncle lived, as after the competition I was going to spend some time with them.
We had to practice going up and down the ramp with our swim suit costumes and Evening Ball gowns and then our National costumes. We also had to make a small speech about our countries! I was in a quandary as although I came from Rhodesia I was representing South Africa! I cant remember what I said at the time, but eventually it was all over and Miss France (Christiane Martel) won the title.
So I thought that was that, so I went along to the airline booking office to confirm my flight and while I was there Jeff Chandler -one of the judges came up to me and said "I wouldn't be in too much of a hurry if I were you" he said he couldn't say much at this stage, but asked me to delay my flight.
When all the prizes were read out, the five winners were awarded week to week contracts, but I was awarded a 3 month contract by Universal studios - I was taken aback, but I thought here was another adventure!
We were taken to the Studio Club in Hollywood where all the starlets of the different studios stayed. I shared a room with Miss Australia. We had to be ready at 5 am to be driven to the studios to make a short film with two stars, we were costumed in Hawaiian outfits. Every morning when we were not filming we had to be at the studios where we were taught dancing, acting and we also had to take riding lessons.
After awhile we were told we were going to take part in a big film with Jeff Chandler and Rhonda Fleming. Our costumes were the Harem girls! We were kitted out in our gowns and of course numerous photographs were taken on the lots (out door sets) The film was called "Yankee Pasha". [pics]
We didn't spend all our time at the studios, we were also invited to parties where we would meet all the other stars. Some of the stars we met were Peter Lawford, James Mason, Tony Curtis, Shelly Winters, Rock Hudson and a few more whom I cannot remember at this time.
Miss Australia (Maxine Morgan) and I went around together when we were not at the studios. We wanted to drive down (Maxine bought an old studebaker) to Tijuana but the studio would not allow us to go as they were responsible for us! We did the usual shopping, and visited all the usual places where the stars were, but on the whole we were kept rather busy at the studios. If it wasn't dancing classes, it was acting and keeping fit as well.
A lot of the time we were posing for photographs, and then again we used to go riding! I had never really been on a horse until I went to Hollywood but I soon seemed to pick it up. All new starlets at Universal had to be available at all times, as they used us to test out new film-making ideas, and this of course got us used to being behind the camera. I thought I would enjoy all this, but the waiting around between takes was so boring. When one is a big star you get your own space, but we had to just sit around and await our turn to be called.
I enjoyed staying at the studio club because there were so many different girls from all over the world staying there. But as time went by, I realized this was not the sort of life I wanted to live. I missed the people back home in Salisbury and decided after 2 months in Hollywood to give it up and return to Rhodesia.
One regret I have is that I had not given it enough time to develop my talents, but I guess that is all water under the bridge.
PS: completely unrelated, but I found this funny piece of 1953 trivia: Sean Connery, 3rd place in Mr Universe 1953 :)
Posted by ingrid at 8:00 AM | Comments (0)
August 5, 2007
My Life
All my life I have been making things, I tried rug making, tapestry, then clay,porcelain reproduction antique dolls, stained glass, fused glass and now glass beads on the torch, using both soft and hard glass e.g. borosilicate.
The "making" is important, the thread that keeps all this varied "making" is the colour. It is colour that inspires me.
I feel my life to be a continuing process of unfolding who I am in the presence of others. I feel alive making beads and the identity problem of what is art and what is not fades in the heat of this transformational flame.
I am having fun.
I have increased my gallery show - take note!
Posted by ingrid at 10:50 AM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2007
My Glass Resume
The other day I was relating to someone about where I had been learning how to make glass beads. Well I thought I had better put it down in black and white as one has a habit of forgetting the important stuff!
My first class way back in 2000 was in Johannesburg at the Dragon Glass Studio. I then came back to Somerset West and practised for a year before I decided to go to the States to improve on my techniques.
I asked around and was put on to Lisa St Martin in Rockville Maryland. I had a week with her and realised how much I still needed to learn.
