2020/12/24

Petite Fleur

 Green meadows backyard in Musée Rodin in Paris
It's easy to find a garden you like anywhere in Paris, there will be one nearby, the well known: Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes, Parc du Champ de Mars (the one next to Eiffel Tower); or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc laVillette...,etc.Some others are more private, like this one inside Musée Rodin, or the one in Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet. But from time to time when I pass the streets, other forms of "garden" can be found.
Pinkish green vine on stone walls of buildings in Paris
Here they are, somewhere near the Saint Paul's Village, so cool, right? Looks like an unfinished painting on canvas, more to go & imagine!
Or, most of the times, you will find small flowerbeds are right next to your appartment, along the street or at most of the Parisian's balcony. It's difficult for me to miss any of them because they are so flourish and attractive
Staircase like apartments in Montmartre
And you will never be disappointed because, here in Paris, people not only create their own garden wherever possible, but take great care and keep cultivate, that's why they are always look amazing. If the same theory applies to the secret garden in our heart, I am sure it works 101%, too! Floral gardening along street corners in ParisWish you can find yours in this Merry Christmas ;)


2020/12/23

Jardin du Luxembourg

Post card view of café in Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris
22 October 2019, Day 10

A super cold and foggy morning, I am in the Luxembourg garden right now, it's on the Left bank in 6e, a bit larger than Jardin de Tuileries; more trees of maple & chestnut, beautiful fallen leaves...

Here is the "postcard" shot in my guide book that attracted me, although quite difference due to the weather, I am glad that I do come to have my Vienna chocolate inside...being their first client of the day. 

My original plan do not include Luxembourg because I tend to spend more time in the Louvre, but unfortunately...& fortunately I have extra days due to the limitation of my museum pass, and that's my reward in return, I am so so lucky.

Planter pot déco in Tuileries of Paris
Walking in Luxembourg, the feeling is quite different from that in Tuileries; Tree vs Flowers, which is my favorite,?...both? I guess. But I think the location do affect a bit of my impression because Luxembourg is located in the Latin Quarter, a student area, whereas Tuileries is in the Louvre & Les Halles district, an epicentral; in addition, Shakespeare & Company bookshop is nearby, that's why, here, is more tranquil & poetic. 


Informative of gardening design concept of Tuileries
Flower arrangement here is also have it's own style, not as "romantic" as that in Tuileries, but still very well planned and delicate. Their idea of Mosaic-culture to create a plantation promenage, feel free to enjoy...



Story of the orange trees in Jardin du Luxembourg
...& feel free to explore!

This is the only photo that I can record to let you know where I was. I've just sneak into a huge store, behind a pair of white painted closing doors, there are two levels of platforms for the storage of orange trees; it's very interesting, because they are quite large actually, may be around 3 meter high, but look  like they are "babies"; well protected to keep them warm with sufficient air vent above, and just having their breakfast...

I do want to walk closer to smell and touch them, but the store keeper who is watering somewhere in the dark corner discover me, so...I failed...but still excited, ha ha!

Orange trees in Jardin du Luxembourg
Here is a citrus in another corner of the garden to compensate my lost, what a lovely orange hue in the autumn leaves with slight refreshing aroma, too.

Well, maple, chestnut trees, fountains, sculpture, mosaic-culture planter beds, orange tree, hot choclate, museum...,etc; you name it, or even more are the treasure of Luxembourg for the Parisian & tourist.

The locals have their unforgettable childhood memories in this garden, and as a tourist, I find mine's too, guess what? 


Good old days balance in Jardin du Luxembourg
I hope you do enjoy to walk with me today, Au revoir!



 

2020/12/22

If only if...I can...wait

Blue sky with transparent full moon in early morning
 18 October 2019 , Day 5

Early in the morning at 0830, I am walking towards Jardin des Tuileries, it seems "someone" would like to be my companion, what a lovely moonlight in the morning, Bonjour! 

