A Paris Journal : Chapter I
Paris has always been a place I dreamed about. A place I romanticized for its flourishing art, Medieval architecture and Parisian way of life. The sidewalk cafes bustle into the early hours, where you find yourself at close proximity to warm strangers who are all lost in conversation and on their fifth cigarette. There is something so magically romantic about this city. From its long cobbled stone streets to its sparkling lights. I visited last February in 2020, only weeks before the whole world shut down. I was spending the month in the UK, where I had studied at University. Staying in London with some of my very best friends from school. I spent my days exploring these two cities, emerging myself into the culture, eating the freshest foods, indulging in art and simply just being. I miss the city life. A life I lived once before as a younger version of myself. A part of my life that shaped me into who I am today.
This journal is the first in a series I hope to release. A visual story to help define my print collections. A way to share with you everything that lead up to that exact frame being captured.
Hope you enjoy the first Chapter of Paris.
Rue de l’Abreuvoir - “ La plus jolie route de Paris “ named “The prettiest road in Paris”, is also one of the oldest and most iconic in all the city. Sat high on the hills of the 18th arrondissement in the charming artist quarter of Montmartre. We stayed only a short walk from here, up the steepest street and passed the magnificent sacré-cœur. As I walked these streets I thought about the many artists that walked here before me. How Vincent Van Gogh lived a few steps from this spot. How Picasso would sip coffee at the La Petite Maison Rose before heading back to his flat to paint. How Pichot, a catalan painter and owner of the cafe, mentored a 10 yr old Salvador Dali when he was first beginning to paint. The list goes on and on. It makes complete sense too - this street and neighborhood is the artist soul of Paris.
All photography by Valerie Noell © 2020