Paris 11.8-11.15.17
Parisians appreciate good art and craftsmanship (old architecture, couture, food, etc). We spent a lot of time looking up at ornate architecture, drinking wine at local tabacs, and walking every inch of the city (44 miles total). We appreciate and get to know cities best through eating the local foods and walking the neighborhoods.
I wanted to see the old monuments, architecture, and art. We live in a world where time, cost and efficiency are the excuses we aren’t able to create master pieces. Many makers aim to profit from their work and bend to the demands of the market and consumers. It was refreshing to see such an old city preserving its architecture and art so well. World renown couture houses, Michelin restaurants, and museums are all located within one city smaller than Manhattan.
This trip reiterated to me “quality not quantity.” It’s important to take the time to feel inspired for a different perspective. I want to create intentional, beautiful things rather than create just to “keep up.” The world is already saturated with enough garbage. As a maker it’s part of my responsibility to create meaningful things that have more positive than negative impact on the world.
Looking up shot from our Rue du Ofevres in the first arrondissement. The building we stayed in was built in the 17th century and in the mid century housed the goldsmith corporation. “Ofevres” translates to goldsmith 👌🏼
The Seine River
Wish we brought Asher with us. Saw so many off leash pups walking with their owners.
One of the few modern architecture buildings
A few closer details of Notre Dame Cathedral:
Carved people(s)
I appreciate these details because we don’t take the time to make art like this anymore (due to time, cost, efficiency and whatever excuses). France has done a great job at preserving its history and monuments.
Chandeliers and carved columns
I liked the blue iron frames on this building
Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre
no paved roads in Montmartre the oldest city in Paris. I definitely fell on my back and slipped down the wet, rocky path.
View overlooking Paris on a cloudy day.
The third day started with a sun shower
Saw some beautiful foliage
Walked from the first arrondissement to the Eiffel Tower in a drizzle
then we saw the details of the day at the Eiffel Tower. Seriously, the ornate filigree work on such a grand scale monument is cool to see in person. #metalsmithnerds
On the walk back from the Tower
it started hailing and we were running for cover, BUT I stopped to snap a picture of the Luxor Obelisk honoring the Sun God Ra (this monument inspired the Pinnacle Collection-see previous blog post).
Someone took their time and fabricated this to make this column as beautiful as possible for the sake of beauty. We don’t make things like this anymore! The colors and details on this column in the Place de la Concorde 😍
The Louvre
one of my favorite things I saw at the Louvre in the Islamic Art exhibit was this goldsmiths tool box. Scales, tweezers, etc included in an ornately designed wooden box 👌🏼✨
Then there was this golden treasure chest because someone wanted to make a really beautiful chest and someone could appreciate this way back then.
if you know you know.
Mona Lisa smile. Psych.
the bright blue wedge stone I use in some of my necklaces (Lapis Lazuli) is pictured here. In luxurious dish ware form.
got anxiety and aggravated trying to get photos of the Crown Jewels. Just wanted to get close to appreciate/capture the opulence.
light and door details
I always pay my respects to the original wax carvers and jewelers. Can’t even iagine what the process of wax carving was like thousands and thousands of years ago with less materials and tools.
scale.
doing it for the ‘gram.
Under I.M. Pei’s pyramid
I miss seasons and weather while living in LA. Got my mix of fall sunshine, rain, hail, sun showers, cold, and warm in a week in Paris.
Epic trip.