If you still remember, my hotel is at a superb location, it takes within half an hour to reach my destination, walking relaxing in the blue; a bit cold and wet due to rainy night but refreshing aroma of the streets, I can still remember clearly at this moment



Art nouveau design of Tuileries métro station entrance

Art Nouveau  Metro is always my favorite; may be it's week day, people are crowded under ground but not in the garden, so it's all mine, bravo!

A morning glow in Tuileries of Paris

It's almost 0927, inside Tuileries, thick cloud replace the morning blue, as far as I can see the sun ray behind, I am sure to wait just for a little longer, everything will be clear and brighter, because I am longing for the beautiful garden in a sunny weather, just like those photos in my travel book, keep waiting...I tell myself...for a little longer...

Royal gardening in Tuileries of Paris
Gorgeous sculpture in Tuileries of Paris
Sometime Wishes may not always come true, I am a bit disappointed to see all the gorgeous flowers are covered under the shade of grey...should I wait further ?! 

It may be a good idea to take sometime visiting Musée de I'Orangerie first, then Jeu de Paume, follow by Petite Palace, and to finish up by Grand Palace...may be the Sun will come out in the afternoon...I tell myself...

It's not as smooth as I think, because my museum pass do not allow my access to Jeu de Paume & Grand Palace, and I've decided to walk the whole way back to hotel from Champs-Elysée. While walking through  Jardin desTuileries again, miracle happens...or I should say, Wishes come true!

Pigeon Time under the sun in Paris
"All things bright & beautiful, all creatures great & small....."  
Voila! I am with them now, enjoy!


P.S. - where have all the flowers gone?....gone to pages in my book :P






2020/12/21

Jardins Secret - our secret garden

New release of Jardins Secret book cover by Oiseau Distrait
click to enlarge
It's over a years time since I've been returned from Paris, time flies. I hope I can still remember every moment that moved my heart in those days and record them in details before I forget :P

As scheduled, last book of the year (4th book of Petit Paris) Jardins Secret is ready to be released on 25 December 2020 -  the best time of all.

Talking about beautiful garden, Paris may not be "Number One" in the world, but it must be one of a kind . Whether for those belongs to the memories of the Parisians in the good old days ,  Jardin du Luxembourg;  the royal garden,  Jardin des Tuileries; or those artistic related private ones of Rodin and Monet ...they are absolutely beautiful and romantic, I have to say!

When I started to select photos for this book, "family & friends" are two words that came into my mind; it may therefore will disappoint some readers (hopefully not), because not much related to the "must see spots" have written but it's so true that family & friends are what I've seen while walking along in the garden, so...I write down to share with you. 

Unless we live in our own in an isolated island, otherwise we' ll bond to our family & friends; the relationship is strong and deep but fragile as well. We may build by our greatest effort but destroy unintentionally...

I am forgetful but not in these two issues, although it may be a disaster some how that trap myself, and unless I go back to cultivate my petite garden again,  it may gone forever... So, sometimes it do need a bit of courage to face the fact... & Act!

Year 2020 will end after a few more weeks, it's a harsh year to all of us in the whole world, if this little book can evoke some one who you love or care, call him/her...

How are you my dear? 

Wish you well and Merry Christmas !


 

 

 

 

2020/10/25

這是希望

Ad hod sketch, a corner in Hong Kong
 今天早上吃完自家早餐後,本應該按原地計劃開始新一天的工作,但剛才從窗邊往外看到的情景,令我不得不停下來寫這篇網誌。

跟平常不同的是,今早來到街上的清潔工是一位青年人;瘦削的身形穿着新簇簇又很不合身的工作服,啡紅的短髮及閃亮的手錶,卻沒有配戴任何清潔手套或防晒帽。當他停在不銹鋼的回收箱面前,除了例行收取垃圾之外,他把回收箱推離地鐵站的牆邊,把藏在縫隙的垃圾也一併清理。

也許是新手關係,時兒在思索應如何處理不同的垃圾:先挪移又長又大卷的橫額?掃出來散佈在地上隨風飄揚的垃圾?仍在深處不肯"離場"的鷄毛掃.…還是先把回收箱移回原處?

