tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26184972137849325362011-07-07T14:11:01.582-07:00L.A. artists show-and-tell travels to France and love of all things things French.Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-85479466934955610162010-01-26T23:40:00.000-08:002010-01-27T00:25:28.032-08:00

I.Cy Twombly. Untitled [from Blooming. A Scattering of Blossoms and Other Things] (2007)At my studio in Paris, an artist from Japan told me her friend loved my work and saw Cy Twombly. This was not a conscious reference but now I just want to see these paintings all the time. They speak my language. I'm in a conversation.II.BBC NEWSPainting meets its femme fataleA woman who says she was so

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-13473859390030478162010-01-21T23:18:00.000-08:002010-01-21T23:27:27.991-08:00

In Europe, the Arts Ask for AlmsBy MICHAEL KIMMELMANPublished: January 21, 2010Many cultural institutions in Europe, long funded primarily by governments, are moving toward a more American style of private philanthropy.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/arts/design/21abroad.html

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-7300971259087394672009-12-31T15:36:00.001-08:002009-12-31T15:37:56.903-08:00

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-73521821152707480262009-12-31T00:29:00.000-08:002009-12-31T00:45:09.040-08:00

I'm crazy about the French Scopitone movies from the '60s. This one, a 1964 number by Les Parisiennes, is called "Il fait trop beau pour travailler, which means "it's too beautiful outside to work." An homage to vacations. And to having fun out on the tarmac.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-21657183374141722122009-12-23T18:02:00.000-08:002009-12-23T23:41:29.213-08:00

Visit the banks of the Seine, and soon, Versailles, via Google Maps' project, "Discover World Heritage Sites with Street View", in partnership with UNESCO.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-90250174879476688462009-12-23T00:08:00.000-08:002009-12-23T00:29:43.785-08:00

I have to find a film Agnès Varda made in 1969 about three French actors in Hollywood, "Lions Love". Surprised I didn't know she made work in my very own Los Angeles. Where can I find it, what will it be like? Very excited.Synopsis from Ciné Tamaris, the official site featuring Varda's work and that of her husband Jacques Demy:"Trois acteurs - Viva, Jim, Jerry sur le chemin de la « staricité » et

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-44688417806699311312009-10-01T15:37:00.000-07:002009-10-01T15:44:38.141-07:00

This NYT article explains why credit cards from the U.S. are becoming ever less user-friendly abroad:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/travel/04pracchip.htmlAmericans visiting Paris who would like to use the Vélib' bike system need to have an American Express credit card for access.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-78470500189055331722009-09-25T04:19:00.001-07:002009-09-25T04:19:24.563-07:00

I'm going to try to make it to each one of these markets! Ten Street Markets in Paris The Paris TravelerShared via AddThis

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-80991078267541335222009-08-13T05:27:00.000-07:002009-08-13T05:51:55.186-07:00

I came across this image of French artist ORLAN at the Agathe Ruiz de la Prada store opening. In June I attended a debate at la Galerie Polad-Hardouin that she participated in, mediated by Thierry Delcourt (auteur d’Artiste Féminin Singulier), with other artists who also participated in the book: Lydie Arickx, Colette Deblé, Louise Giamari, Sylvia K. Reyftmann, Marylène Negro, ORLAN, Sophie Rocco

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-44658754722143177992009-08-12T03:13:00.000-07:002009-08-12T03:42:34.593-07:00

I was reading the June 2009 FEMME Magazine over breakfast (yes, café crème with croissant) and came across a photo of Alexander McQueen's "Crystal" dress. Is it me or is there some energy traversing each chakra, opening at the heart center? Shamans need cocktail dresses too.Something I love from the pre-Spring Summer 2010 collection. Delicate, yet unnerving. Is she a wasp?

