This has been an incredible trip, in good and not-so-good ways. The good ones far outweigh the bad, never fear! From practically the first day I arrived in France, there have been transportation strikes that have made confetti of my plans and itineraries. Though I missed the first week in Paris, I had more days in Amboise to visit with Casey and Ronell---- that's where I was first inspired. I'd met Casey in September, so I knew how lovely and vivacious and just plain fun she is. This time I got to meet her family and see her gorgeous, large studio in a former stable next to her house. I also was lucky enough to meet warm and gracious Ronell and to see her beautifully appointed, cozy house and HER spacious and inviting studio, too! My space is much smaller than either of theirs, but I'm determined to go home and read the riot act to my so-called studio. I want to make mine as cozy and Casey-and-Ronell-like as I can. They are both fabulous painters, too. I saw many pieces which have never appeared on their blogs and I was very, very impressed.
I will post sketches from the trip in the coming days. For now, here's a shot of Casey and me in which I'm trying to coerce her into some foul misdeed, the nature of which I cannot recall. I feel sure she resisted.
By taking a taxi 150 miles (!!!!!) from Paris to Amboise (the only way he could get out of Paris to where I was since the trains weren't running), my husband was able to join me in time for us to rent a car and drive to Clermont-Ferrand for the art show I participated in. Another set of train tickets bit the dust. We missed most of the first day, however. We got lost. Enough said.
But, oh, what a fabulous event it was!!! I saw wonderful, ambitious, powerful, large, complex work over and over and over. If I hadn't had to man my own stand, I could have seen even more than I did. Oh my word, it was inspiring!! I am on fire with ideas for the coming year. I fulfilled my duties in the panel discussion I'd worried about. I met interesting and kind people. I talked about and showed my work to the many visitors who stopped by to see it. I feel so grateful to have been included in this exhibition. It was one of those life-changing occurrences, I think.
And back to Paris, at last, for one day before leaving tomorrow for hearth, home, and new baby in our family!
A couple of photos of Paris before I start to pack. Sketches have been sketched. They will be shared as soon as I can. Happy days ahead to all of us, each and every one!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, wonderful people! I have SO much to tell about the trip and have only just now posted the first sketches. I will get the whole story out in the next few days. My stepdaughter had a baby on November 17th, a darling little boy!! He was about a week early. Will try to answer your questions soon!
Posted by: Laura | November 24, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Being one to know quite well what an adventure it is to be with Casey and Ronell I can only say....I wish I could have tagged along too! They are such lovely ladies and I had a blast with them in Paris last month!!! I'm still 'high' off of that whole trip!
Posted by: mARTA | November 23, 2007 at 11:44 PM
Glad to hear you're back home with a smile after some testing times here in France! Like Katherine, I'm also anxious to see some photos of your exhibition and of course your sketches!
ronell
Posted by: Africantapestry | November 23, 2007 at 09:39 AM
I kept wondering how you were getting on with all those transport strikes.
I guess you met up with Enriques? I'm dying to see photos of the event itself plus all the wonderful sketches which I know you will have done.
Posted by: Katherine | November 23, 2007 at 03:59 AM
What great fun! Love the stories.
Posted by: RobinN | November 21, 2007 at 06:12 PM
Hanging out with Casey and Ronell! I am very envious. How could it NOT prove inspirational? I haven't been to Paris for almost 3 years now, so I'm envious on that count too. Colour me green!
Posted by: E-J | November 21, 2007 at 03:42 PM