決定隻身把回收箱位置還原,才知道那長長的鋼箱並非如想像般容易對付。左邊回位時,右邊已壓着掉在地上的掃帚,推回右邊救起掃帚,左邊又回彈...一來一回重覆兩三次,好不容易費勁地完成,見他仔細檢示着掃帚頭的損毀…收拾工具,又在繼續下個"站"!

我站在窗前看着這一切,良久…口罩遮擋了青年人的表情,也許疫情下令他不得不投身這個行業,是無奈?不願?還是有幸仍可以工作?我想我永遠不會知道。但從整過過程,我卻看見是忠於所托,就這麽簡單,直接;也就是我所認為仍然有的希望!



2020/09/05

做個遲多少少先引退嘅設計師

原來都有好一段日子無寫網誌了,可能係全球疫情期間有好多其他鎖碎事要理,又或者我真係唔想特登停落嚟。

唔經唔覺已經去到九月入秋,我嘅引退計劃亦都展開咗一段日子啦。家居工作室入面一箱箱嘅室內設計物料,俾我反轉再反轉,希望可以俾人或者回收,因為做呢行嘅朋友都知道,D物料好多都好鬼靚;而且有D係好難先攞得到,要丟去垃圾站,始終有D吾捨得,成日同自己講:或者第日會有用呢?結果即使唔係要引退,擺吓擺吓都擺咗好多年;到今日,都係要清走…

原本立定心意2021年1月1日會唔再叫自己做室內設計師,點知…竟然俾我遇到最後一個工程,而係無理由唔做嘅,仲要係由今年跨年到2021年中。或者係命運安排,希望好頭好尾啩😅

於是前幾日過開香港區,就順便行去久違咗好耐嘅洛克道。話說嗰日天氣極悶熱,兼且係下午兩三點,照計咁嘅環境之下條材料街冇乜人都係正常嘅,但係,嗰日俾我嘅感覺要用"蕭條"同"死寂"嚟形容。

我個人習慣係舖頭門口快速望入去,見到有吸睛嘅"料"同"人"先會再入去仔細"尋寶",不過…我見到嘅係冇開嘅舖、冇執同冇更新嘅貨丶冇表情嘅人、冇坐出嚟嘅貓.…整體感覺係好多塵嘅"灰色"!

結果,原本諗住發掘吓有咩新料/產品嘅我,只係慢速沿住洛克道由銅鑼灣行去灣仔方向落埋港鐵回歸九龍⋯

冇錯,過去年多,全球變化真係好大,特別係香港;由社會運動,疫情到全球國家宣示主權等等,全部都衝擊住每一個人。要我哋係咁疲倦嘅環境之下提起精神,有時真係講就易;冇經濟壓力同下一代嘅人都有擔心,何況係有下一代同手停口停嘅小市民呢?所以我見到嘅情景,一D都唔出奇,只係無奈。諗番起舊時嗰種人多車多,條街爆滿出貨入貨;舖頭員工同時又要照顧有無限問題嘅街客同埋,差唔多日日都見住嘅師傅.…嗰種熱鬧得嚟又有D混亂嘅good old days!

又係老鬼心態,睇完料搵間茶餐廳,強勁冷氣下一邊歎奶茶油占多,一邊八掛吓隔離嗰枱師傅呻D乜;雖然係咁細嘅空間入面,你一句我一句,嘈到拆天,但係總可以專心聽到一D趣事;呢種"特異功能"其實都係做呢行嘅"收獲"⋯又係另一種令我有DD懷念嘅日子。

講咗咁多,都係要返回現實;或者今日、今個月甚至今年、明年,大環境都未必有乜大改善,但係就正如我地幫人設計裝修咁,殘舊破爛嘅地方始終會變番完整同靚,只要肯付出同行動;所以係我寫網誌嘅呢一刻,我仍然深信,好老土咁講:希望在明天!