On my return I practised again, and later in that year I heard that Leah Fairbanks was giving a class in a studio in Chicago. I met quite a few beadmakers with whom I keep in contact even now.
My next Instructor was Ann Schermo in Virginia Beach - we worked hard together, me to get my techniques right and she getting me to listen! I realised the only time to learn is to take note of the instruction and then go home and practise!
I attended the Best Bead Show in Tucson and took advantage of inquiring about classes.
I then had a class in Tucson with Margaret Zinser, who was a very good instructor. As I was in the area I took a flight to San Antonio, Texas where I took classes in boro with Bandhu Scott and Keith Ivey and soft glass with Sam Hibler at Wired Designs. I had a great time there and the "girls" were so friendly.
Of course I have videos which I watch time and time again. One of the best videos is made by Jim Smircich.
Books are also great and Corina's book "Passing the Flame" is the best instruction book.Of course one has to read and read and take it in.
I now practise the techniques & styles these days and I realise there is a great deal still to master.
My student today mentioned that litttle do the public realise what goes into making a glass bead
Posted by ingrid at 9:08 PM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2007
Recent picture of yours truly
Recent picture of yours truly
Posted by ingrid at 4:00 PM | Comments (1)
July 24, 2005
My glass history
I decided to give a list of my past history as I was having a conversation with a gallery owner and they were not aware of my glass past.
I first went to Corning USA to be introduced to the magic of glass. Three day courses were offered and I chose to do Dichroic Glass, Pate de verre and Drop Rings.
After the course I spent some days in Corning where I spent most time at the Corning Museum of glass, a most spectacular place - where anybody with the remotest interest in glass will be entertained.
Unfortunately Corning is fairly difficult to access if one is not using one's own transport, as one has to fly to Elmira, then take a shuttle to Corning.
I was proceeding to Portland to continue my education in glass so I had to fly to Detroit from Elmira to connect with Portland Oregon.
That is a place I would love to go back to, Glass everywhere!!!
Posted by ingrid at 2:16 PM
Glass CV
EDUCATION
2001 Workshop in Corning USA (Dichroic & Pate de Verre class)
2001 Workshop at Bullseye Factory, Portland, Oregon.
2003 Workshop 5 day with Roger Thomas @ Vitrum Studios, Maryland
2003 Workshop 5 day with Brock Craig & Avery Anderson
2003 One on One Bead Class with Lisa St Martin 2 day.Rockville
2004 Bead class 3 day with Leah Fairbanks
2004 Two day one on one with Ann Schermo - Virginia Beach
EXHIBITIONS
2003 Joint Exhibition at Cape Gallery
2004 Design Indaba
2004 US Art Gallery Stellenbosch Nov. Exhibition.
2004 Joint Exhibition Rialto Gallery, Strand
Posted by ingrid at 1:52 PM
July 3, 2005
A bit more about my bead making
Once I discovered making glass beads on the torch that was it - everything else flew out of the window, I love the fact that I can create these small original works of art with this lovely material.
BUT once you start you have to finish the item, but with all the colours and different techniques one can achieve so much.
I am quite spontaneous
I felt doing beads would draw me in away from my other glass work, it did but I still hanker after doing my glass murals. It is the glass that is so seductive.
I like to create new designs from the different techniques around, so one idea leads to another.
A last thought on the mattter:
There are a variety of different techniques and tricks you can use to get certain effects, but the challenge is to get the same results on demand. Glass is very tricky and doesn't always co-operate with your will, but sometimes that's when the magic happens.
Posted by ingrid at 3:26 PM | Comments (2)
July 1, 2005
Little known facts about Ingrid...
Since my mother doesn't let on about this, I'm letting you know :)
Not only is Ingrid a highly creative artist, but she was also a Miss South Africa (as Ingrid Mills), and an actress in a Hollywood film.