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-78108448175972074592009-08-10T09:20:00.001-07:002009-08-10T09:37:15.252-07:00

#64.1 - Beirut - Nantesenvoyé par lablogotheque. - Découvrez plus de vidéos créatives.Artist Kit Brown introduced me to the band Beirut last winter in Paris, during my first visit to L'association 59 Rivoli. This song reminds me of that day, and sort of saturates my sense of traveling in Europe. Accordions do that. This Blogotheque video shot in Paris brings it all directly to you! Enjoy.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-45025548136586611692009-08-01T03:03:00.000-07:002009-08-01T03:07:05.753-07:00

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-60318624815217413782009-07-31T18:20:00.001-07:002009-07-31T18:20:51.007-07:00

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-39620558336179482542009-07-04T17:29:00.000-07:002009-07-04T18:15:41.285-07:00

-les saucisses merguezes/spicy lamb sausages-la salade céleri-rave/celery salad Ours was made without the ham listed in the recipe, and I was convinced it was cole slaw until someone told me otherwise.And this is céleri rave/the base root of celery, something we don't use much in the States:-chicken fingers-du brie et du pain/brie and bread-la salade/salad-un clafoutis avec les cerises sauvage/

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-20930040187932335532009-07-01T00:36:00.000-07:002009-07-01T01:49:19.269-07:00

Drawing by Nathalie Choux. J'éteins la lumière quand il y a du soleil./I dim the lights when it's sunny.Drawing by Lucie Brunelliere. J'utilise des engrais et des pesticides naturels/I use natural fertilizer and pesticides.*E-coloriage: 40 gestes illustres pour saufgarder la planete/ Ecological Coloring Book: 40 drawings to save the planetELLE Deco le 5ème blog le plus influent dans la catégorie

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-91715805717802955612009-06-27T04:52:00.000-07:002009-06-27T06:27:03.634-07:00

Jackson, le king du clip/Jackson the king of videosenvoyé par liberation. - Regardez d'autres vidéos de musique.De ABC avec les Jackson 5 jusqu'à You rock my world en 2001, une traversée de la carrière de Michael Jackson en 14 extraits de clips./ From the Jackson 5's "ABC" to 2001's "You Rock My World", a trip through the career of Michael Jackson in fourteen video excerpts.I translate France

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-44677946341626728562009-06-23T01:41:00.000-07:002009-06-23T04:20:43.136-07:00

Jacques Auriac, affichisteenvoyé par Issytvjfc. - Regardez plus de courts métrages.Jacques Auriac est considéré comme l'un des principaux peintres affichistes de l'après-guerre. Cette vidéo lui rend hommage./ Jacques Auriac is considered one of the principle poster artists before the second world war."Une affiche doit être/A poster must be:assez puissante être vue/strong enough to be seenassez

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-27946281135339314592009-06-09T14:24:00.000-07:002009-06-09T14:54:45.739-07:00

Un coupe de cheveux en trois chansons/A haircut in three songs."Mettez-votre tête de côté mais ne t'arrête pas de danser!"/"Tilt your head but keep dancing!"Le sang, le sien, sur mon menton/His blood on my chin.Les photographs grâce à Barnie/photos by Barnie.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-56190558010898922612009-06-03T06:06:00.000-07:002009-06-23T04:23:00.049-07:00

Images load after a second or two:My custom products at ZazzleWalking around the tourist shops near Notre Dame, you'll notice vendors selling the 'Je t'aime Paris'/I love Paris souvenir shirts. I took this idea and interpreted the design for a shopping tote. If you live in the U.S., I think you should buy the French one and see if you attract some French or francophiles while you faire les

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-87369073936138326272009-05-17T07:01:00.000-07:002009-06-02T06:24:14.609-07:00

Where am I?Since my last post, I traveled to LA, around LA, to NY, around NY, and returned to Paris. Some images of travel, the glory and the fatigue of it.LA: I watched Obama take oath of office at an elementary school in Los Angeles. The kids knew the oath would have to be redone.LA: Miracle Mile looking west.LA, Beverly Glen where I stayed for first two weeks back in the city.LA: full moon

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-80076772761542146692009-01-05T16:24:00.000-08:002009-01-05T17:19:12.922-08:00

One of my favorite activities is "apartment appreciation" and "atelier appreciation" around town. I am a curious cat and enjoy being in new spaces. Last weekend, Croatian artist Goran Manic hosted a party at his live-work atelier at La Cité Internationale des Arts. The image above is the view from Manic's studio, looking along Pont Marie toward Ile Saint Louis, with Notre Dame in the background.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-27222869966957999102008-12-30T16:12:00.001-08:002008-12-30T16:19:50.698-08:00