地球人,一齊努力啦!加油!





2020/08/01

Midnight in Paris - The Unforgettable

The Unforgettable watercolour centre-page in ebook Chat Noir
Click to enlarge

Years ago, I had received a souvenir from my client, a lovely box of chocolate - from Maxim's, Paris. I'm sure the chocolate was delicious but the box was my favorite, always. Whenever I've looked at the illustrations on the "tin", I'd wonder what exactly this place was looked like in the year of Belle Époque?

In fact, this 1893 bistro found by Maxime Gaillard is not far from my hotel, located at No3. rue Royale, 8th arrondissement; travelers can still enjoy an unforgettable night there now a day.It's not only famous in its Art Nouveau decor, but linkage of those well known peoples who were there once before...
Maxim chocolate tin

..."Midnight in Paris", One of my favorite movie (written & directed by Woody Allen), which is also another motivation of my Paris trip.

Cd cover of Midnight in Paris
When Gil (Owen Wilson) and Adriana (Marion Cotillard) being transported further back from 1920's Paris to a bistro in the golden age, there, is Maxim's.

In the movie, Gil was getting lost in the street corner after a gathering with his fiancée & friends, while walking back to his hotel; a mysterious old Peugeot appeared & invited Gil for a ride...which drove him back to 1920's. Since then, every single mid night, he found himself participating in the life of F.Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Man Ray, Dali, Picasso...a dream-able circle of people for this dis-enchanted Hollywood screen writer who are writing his first book. But the one who captured his heart was Adriana - Picasso's mistress.

Whether Gil would finally stay in 1920 with Adriana, or further back to the Belle Époque which Adriana is willing to die for? I will leave this for you to discover!

Everyone who watched this movie love the story line and equally the location of those mysterious scenes. I was drown in this 90mins illusion every time I am watching this movie.

Let me tell you there is another "unforgettable" moment that you shouldn't miss - the opening scene : a 3,5 mins. of postcard show of the Vintage Paris with the background music of "Si tu vois ma mére"(Sidney Bechet)...don't miss it, you'll know why!



p.s.: the watercolor for Chat Noir was inspired by all of the above and salut to those "unforgettable".




2020/07/25

Montmartre - part two

...continue

"why the train door kept closing when boarding?...Oops!!!!"
Manual Operation! " I seeeeeeee..."

So, I missed the stop...but never mind, just another ride at the opposite platform will do, no hurry!

Apartment downhill in Montmartre

Although Montmartre is now in the boundary of Paris, it do has a different charisma once I've come out from the Metro station.

The super fresh air? the tranquil atmosphere without much traffic? the infinite "upward motion" to lead you somewhere? the people in a much leisure gesture?...may be everything that counts, I think.

Wow! it seems I am a bit "too leisure", visitors already crowded in front of Sacré-cœur, as well as inside. I have a special experience there but let me tell you later in other post.


Open air viewing from Sacré Cœur

The weather is fine but windy, so it's not easy to stay long in the exterior unless the sun comes out to warm up the air. Well, of course the scenery is stunning when you are "up up high", even superior if you climb up to the top of Sacré-cœur, but not this time.

Close up city view from the butte

In order to be "leisure", I carry nothing except my phone + an apple. This photo is so worst that the low resolution and freezing hands shaking resulting the pixelate housing at far end; but it seems time freeze, while I am wondering what were the citizen doing right there in those pixelated houses in the year of Belle Époque? and up here?

Sparkling roof under layers of magic cloud in Montmartre
Divine Comedy...is now in my mind!

There are a lot more places you can discover in Montmartre, usually they have their own stories behind. But those related to painters or writers are far more attractive to me. La Maison Rose is one of the unique café located on cobble stoned pavement that you shall never miss it. It's as charming as a rose, for sure.

The story behind? I would like to invite you to read this post Top 10 Historica Facts about La Maison Rose - by Molli a very detail & good post that can bring you back to it's past! Thank you Molli.


