Senses of Paris (Senses series)

Senses of Paris (Senses series)

This book is a collaborative project conceived by two old friends inspired by Paris. The writer, Robin Bower, and the artist, Christine Vandenbergh, have created a visual commentary of their impressions of a city known to be both a romantic cliché and a chaotic modern metropolis. Prose and poems, amidst a kaleidoscope of original artwork, showcase the artistic venues and artists of Paris. While highlighting the diversity of the people and its culinary delights, the book exhibits Paris as an enduring drawcard for art lovers. Senses of Paris makes a great gift for anyone who loves Paris. 5.0 out of 5 starsFabulous gift for FrancophilesThis is an original, personal depiction of contemporary Paris. I love the combination of words and paintings inspired by the travellers' experiences, and the way these conjure up the city's assault on all five senses. As you turn the pages, you don't know what to expect next - like turning the corner on a Paris street. Robin and Christine have also thoughtfully included space for the reader to add their own observations. I'd highly recommend this as a travel journal for those planning to visit Paris, or seasoned travellers who will find the city brought back to life for them as they relax in their armchair over the holidays. 5.0 out of 5 starsA lovely sensory trip through ParisBy Gary Michael Bird This is a lovely book to read before going to Paris and to take with you on your travels there. Delightful insights into the sensory stimulus that is inherently Parisian, with heartfelt prose and poems by Robin and wonderfully evocative illustrations by Christine. 5.0 out of 5 starsAn inspiring bookBy claire wintertonWhat a delightful book. A truly rich and evocative journey of the senses. I felt like I was in Paris again which I visited many years ago. After reading and breathing in this book I would adore to go back again. I loved this inspiring book. 5.0 out of 5 starsA lovely personal journey through Paris in words and paintings.C'était très bon, j'ai pensé que c'était magnifique et je suis surpris que ce n'est pas sur la liste de New York best-seller ... un triomphe absolu. Of course, travel can be extended and enhanced in all sorts of ways, not just by prose. There are photographs. There are paintings. There are poems...all of which are art. Which brings us to this elegant, slender publication of words and photographs by Robin Bower and illustrations by Christine Vandenbergh, a collaboration between 'two old friends inspired by Paris' who travelled both apart and together before reuniting in recollection. Each chapter focuses on a single sense, hence the title; the result is a true feast for the senses, in which we encounter the great art and artists of Paris along the way. - The West Australian newspaper Why Paris? Twenty-five years after we both travelled to Paris independently as young people, Christine and I decided to visit Paris together this time as an artistic journey. Having been several times, I wanted to really experience the place so we decided to stay in an apartment in Montmartre. I thought it would be exciting to record the trip. Christine as an artist and myself as a writer would be a good combination. That gave us the opportunity to really take in the detail, drink in observations and have a visceral experience. The senses I found that Paris confronted my senses more than anything so I naturally divided the book in my head into sections depicting the five senses which is how the book developed. As we visited art museums, restaurants, cafes, historic stores and just walked through the streets of Paris, we each recorded our observations in our personal way. Paris is full of music, diverse sounds, scents and colour. We also found that living in the African quarter in Montmartre gave us a rich and culturally diverse experience so part of the book is devoted to the diversity of its people. The writing Once the senses were divided into sections, thoughts materialised into prose about a certain experience or event. Some writing is more of an instant impression about a sight or sound, or a pungent aroma that lends itself more to a poem or haiku. As well, there are several longer pieces: Our impression of Monet and his significance to Paris, his paintings and techniques, and his final home in Giverny just outside Paris. - The experience of visiting the Louvre and the Mona Lisa, protected under glass, and how a smile might be represented. - Our dining experience in the home of a French artist in Montmartre, amidst the history and art of the area. Then there are poems that express a reaction from the senses, a memory jolted by a scent, or a joyous celebration of food. The book The book contains quotes from famous French writers, photographs that relate to the words, and of course, gorgeous original artwork by Christine. We have incorporated some notes pages to encourage travellers to take the book with them to Paris. These pages are a place to make your o