It is painted on the side of this building adjacent to Canal Saint Martin. Thanks to my special nightvision equipment this rare specimen was caught on camera.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-75367320506807408532008-12-26T18:43:00.000-08:002008-12-26T18:45:37.371-08:00

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-55474125693132289702008-12-26T02:21:00.000-08:002008-12-26T02:25:18.854-08:00

...in Habitat store near Place de la République.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-2215406387024973282008-12-23T16:52:00.000-08:002008-12-23T17:33:30.044-08:00

Paris had a clear sky and bright sun today so I took a ride on a bateau mouche/cruise boat.This cruise operator is located just off the Pont Neuf.I enjoyed the feeling of being out on the water in most sunshine I've seen in a long time.Water is an important element and I miss seeing the ocean as I do in Los Angeles. To avoid feeling so landlocked I plan to try some of the other cruises as well. I

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-79343279270512162462008-12-23T03:49:00.000-08:002008-12-23T03:56:15.706-08:00

Rue des Abbesses, MontmartreRue des Abbesses, MontmartreHotel de Ville

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-3507417263621232252008-12-21T17:07:00.000-08:002008-12-21T17:20:59.161-08:00

My current favorite walk is from Hotel de Ville, across Pont Louis Philippe, then across Pont St. Louis, walking westward along the back of Notre Dame, to the small Pont au Double into Saint Germain. It's a calm river crossing with traffic only at the start and the end. I enjoy this view of Hotel de Ville, far from the madding crowd, on Pont St. Louis:Chez Julian restaurant near Pont Louise

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-4648390806066241562008-12-21T17:01:00.000-08:002008-12-21T17:04:13.579-08:00

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-61594494083340542522008-12-15T15:34:00.001-08:002008-12-15T15:55:47.890-08:00

I AM SO COLD. I am determined to make friends with Paris winter. Or maybe just survive it without feeling too gloomy? This entails bizarre practices like watching movies of summer and sunshine and oceans.Thus, I share with you a video** by artist Le Suisse Marocain. He is a member of the 59 Rivoli Association/Electrons Libres where I have my studio. A video of my talk about his work will soon be

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03909497021243524950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-58521133824462160572008-12-13T10:43:00.000-08:002008-12-13T10:48:26.311-08:00

La fontaine Marie de Médicis.Vue du jardin à l'hiver/view of the garden in winter.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-26875859581297107042008-12-09T12:58:00.000-08:002008-12-09T14:12:13.648-08:00

(Photo from the Paris Blog. Mine unfortunately was not on hand!)It snowed today in Paris. I was shopping at Marché des Batignolles when an old lady began to joke at the cheese counter about it snowing in Paris. I laughed along with her and the cheese vendor, feeling close to frozen myself. Then I turned to look out the window. Snow falling lightly down and melting on Rue Lemercier. The city's

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-53612233932017849852008-12-09T07:21:00.000-08:002008-12-09T07:44:13.629-08:00

I usually try to make coffee at home in the morning. Quelle surprise that as an américaine I enjoy my espresso with milk. Lately though, Paris is rainy, cold, and, today, snowing! Weather that does not beckon you outside. My strategy in motivating out of the house (away from my particularly effective chauffage/heating) is to enjoy un café in an actual café. If you enjoy your coffee a lighter

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03909497021243524950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-630297471368773422008-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:002008-11-27T04:27:38.968-08:00

Representation of Athore, son of the Timucuan chief Saturiwa, showing René Laudonnière a monument placed by Jean Ribault. Jacksonville, Florida, in the year 1562. Detail highlights the fleur de lys crest. Artist and date of work unknown.An interesting NYT article about the first Thanksgiving in the New World being French.My own plans include a potluck gathering ce soir in the Marais. Some punk

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03909497021243524950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-57024908657068180672008-11-20T20:20:00.000-08:002008-11-21T05:48:30.688-08:00

The prevalence of delicious couscous in Paris inspired me to research a better way to create this dish myself. The technique calls for placing the grain in a casserole pan. This way, maximum grain fluffiness is possible. I purchased a bag of La Belle Saveur Mahgrébine couscous from the bucherie in the 17th arondissement, just north of the Guy-Moquet stop on Avenue de Saint Ouen.If you have read A

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03909497021243524950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-71458268796881018512008-11-18T03:32:00.000-08:002008-11-18T03:42:32.813-08:00

There are many ways to study a language and I find that as a visual person, it's beneficial to throw graphic things into the mix.I am looking for online word games. Vocabulaire illustré offers a visual quiz scenario of some basic vocabulary. Please let me know of others, perhaps more advanced and scenario-based. Merci!