The pinkish La Maison Rose café in Montmartre

Okay!I remember I have to let you know whether Montmartre is a "danger zone" or not? Absolutely not in day time, how about at night?

I am afraid I can't tell you this time, because my pair of sore feet beg me to leave, but I promise myself in front of La Maison Rose, I shall return!

In fact, I guess "fascinating" may be a more appropriate word to say, let's see...


 


2020/07/18

Montmartre - part one

Day 6: Cold and Windy, Sunny - 13173 steps
Staircase neighbourhood in Montmartre Paris

Arrondissement 18 - originally it was not in my itinerary, it is one of the district classified as "danger at night" and advised especially to solo traveler; well, let's come back to this later on.

If you still remember I am having some extra days due to the squeeze of full day visit to the Louvre, so, "where shall I explore tomorrow?"

I have a thought that I may regret if not visiting Montmartre this time, why? I don't know, just have a feeling of...

So I take some time to plan my metro route, first time since I've been here on the 6th day, because I walk all the way through except from the airport. Enjoyable to my eyes but not my feet, and it's time to take a break for one day.

The metro system in Paris is not so scary to a Hong Konger that get used to be with our own metro system; but truly speaking, the route that I've planned is not so satisfied by the staff at the counter of Pont Neuf Station.

The morning is chilled, when I walk down into the Pont Neuf metro station; while I am taking my time to investigate the ticketing machine...either my slow motion or my Asian face catch the eyes of "lady Pont Neuf", she ask /shout to me (cos' I can't hear at the beginning as I am too concentrate to my "toy" + there is no passengers, except me)

"Bonjour...madam, where do you want to go?...I see...your map is not good...use this...oh oh oh, the route you've plan is not good...you better ride from here to here...change the line from here to there...and voila! arriving there!! Remember, change the line at St.-Lazare, remember!"

"Sure! I trust you, merci beaucoup! Au Revoir!"

"Hey, it's simple...." after a few minutes on the train...I've discovered something wrong...

2020/07/11

Imagine - My Chat Noir

New release Chat Noir of Petit Paris séries
click to enlarge
The first drawing after completing all text/ or short poems will be the book cover.

Although Chat Noir was in fact a cabaret in the past, I love to imagine...or I suppose it did exist as a companion to the performers, especially to the cancan dancers in those good old days...so, I want one, too :)

My first impression to this symbolic black cat is her pair of eyes, so mysterious with a embedded power which seems telling us, she is not only her companion but protector as well.

Vintage magnet with painting of the woman & the black cat
The painting in my book "La femme au chat" (the women with the cat) is a version of 1882-1884 by Adolphe Léon Willette exhibited in Musée de Montmartre.

The magnet I've bought there is another version titled "Une paire d'amis" (A pair of friends.) 
The raw line work of La femme au chat is beautiful but the title Une paire d'amis is much more meaningful, don't you think?

This picture instantly reminds me of a cancan dancer (although there is no specification of this lady is a cancan performer). Early before, most of the cancan dancers are prostitutes not until this performance was highly paid in Moulin Rouge, living of them were greatly improved, as well as being famous around the world.

Besides Adolphe, Toulouse-Lautrec was another artist who always include cancan dancer as one of the element in his paintings; different gestures are artistically expressed.

Chat Noir play card souvenirs


You can find so many chat noir souvenir now a day in Paris. Designers love to use the traditional handbill version (but wait a minute, look closer, it’s not the original; compare with the one in my previous post). Anyway, I got this playing card as a gift from a Chinese storekeeper of a souvenir shop in Montmartre, so sweet! Merci :D

So, what is you choice?


2020/07/10

Following blog 網誌追踪

Dear all,

We must apologize for the "always Mal-function" subscription link to this blog. Thank you to my friend Brian, who evoke this problem to me yesterday, cos' we didn't update some widget function for a long long time.

To simplify the process, submit your email to "follow by email" on the right side bar, follow the verification steps to activate your Feedsburner delivery, voila!

