left turn yield
the neighborhood
layers of history paint a rich patina
in a town that attracts the creative context
of past and present crossroads
scoring high marks on the cool factor
a quality that’s nice to go to bed
knowing this is your town
sheltered by old oaks, front porch
with a neon bar just down the road
c. fasano
Came across a really cool movie called ‘Exit through the Gift Shop‘ by the British Graffiti artist, Banksy. This film includes artist Shepard Fairey and Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash! Its hysterically funny and eyeopening at the same time. All about the biggest movement in the current artworld (careerism) and our culture at large!
Found this great guide for art openings….even though Florida is not New York or LA, this is still interesting info!
I am aquainted with the dusty blue
cleaning lady
in her vintage molusk nightgown.
Her flashy trappings of
gold and silver myth
are hidden in deep rapture.
I’ve witnessed her transformations,
every day a new arrangement
of liquid stardust.
Fathoms of steadfast dignity
are taken for granted in folly,
as she relentlessly scrubs and polishes.
c. fasano
For artists, a trip to Paris is a must at least once in our lifetime. I waited half a century for my first trip but it will definitely not be my last. Even though its been over four months since my visit, I cannot stop thinking about the sights, sounds and smells of Paris.
My biggest tip for visiting Paris would be finding an apartment as opposed to a hotel. We stayed in this apartment http://www.rentals-paris.com/honore.shtml which was very near the Louvre and an excellent location complete with a small bakery a few steps away and the Monoprix (a fantastic french grocery store) about a block away. Staying in an apartment gives you a little more of the flavor of what it might be like to live there and the convenience of a kitchen and usually a washer and dryer.
The Louvre Pyramid from an inside window
Of course the Louvre is a great place to start or to do part of and come back later for more. A great way to get to see all the museums is to buy the Museum Pass for several days. This gives you much flexibility and allows you to leave and return again as long as your pass lasts. Other museums not to be missed by artists are the Musee d’Orsay and Musee L’Orangerie.
I will never forget the images that I got to see close up and I am sure they will be an ongoing source of influence. The intimacy of seeing paintings that you have only seen in reproduction or seeing a breadth of work by a painter you thought you knew is mind-blowing. When I saw the Bonnards and Vulliards in the d’Orsay I could not believe the incredible beauty I have missed in thinking I knew these painters from only a few reproductions. We also visited the Pompidou Center which is the largest collection of modern art in Europe. I would have to rate this second to New York’s MoMa, but it is nonetheless a fascinating way to spend several hours in Paris and lots of cool street performers outside as well.
street performer outside Pompidou
Inside the Louvre
Lucian Freud at the Pompidou
Musee d'Orsay
A real butcher shop!
So much to see and do that you could pack your days full and come home exhausted each night. I think it is much better to approach Paris with flexibility and plenty of time…at least a week.
Cafes in Paris are pet friendly!
Savoring the flavor of this city is as important as savoring the wine and food!
