French 18th-century gilt lantern with mercury glass, photo courtesy of Stephane Borraz.
On Tuesday, I met a fascinating French artist! I was at Olivier Gagneau's studio Val d' Or to select frames for five 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints found at Liberty of London, as well as three Moroccan-inspired mixed-media collages by Kristen Robinson.
I noticed an unusual framed piece of art leaning against the wall, with the New York skyline etched in tiny vertical slivers of paper. Depending upon the direction the eye moves, the skyline reflects different building angles and shadows. I'd previously seen this type of intricate work in French flea markets, but never a modern example. So imagine my delight when ten minutes later an older gentleman walked in and Olivier introduced him to me as the artist who'd created the piece!
Happily, the artist spoke excellent English. He invited me to his studio nearby to see more examples of his work. As he seemed so charming and interesting. I went. Not only was his house - one of the rare maisons that remains a private residence, rather than being divided into apartments - lovely, it was chock-a-block with his art. He showed me many fine examples of his work, some part of previous exhibitions at galleries in Paris and Vienna.
Then he took me to the studio behind his house, where more of his work was stored. For me, the real treat that made me gasp aloud in amazement was not his work, but buttons! Dozens and dozens of boxes of antique buttons! Turns out that the artist was once the chief supplier of buttons and sewing notions to the main couture houses of Paris. He showed me articles written about his influence on the world of high fashion in Madame Figaro and Marie-Claire, among other French publications.
Born in Marseilles, Monsieur Andre Molco is 88 years young, with an intriguing past. And his secret for his good health and longevity? Playing golf, keeping busy and remaining interested in the world around him. On Thursday, I'm invited back to his studio - how lucky am I! This time I'm taking my camera.
Magnificant! What a wonderful treat :)
Much peace & love, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 19 January 2007 at 07:50
I can't wait to see the photos, of the buttons and everything else! This is very exciting!
Peace
Posted by: giggles | 18 January 2007 at 23:25
I love the part about the buttons. I have a thing about jars of buttons because my Grandma always had lots of them and I lvoed to play with them when I was a girl.
Can you ask permission to take a photo of his jars of buttons? I'd love that.
xx
Posted by: Frida | 18 January 2007 at 12:54
Blessings to you and I very much enjoy each post and photograph!
Keep up the great work.
Love Jeanne ^j^
Posted by: Jeanne | 18 January 2007 at 12:19
What a lucky break although I'm sure there was more to it than that. Paris can be such an exciting place if one can only get to the point of meeting the people who live there.
Posted by: sarala | 18 January 2007 at 06:05
Now Tara are you sure he was not smitten with those gorgeous *baby blues of yours!!*
tee hee..
seriously how interesting was that to see and talk with ~ThE ArTisT~ can't wait to see more of his work! hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 18 January 2007 at 03:31
How fun is that? Seems quite providential. Enjoy your next visit.......can't wait to read about it.
Posted by: awareness | 18 January 2007 at 02:37
What a special blessing to be able to meet someone so talented and willing to share his experiences and his craft with others. A timely bit of advice for me as well to be looking for people and things that inspire - I've been feeling so dry creatively! Hope the new year brings many more joys to you like this one. :)
Posted by: Kim G. | 18 January 2007 at 02:22
I have verymuch enjoyed reading your articles..and yes..truly truly just devoured every picture you have posted...so colorful..so filling to the senses...makes me wonder about scent...like..it maut have a sweet scent this grand home of the wonderful artist you speak about..I look forward to your captured images...
thank you so much
Posted by: Luxie | 18 January 2007 at 02:20
serendipity indeed girl... i like that word !!
Posted by: diana | 18 January 2007 at 02:14
Tara,
Serendipity lives!
A wonderous meeting and the portent of more wonder to come. You must be excited.
rel
Posted by: rel | 18 January 2007 at 01:52
This man sounds like a wonderful new friend and you both will have much to share! I loved the pieces your friend found and the lovely pictures of serenity. XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 17 January 2007 at 22:43