If there is still any problem exist, feel free to send email to us at cocoadesignlife@gmail.com

See you!

Cocoadesignlife


Hi, 大家好,

容讓我們先向大家道歉, 這也實在是我們的疏忽; 事縁作天收到朋友電郵向我査問如何可追踪Cocoadesignlife Blog?才發覺原先(多年前)設定的Feedsburner Subscribe Link 早已失效, 於是趕緊修復, 經過測試之後現今運作正常.

倘若你有興趣追踪我們的網誌, 請在右邊 "follow by email" 輸入你想接收文章的電郵地址, 接着完成一些簡單的核實身份程序; 並啓動由Feedsburner提供的連結作實, 這樣便能定時接收査閲我們的最新網文.

如果仍發現任何問題, 歡迎電郵 cocoadesignlife@gmail.com 和我們聯絡.再次謝謝好朋友Brian :D


Cocoadesignlife

2020/07/04

Le Chat Noir - The black cat

Chat Noir handbill in museum
Famous re-opening handbill of the Chat Noir
 by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923)


 
Story of Le Chat Noir the cabaret in Paris

The upcoming Book Three of Petit Paris is  titled Chat Noir, French of Black(Noir)Cat(Chat).

A unique name to citizens of Montmartre in Paris. The first cabaret there founded by Rodolphe Salis in 1881. A place for pianists, shadow play performers, artist, writers, poets, musicians...all about arts!

During the era of French Belle Époque, the golden age from 1872-1914, here, Montmartre was a paradise to the high and middle classes.

Shadow play scene by Henri Rivière exhibit in Paris
Shadow play scene by
Henri Rivière (1864-1951)





Wine bar of Le Chat Noir
Café, wine bar, music, cancan dancing...here and there, day & night. The bohemian aroma floats in the air. It became the 18th arrondissement of Paris since 1 January 1860.

Le Chat Noir, Moulin Rouge, Maxim, Bateau-Lavoir, Place du Tertre,Sacré-cœur, Musée de Montmartre, Espace Dali...all well known!


Rodolphe Salis portrait
A portrait of Rodolphe Salis
by Pierre Poterlet (1804-1881)






A small village was transformed into a modern world. The long forgotten suffering city during in the Franco-Prussian War and the 1871 Paris Commune which brought communards buried alive on the butte of Montmartre - where the Basilica of Sacré-cœur was built later from 1876-1919.

What a sad history, it seems no where on earth can be vaccinated from War!

Same fate to the underclass, who barely shared any "fruit" from the flourish golden age; here, in Montmartre.

In the years between WWI & WWII, Francisque Poulbot who lived here, created illustrations, posters mostly concerning the living & needs of street kids; and at the same time, satirized the foolishness of War!

I shall say the feeling to Montmartre is "complicated". Wherever I see the prosperous side through its architecture/ history, it always link to the sorrow behind; but may be that's why it is so attractive, with a touch of regrettable and unforgettable...




P.S.: All photos are taken from the Musée de Montmartre.
 

 

2020/07/02

無止境的貪念

或許"貪念"真是人類的天性, 地土、資源、財富、名聲、權力、慾望...沒完沒了.
心想控制了便等於擁有, 以為這一切便會永遠屬於自己, 可以坐着為皇, 世世代代千秋萬世, 真的嗎?

世界上從來沒有一件物件、一個人類、一個思想是屬於我或你. 容讓我以宗教角度而言, 萬物都是神所造, 除祂以外, 沒有人能掌管、能強行佔據. 神尚且讓人類有自由選擇跟隨祂與否的決定, 那麼, 我們憑什麼要同等的他/她向我們"依附"呢? 稍微壓制自我的驕傲, 容讓別人有個喘息空間, 真是那麼"丟臉"嗎? 我們...都是活在同一天空下的受造物, 為什麼不能逆轉"權力令人腐敗"這個咒詛呢?
是我們不能? 還是不願!