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-47759454260947266962008-11-03T15:55:00.001-08:002008-11-04T13:18:59.768-08:00

A friend wrote me, inquiring if France is following the election. The answer dear sir is an all-caps OUI. The papers are covering it to the effect of placing information about the upcoming Socialist party election in the back pages. Most French news outlets La Nuit Américaine, America Night in effect. Below is a short list of events taking place in Paris. These host locations cleared permits

Scouthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03909497021243524950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-88599546493664750992008-09-26T23:34:00.000-07:002008-09-26T23:55:40.277-07:00

Came across this piece by Valentine Hugo, an illustration for Contes Bizarres by Achim d'Arnim, 1933. The profile and rhythmic, fluid elements remind me of William Blake's work.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-88926211075777603002008-09-10T00:34:00.001-07:002008-09-10T01:25:03.179-07:00

Bonne Rentrée 2008Uploaded by leparisdelacultureI know, it's a tad late to be discussing la rentrée the reentry to la vie quotidienne/life after the vacations most French people enjoy in July or August. But I didn't have a sledgehammer as large as the gentleman above. Which doesn't make it any easier to break on through the trepidation of facing September and all the month implies. Seriousness.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-23985195976891840182008-09-08T01:42:00.000-07:002008-09-08T01:53:09.724-07:00

I enjoy the juxtaposition of "American" popculture against other languages. The idea that characters from our most modern myths are or can be approached on all sides by all languages is still a surprise at first glance. Besides the font choice that Matt Groening never would approve, why is this simple juxtaposition so enjoyable to see?Translation:"I know it is Monday!No need to remind me!"

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-91242432706789493992008-09-06T00:57:00.000-07:002008-09-06T01:38:05.638-07:00

I looked up "French spazz" on YouTube, just for kicks, and the returns gave me a bunch of Tecktonik videos. Perfect. These are two of my favorites. Enjoy and bon weekend!Alice, Clara, and Lecktra dancing to Axwell's "i found u".Unknown gents dancing to Yelle's "A cause des garcons" TEPR Remix.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-57144333433483051872008-09-04T16:24:00.000-07:002008-09-04T16:40:32.640-07:00

People who speak French as a first language speak so quickly! One of the keys to being able to hold down a conversation with someone speaking too quickly for you is first to recognize key vocabulary they are lobbing your way. DailyFrenchpod is my new favorite podcast for learning new vocabulary, and learning to recognize a word when all its syllables are mushed into one by a fast-talkin'

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-9141026229412053382008-08-31T00:24:00.000-07:002008-08-31T01:28:15.784-07:00

I was thinking about people evacuating New Orleans and Cuba today in advance of Hurricane Chavez. And I'm interested in the ways we try to control water. How we build into water to control it. Below, a river lock in the countryside near Carcassonne, in the Languedoc region of France. The locks are looked after by a keeper, whose home you see in the video. Here my friend orients us to the lay of

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-14842277471982692562008-08-27T00:49:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:10.233-08:00

I'm excited that between 2008 and 2009, we'll see three major television and film projects about Coco Chanel. I saw the trailer for the American television series starring Shirley Maclaine, airing September. Love Shirley, but she is SO American. Portraying a French style icon might be better suited to Audrey Tatou. Until Tatou's film opens spring 2000, I'm doing a little research of my own to

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-40050030383176534442008-08-19T15:05:00.001-07:002008-08-19T17:38:24.271-07:00

Bust Magazine announced that ResidenceFR is now a featured blog on their Girl Wide Web and ResidenceFR is the only blog focused on France! Brush up on your French feminism, and one of its contemporary superstars, French-Israeli artist, photographer, analyst and theorist Bracha Ettinger. Ettinger usually resides in Paris, and lectures internationally about her work. Today's video presents a

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-15119808918005044292008-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:002008-08-15T16:06:46.137-07:00

