The Faces of France: Provence
On an earlier trip to Paris, my husband Mark (Marc Henri when we are in France…) said to me, “After awhile, I felt like I was just a giant eyeball, an eyeball on two legs, just trying to take everything in…“
I have long been fascinated by the multitude of incredible carvings gracing walls, doors, window frames, and all manner of architectural details, constructs and aspects…and especially, the carving of faces, grimacing, glaring, laughing, smiling and otherwise gazing sternly, mischievously or fondly, out to the populous. here are some from beautiful Provence…in the South of France.
High up on the chapel dome of Forcalquier Cathedral.
In Forcalquier, above an imposing wooden door.
Above a door in Aix-en-Provence between two famous figures carved into the stone surround.
Fountain in Aix-en-Provence
Note the small carved figure below the laughing face resting in stoney foliage in Avignon.
I imagine these creatures, seen above doors in Avignon, as having fabled, pagan origins…they look like Pan or one of his relatives.
The patricians of Avignon? Kings and Queens? Whoever they are, these male and female visages preside over Avignon‘s doors and windows with aplomb.
Do these mysterious carvings and images hint at at Europe’s pagan past? Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses? Mythology? The royalty of France? Whatever and whoever they are, they never cease to intrigue, fascinate, and amaze.
Next up, “des animaux”, the fantastical beasts, creatures, gargoyles and imaginary beings that haunt cathedrals, fountains, statuary and even the tapestries of France.
Stay tuned!
there is a strange alignment of carved heads sitting on benches…
as if they had just escaped their sentinel posts on buildings, above doorways.
Simply sitting there.
With all of that liberté, égalité, fraternité, 
les homages to illustrious 
and the appropriation, engagement with, and use of ancient public spaces…there is more then enough to gasp at, delight in, and contemplate at any given moment.
With a large turn-out, we had a wonderful time creating together in the Fowler’s beautiful central courtyard!
The lovely and talented Allison, currently interning at The Fowler, supported our workshop!
Our beautiful materials, laid out enticingly, under the tress in the courtyard.
Examples of marbled papers.
Participants digging into the goodies!
This young man resides in London, and was in Los Angeles for business. He said our workshop was the perfect activity for relaxing during his trip!
This young couple, all smiles, did not realize they were working in 
This (obviously!) artist made a unique and very imaginative scroll, including marbled papers that folded out from the structure.
She insisted on gifting the piece to me. I am honored, and will use it as a sample for subsequent workshops. Her painted coveralls were also an inspiration!
A three-generational family group joined us and all the children created
beautiful scrolls, supported by parents and grandparents!
Creating creates joy…
and it is wonderful to have family support.
Working in community…
adults and children alike,
creating the work of our/their hands…
in “material heaven!
Friends,
and family
and sole practitioners, came together to celebrate their creative spirits.
is Fall in the air? orange was a big color theme…
adorning this box-work from beginning
to completion,
inside,
and out.
There was lots of laughter,
and contemplation,
smiles,
and complete immersion.
“Folded fan” flag book, repurposed brochure, vellum (?), photo corners, brochures and postcards.
When a discarded placemat just screams “book”
Front
Opened, covers folded
Opened, covers unfolded
Back
Lost Girls OK Group
Lost Girls Falling
Moments Become Absurd
Discover I Think I Can
It’s Everything
I am the vulnerable girl
“Full“, repurposed cardboard, repurposed paper, hemp cord
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