你認為對我的 "好", 可以"溫柔"地讓我明白嗎?
如果我的 "愚笨"未能理解並接受你的 "好意", 你能耐心一點, 也嘗試學會明瞭我的憂慮嗎?

是什麼逼使人瘋狂? 不再理性, 不再有同理心, 不再憐惜身邊的人, 不再明白自己在世上只是寄居的, 沒有佔有權...我想, 是"貪念", 也源於驕傲.

倘若世界已經變得無處可容身, 有一個地方仍然屬於你我, 就在我們的心中...一個只有神及自己可以觸及的地方.

倘若你已經很 "疲累", 就在那裡稍作休息罷!
請不要, 也不能絕望.


2020/05/23

尋找 Francisque Poulbot

以往甚少會這樣把一篇文章分開寫和刋登, 多數會同時以 Bilingual Post Tag 去處理, 但是今次除了想尋找一幅由 Francisque Poulbot 繪畫的插畫名稱之外, 也實在很想介紹這位插畫師, 又或許法國人會較喜歡稱他為海報/名信片設計師. 由於篇幅稍長, 唯有分別刋登.

事源在巴黎蒙馬特(Montmartre)的博物館内被一系列展品吸引, 尤其這幅令我産生特別興趣, 正因為如此着迷, 連展品名稱及介紹也忘記査看,  不過這也是本人常發生的事...:P

Francisque Poulbot illustration in Montmartre muséum


這是一幅相對較特別的作品, 為什麼? 容讓我先來介紹這位畫家.

生於法國Saint-Denis 的畫家 Francisque Poulbot (1879-1946), 自1900年居於蒙馬特, 對當時舊巴黎被遺忘的街童 / 小童特別憐愛; 加上第一次世界大戰期間民間各種的苦况, 他在畫作中大部份以孩童作為主角, 從他們的角度去看/反諷戰爭所帶來的種種...於1923年, 他更在Rue Lepic 開設了ー間藥房, 藉此提供孩童所需; 正因為他的付出, 蒙馬特人特別竉愛這位畫家. 如果你和我一樣也喜愛 Victor Hugo 的 孤星涙 (Les Misérable), 在你看Poulbot的作品時, 也會因着有特別的感受而喜愛他.

Francisque Poulbot
Source from Wikimedia Common
不過在他反諷戰爭的同時, 也令他在二戰期間被囚. Poulbot 離世後"安睡於他的蒙馬特".

在博物館、圖書館或互聯網上找到不少他的印刷品或手稿展品. 除了彩色作品外, 我尤其喜歡他用單色繪畫的小孩, 也許很有童真純樸感, 也更表達到昔日孩童的缺乏. 而且, 如果仔細看看在畫作内的"對話", 很令人會心微笑.

雖然是法文, 但用手機翻譯, 即使未必完整, 也能會意. 以下是另外一幅我在館内拍下比較出名的作品.







Il aura bouffé du boche
il aura bouffé du boche
以下两幅可在網上找到, 雖然他的"戰地系列"似乎是較多人提及, 其實好些單色手稿或近似速寫的作品, 在繪畫孩童的形態時也很細緻及動人,
source from Wikimedia Common
Pas de blague....
Pas de blague! hein?...me les faut pour ce soir


在插畫下的"對白"再加上Poulbot的簽名, 是大部份作品的格式及名稱由來; 但剛巧我在尋找的那一幅只有他的簽名, 所以便成"謎"! 雖然在不同渠道也輾轉追査了個多月, 至今仍然沒有頭緒; 不過無論如何, 我相信終能找到. 如果適逢你知道, 可以告訴我嗎? 感激不盡 :D


























Finding Francisque Poulbot

It's all started from this picture, I've spent almost two months to look for the title of this illustration, a very special one by Francisque Poulbot. Why I think this is special? May be first of all, I can tell you some information about him.                 
image from Wikimedia Common
If you like the story of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, you will also love this French Illustrator like me. Francisque Poulbot (1879-1946) was born in Saint-Denis in France, he was an affichiste (poster designer). He lived in Montmartre, the protagonist of his drawings was usually kids on the streets which he cared for, especially in the Paris old days of 1900s, they were the groups of forgotten.                                                                                                        He drawn a lot of pictures about them even in some of the patriotic posters and postcards during WWI, which finally lead him to be house arrested. He also opened a dispensary in 1923 on Rue Lepic to help children in Montmartre.

