Monday, January 25, 2010

100 French Strangers - L'artiste

French Stranger #56

I'm cheating a little on this one. I knew this artist at Place du Tertre even before I spotted him that cold, damp day. You see, I'd already "met" him when my friend, American ( living in Paris) photographer Meredith Mullins , featured him in her terrific book, In a Paris Moment. I walked right up and in my broken français I told him I thought he was famous because of Meredith! When I said her name, he smiled and it was easy after that. In this photo he is telling a fellow artist why he's "famous"! I wish I'd had more time with him and could have gotten a shot even half as good as Meredith's portrait in her book. Quel dommage. But it was a special meeting. I'm satisfied with that.

For the record, I tried to take the neighboring artist's photo and he said, "Non, I don't want to be famous." His loss don't you think?

16 comments:

Owen said...

I think that's a great portrait of him, impressive beard... Perhaps you have a picture or two of the art he does ? That would be great to see...

PS Just did a little post for you, comparing views of an angel and a lady with dog sculpture in le Musée Carnavalet... hope you'll have a moment to come see...

Louis la Vache said...

Nice monochrome image, Virginia. While it may not please you technically the way you would prefer, altogether it works, especially with the story behind it and in the context of the weather. Reach around, pat yourself on the back and say "Attagirl!" ;-)

-K- said...

I believe I'm seeing more of Paris through your photos than in any other venue, ever.

MadAboutParis said...

Mon dieu it was C-O-L-D that day...

Virginia said...

Mon dieu, it was cold EVERYDAY !! :)

Starman said...

Maybe the second artist is one of those 'American haters' we hear so much about. I've haven't yet met one, but some people insist they are there. BTW, I read your comment on Peter's blog about the Grand Palais. You haven't missed much. By itself, it is just a large space with a concrete floor. True, the roof is worth the visit. But unless there is a show there (and there was this last time you were in Paris) there isn't much to recommend it.

Daryl said...

Great face. Silly other artist.

PeterParis said...

Must "protest" against Starman's comment! :-)
Already the roof is worth a visit to Grand Palais! ... so hopefully next time! :-)

pixi said...

i like the portrait as it is, you could see his attention was turned to someone else, not your camera.
as for the other person, i think it's a totally respectable attitude to NOT wanting to be photographed by a stranger, also a very typical french bohemian reaction to this situation.
(Anti-Americanism, although not uncommon in France, doesn't have to be the first thing that comes to mind here)
Nice shot!

Virginia said...

Nikki,
I agree. As a street photographer I have learned to be ok with a person's refusal to be photographed. I thought it humorous that he "didn't want to be famous", as if I had that power! HA I have had delightful experiences with photographing the French. Search 100 French Strangers on this blog and see them all. It's been a wild ride!

Peter,
I don't even want to know what exhibit I missed at the Grand Palais! :( That needs to move to the top of my NEW LIST! I know you're thrilled to have that start all over again. But there's still that banque to rob. Don't worry, we'll be like Bonnie and Clyde! :)

♥ E.T. Suzy ♥ said...

Your photos are fabulous, Virginia. In focus or out or any which way you bring them to us. Please NEVER apologize for them again. Your eye is as artful as I've ever seen.

Ken Mac said...

love the banner V! Beautiful and abstract... kind of like you! (really you're very down to earth)

Virginia said...

ET Suzy,
A grand compliment.

KM<
I love being described as "abstract"!
V

Cafe Observer said...

These fotos on this site are enuf to make you famous, Virginia! I wish I had even 1/4 your foto talent.

Btw/BLt, are the French famous for baking pies as well?

Virginia said...

CO
Mais oui, their tarts ( not moi of course) are the best!!!

TheChieftess said...

He's delightful!!! Great shot V!!!