Edwige Feuillère (Natascha, La Reine) et Jean Marais (Stanislas, son amour anarchiste). This film, from 1948, is based on Cocteau's play of the same name. I saw it last night at the Foreign Film Cinema Club. Cocteau discusses his early career below in this first of a 7-part series of videos from the GottfriedGeist YouTube Channel. He has excellent biographic videos! Did you know that Coco Chanel

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-16443465246391948872008-05-29T15:25:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:11.017-08:00

Here are some pics from the showing of my new work in La Muse's atelier.Professor Melanie Simms in the foreground does the rounds.Writer Lisa Kim and myself, celebrating with local walnut wine.Writers John Clanchy and Ian Demontfort-Park take a good look.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-56526011478372719652008-05-25T07:48:00.000-07:002008-05-26T01:13:02.342-07:00

A "merci" for recent inquiries about "Francaise II". I have partnered with ImageKind to offer a limited run of 100 prints of this piece. ImageKind also offers easy and professional framing services. The company handles everything from their friendly website. International inquiries are welcome.I look forward to partnering with Imagekind, and to offering more of my portraits for purchase in the

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-45011772526414945832008-05-14T17:20:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:11.455-08:00

"Francaise II" - 8.5 x 11, Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Gouache, Watercolor"Francaise III" - 11 x 15, Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Gouache, Watercolor"Francaise IV" - 11 x 15, Pen & Ink, Charcoal, Gouache, Watercolor"Francaise V" - 8.5 x 11, Pen & Ink, Graphite, Gouache, WatercolorThis is an ongoing project. Please visit again to see newly posted work.

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-48183343609425551222008-05-12T14:42:00.001-07:002008-11-12T20:46:11.776-08:00

A dinner party turned out to be an invitation to meet a slew of djs from Carcassonne. Our hosts DJ Janoz and Julie made flan courgettes and saucisson. The meal was served outside in the spring twilight. The crowd was very creative. Most were djs. Klima is a dj and also creates video animations for clubs. Julie is a cultural mediator at the Centre Mediterraneen de L'image and invited me to attend

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-10918160334650632482008-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:002008-05-05T15:01:30.121-07:00

The last post is revealing of my process. Upon rereading, the entry ends with a fear-factor-of-failing kind of tone. A reality of all endeavors surely. Why then do I feel responsible to bring you positivity? This post will be about the emerging product. Some people who have seen the pieces say:"I love the layers. {This one is} very Klimt.""Quintessentially French.""I really like the colors.""So

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-81983959699722653922008-05-05T11:01:00.000-07:002008-05-05T11:08:18.143-07:00

There’s a point where the “magic” of a piece has already taken place. It’s there on the paper. What’s left to do, to finish the piece, is something approached in a business-like mindset. The new layers should have an efficiency. They should not introduce anything new which would thereby risk a pull in focus from the magic. Choices made at this stage feel high-stakes. What if the magic is

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-11244362774938506762008-04-23T20:54:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:12.816-08:00

Passover - I was a Jew on a French Mountaintop(For full enjoyment of this post, if you would like to know what the Jewish holiday of 'Passover' is all about, visit this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover . Then please return here to read my post :-)Challenges often inspire resourcefullness. Such was the case when I decided, oh, the Friday before Passover, in this remote mountain village

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-23137619899208206792008-04-21T16:14:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:13.470-08:00

This is where I get my drinking water. It is called La Source, which means 'the spring'. It is delicious. The walk from our house in 'centre village' is about 15 minutes due north, along the main driving road. The road curves around the mountain's other water tributaries all rushing down toward the river valley below. From any point in the village one hears the rushing of water. For a while some

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-62568858776219264532008-04-21T13:53:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:14.544-08:00

Way up in Les Montagnes Noir (the Black Mountains), Spring is just beginning to show what she's made of. We experience frequent rain and fog. But through and through, Le Marin, the easterly wind, blows through our valley and brings periods of sunlight. Tulips and lilacs are the first flowers. I'm impressed how delicate tulips weather our dynamic valley. Fluorescent green leaf buds are beginning

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-23191820210275851002008-04-16T05:10:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:14.769-08:00

