05/08/2026
it’s been a week since I returned from the longest trip of my life (24 days). I visited 7 cities (3 were new to me). I experienced too much for one post, so I’m going to share 1 or 2 highlights from each place.
First up: Paris
The last time I was in Paris was 30-ish years ago, so it was as if I was there for the first time. I spent 10 nights, primarily to attend (interior design and art), see the Alexander Calder exhibit at the , and wander a city bursting with art, architecture, and beauty.
An unexpected delight was a visit to the for a Matisse exhibit, focusing on his cutouts. In addition to seeing new to me pieces, I learned about his influences and process. I’m still percolating on the latter.
My understanding is that Matisse created the original cutouts and then made templates which were used to make duplicates, mostly done by his assistants. With his supervision, they would pin the cutouts on a larger surface, moving them around (hence the pins) until he was satisfied. The cutouts would then be affixed to the background.
His mediated process makes me question my own belief about what is “handmade”. These are considered Matisse’s works, even though he had help making them. Other artists have done the same; I learned on this trip that Rodin heavily supervised, but ultimately had others sculpt many of his marble works. I’m not sure how this is, if at all, going to affect my work, but it’s been on my mind.
In addition to traditional art, an added bonus of my Paris visit was to reconnect with old acquaintances, which have now firmly landed into friend territory 🥰 This family taught me the art of the “French Sunday”, which I will incorporate into my life at home. As we wandered through the Right Bank, they pointed out notable architecture (they’re both architects), took me to some of their favorite places, taught me about , which they play with their son (I found 11 on my trip!), and checked off “having crepes” from my list. It was a magical day.