Here is another one I've took in the museum (sorry for the glass reflection), you can discover that usually there will be some "conversation" as I've described written at the bottom of the drawing followed by his signature.
il aura bouffé du boche


Pas de blague! hein?...me les faut pour ce soir
Some others you can find easily on the Wikimedia Common or lots of websites who admire his works. I myself especially love those in monotone, pure as those kids.


The one which I am looking for, besides Poulbot's signature on the flower card, there is no other data and it is so rarely introduced, I don't know why but I find it is a lovely illustration and hopefully one day I will find it's "name" or in case you know it, please drop a message to me, thank you!

 
P.S. - finally I got the help from my niece who find out the name of this lovely illustration 
"Gamin au bouquet de fleurs, 1918" , thank you Rainy.

2020/05/08

Follow me

Follow me watercolour centre page in ebook Entrée Sortie
click to enlarge
Last post for Entrée Sortie is definitely the watercolor inside. Most of the museums I've been visited are located on the Right Bank, and they seems to be within distances from my hotel, but in fact, if you prefer to walk instead of taking metro, like me; you need a pair of super comfort shoes + full breakfast, I'll suggest. 

The most difficult decision is whether to have lunch even though, you need one indeed. But I always skip & replaced by fast food or apple because, the café will "drain" my time in the museum, and you will never never want to leave those relaxing café in Paris.

To fully utilize my Six(consecutive)days museum pass, a detailed plan is a must, but still, you'll have to alter your plan due to unexpected scenario; such as renovation or maintenance will temporary close a particular gallery, or a special exhibition may restrict your pass entry in ordinary situation...,etc.

Visiting museum is joyful and indulgence especially in solo, because you don't have any time limit or neediness to concern third parties' issue :P - but of course, the core is you enjoy being alone.

Let me tell you a secret, my original plan is to buy two Six day Pass, but fortunately I've decided not to over estimate of my power and I really need some time to digest/absorb the content.

To conclude my museum journey, I draw this map to share with you, when you follow my steps, I hope you can also share my happiness as well. See you :D


2020/05/04

悶?!

悶?靜!

Musée National Picasso Paris

Day 7: Cold & rainy morning /17531 steps
Musée National Picasso Paris

Let's skip day 6 in the mean time,I will get back to you when Book Three is ready, but, this time, will have to wait for a while.

So, lets visit this museum which I shall say it is raw and subtle - Musée National Picasso Paris.

Situated in a historic monument since 1968 - Hôtel Salé, built between 1656 & 1660. Almost 365 years before? Wow! 

I am totally disconnected from reality and try to walk into Picasso's mind. Before this trip, I saw a T.V. series in Hong Kong about his whole life; so, more or less it helps to understand/feel a bit more when perceiving his works. 

Those two paintings in Entrée Sortie may not be the most famous one, but I personally like them a lot. They are so simple, a view from window, may be; what we often do in our daily life, but in Picasso's eyes, they became extraordinary. 

It is raining outside right now, a bit grey...but when I view from here, I see color




Besides Picasso's work, I love to view from the windows of this monument, it's frame & a bit distorted glazing, creating an illusory effect, and that's why I can be detached.

Timber structure ceiling of the Musée National Picasso Paris
Exposed timber structure in the ceiling


















But when these timber structure appear somewhere in the building, sometimes they form part of his art piece; the contradiction of antiquity & cubism forms an interesting combination yet harmonize. 

It's stop raining outside when I've finished to enjoy the last art piece; it's time to return to reality, although I wish there is no Sortie.