Here's a pic of her at the pageant parade in Long Beach, California.
, and more here on Louis Fourie's site.
Simon
(her son and weblog producer)
Posted by sdehaast at 3:31 PM | Comments (1)
About Ingrid de Haast
ONE OF only a handful of SA's glass artists - Ingrid de Haast - returned home to Somerset West recently after visiting America to expand her skills. She learnt new techniques in pot melting, pattern bars in glass and dichroic - a black glass that reflects light in a spectrum of colours.
She started out as a potter more than 20 years ago and says she did extensive training, workshops and also made antique reproduction porcelain dolls. But she always felt that she wanted to work with glass - not just making stained glass objects, but firing and playing with different designs and colours.
"However, there was nobody who could teach me locally and I put it at the back of my mind for a couple of years," says Ingrid.
Initially, she tried her hand at designs with lead glass, but found the process and techniques too time consuming, and, she says, she cannot bear to waste time. She wanted to do something different. When she eventually discovered someone that could teach her stained glass work, the tutor mentioned hot glass - glass fired in a kiln - and Ingrid knew she had found what she had been looking for. "The bug had bitten."
Ingrid did a course, bought glass and inevitably wasted vast amounts of material as she wrestled to master the medium.
"The firing of glass is so different from other glasswork. It has to be done at the right temperature and the fusing and slumping is very important. Glass is fused between 780 and 900 degrees, but it is not so much the temperature that is important, but the time it is fused. Hot glass is like honey."
Mica, gold and pattern bars all require different temperatures and refining the technique comes with years of practice, according to her. It hasn't been easy and many a time she used the wrong type of glass and had many disasters. She went to the Internet for advice and discovered classes were to be presented in the United States. She attended classes in Corning, near New York as a "raw and new" student of the art. They covered pate de verre, dichroic and drop rings in the schedule. She says she learned much, but still went on to Oregon for another ten-day course near the Bull's-eye glass factory.
"I couldn't get enough of the glass, the colours were wonderful and I wanted a piece of everything."
Ingrid returned home with small pieces of colourful glass in her luggage, hoping that it would reach its destination in one piece.
"I came back and still felt that I needed some help, despite my regular practicing." She turned to the Internet again, found help and also booked for another two workshops with Roger Thomas and Brock Craig in America. Ingrid says the workshop was fully booked, but because she was willing to travel halfway across the world, Roger accommodated her in his class.
She also furthered her knowledge in glass beads and pot melting. She brought home little detailed tiles to keep her inspired and whenever she feels she is at a dead-end for inspiration, she just follows the instructions on the tiles.
"I can go back tomorrow because glasswork is all so fascinating."
Ingrid says she will rather learn something new than go on holiday; so all her overseas travels are expeditions of learning. She remembers her first local bead course, presented in Johannesburg. The only way she could afford to go was to sell her pottery equipment and books.
"Pottery I am now finished with," she declared. Being a glass artist poses its own special challenges. South African glass can only be used for windows and stained glass objects, while only American glass can be used in the kiln.
In addition, it takes versatility. As for her style, Ingrid is adamant she does not like to follow crowds or trends. She strives to be different.
"Making glass beads from thin glass rods takes practice, practice and more practice." She likes to exhibit at galleries "as it is not really craft market material because it can't be displayed properly". She feels she has much to learn, in particular more about the torch, because that is what she uses for bead shaping. She loves to work with dichoic, as it is very versatile and colourful, but it also has its limitations - the glass is very expensive.
Her husband makes her display stands.
But, as any artist will acknowledge: it's tough to let go of the completed work when so much effort and care went into it. When she shows her craftwork on the shelves in her studio, she says her husband taught her from the beginning "not to fall in love with stock."
That is the only way that she can sell the pieces she so carefully crafted.
"But when I can see that a person is really admiring my work, it is a privilege to have something of mine in their house."
Posted by sdehaast at 2:13 PM