"You should wander around and daydream a bit. It's when you're not doing much of anything that you are accomplishing the most. Before you can have a roaring fire, you've got to gather a good supply of wood. Think that one over." - Auguste Renoir to his son Jean RenoirFrom 'Renoir, My Father' by Jean Renoir

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-13317479994872846722008-04-16T04:19:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:14.914-08:00

(Photo: I took a walk down to the river. The winding grassy path reveals new scenes at each bend. I passed through the ivy archway to discover an emptied out ancient house with window views of the river, and the forest now growing indoors.)This morning over breakfast picked up ‘Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry’ by Jane Hirshfield in the library. In the chapter ‘The Question of Originality’

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-69966923865030404042008-04-11T14:41:00.000-07:002008-04-11T14:50:24.572-07:00

Days here are so busy, so my first free moment is after dinner. So it is only right that I report on an incredible dinner, created by my fellow residents here at La Muse, steered by ecrivain Francesca.Menu:Fresh trout from the next village (I gutted two!) baked, served with lardons in vinagrettePotatoes with mint (an incredible recipe)Petite artichokesDessert: strawberries "washed" in red wine,

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-9463015457170040032008-04-06T04:37:00.000-07:002008-04-06T04:47:51.420-07:00

Today I helped "turn the garden". The garden here is half-planted with artichokes, peas, strawberries, etc. To ready the rest of the earth for planting garlic and onions, I basically kicked a pitchfork under a patch of earth and grass and flipped the whole thing over. Kind of like making dirty pancakes. Me and my colleague did this as well as assorted weeding for about 3 hours. Then I watered

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-91555687738599077902008-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:002008-04-04T15:31:42.625-07:00

While on today's hike to the valley overlook, we passed an ancient Cathar house. The door was ajar, and we heard a lot of rustling which sounded to me like a fire. I thought perhaps a hiker was inside getting warm. My companion said he heard that the house stores grain. We approached, but no one came out. Then my companion said that it was possible the animal inside the house was a wild boar. I

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-10522729499913965232008-04-04T14:54:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:15.289-08:00

Today I set up the studio. It is gorgeous! The studio is also an exhibition space, where an group show of landscape watercolors is now on view. For those of you who may find yourself near Carcassonne this weekend, our gallery hours will be from 3pm-6pm. I will be assisting with the event so please say 'bonjour'! I painted the leaf of an enormous plant from my friend Jen's garden. I love this

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-82863482426706425572008-04-04T14:03:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:15.470-08:00

(Photo: View of Labastide Esparbairenque, the 12th century village where La Muse is located. Most people hang their laundry to dry. The tulips belong to Rosie, an Englishwoman in the village.)I arrived this week to the artists and writers retreat La Muse. There is much to be said about my experience so far. First, though, some apt insights from Miro Zahra's article “Artists Residency: A Model”,

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-9730031331625466282008-03-23T06:44:00.001-07:002008-03-24T10:21:01.949-07:00

Today we went to the top of France.“What?” you ask.I respond, “Yes, we went to the Top of France.” Specifically, “La Gite de la Bastide”. “Gite” is a kind of hostel. “La Bastide” is an enormous jutting rock plane way up in the Pyrennees. (“Pyrenees”: the mountain range located between Southern France and Northern Spain.)At 8:30am this morning we set out for a drive an hour or so south to the

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-79023438290852076922008-03-21T11:08:00.000-07:002008-03-25T17:36:03.699-07:00

Slept very deeply. My room is a loft space below a beautifully beamed pitched roof. It is open to the entire house, including the main living room and kitchen where wood-burning hearths crackle all day and night. Awoke early in the morning to the 15-month old baby’s cry, followed by cooing by my friend, the child’s mother. Snoozed back to sleep. Awoke again slightly to the voice of the neighbor,

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618497213784932536.post-30937516779486828762008-03-20T09:18:00.000-07:002008-11-12T20:46:15.789-08:00

I left Los Angeles with about 3 hours sleep, and it shows here in my delirious gaze waiting in 5am cold to board my flight. Next to me is ‘mon pere’ – a truly heroic person who drove me to LAX and delivered me to the arms of airport checkin security. In the security line I forgot to take my laptop out of its case. Therefore, I was called out in from of my international peers and forced to edge my

Leorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08484847050834215234noreply@blogger.com1