Extraordinary Women
What is the definition of a “cosmopolitan woman”?
Nothing reminds us that the world continues to spin than meeting people from different places on the globe.
A fascinating benefit along my recent journey is meeting brilliant and extraordinary people. Are they compelling because of where they live and where they have come from?
(Above: painting by Auguste Renoir and jewelry by Alexander Calder)
As I travel, I wonder who built each village and inhabited the rooms we enjoy for a short time. Collective wisdom seems to ooze from the ancient stone structures.
My journey to a small village in Provence began with an application to an artist residency. I have painted all of my life, but this will be a new experience. I jumped at the opportunity.
I began in Paris, to revisit what is often considered the most beautiful city in the world and to visit with friends I have made on previous visits. As I scheduled coffees and meet ups, I reminded myself that one of the best things to do, especially in Paris, is to wander aimlessly to see what one finds… Never a disappointment.
I travel as lightly and brought the minimum of art supplies. I sketch along the way and ordered paint, paper and canvas to arrive in Provence when I did.
Enjoy the happy encounters along the way!
Serendipity is a gift: be open to the choices it can present.
Each random conversation can lead to something more or simply be a moment to learn a little bit more about a place, art form, tidbit of history or, most importantly, yourself.
When I sketch, people often open a conversation. One woman with a fascinating career, dropped her card in my lap. Others will talk to me at cafes, glimpsing my sketchpad on the table. I have also sought out opportunities to meet women whom I discover through a podcast or mutual friend. On this trip, I met with authors, people who share my passion for France, and other artists.
There is no one definition of the “cosmopolitan woman” I have met in France. However, she is often older (not always) and a variety of experiences have connected her to the City of Light or the French countryside. She may have been married to a Frenchman for decades or have lived here in her youth, returning often. Her career may have led her to France. Although the words cosmopolitan and sophisticated come to mind, it is more than this: she has learned from her experiences and has developed an appreciation for individuals that have informed a place; colors, tastes, and sounds; history; and culture. She has a story to share.
As I write, I have just arrived at my residency, La Maison de Beaumont
and have begun gathering inspiration, meeting other residents, and finally, painting.
I know that the experiences I’ve had thus far will be a part of my creative voice, and before I move forward, I want to record these thoughts and introduce you to people I have met. Some have a public persona and others are more private.
Marilo M
I met Marilo @marilomartincreatrice (Instagram) last summer at an exposition in Paris, and have wanted one of her scarves ever since! I visited her at the Marche de Creation, and bought not only one, but a smaller scarf that was going to be a gift! Ha! I’ve been wearing it ever since. Marilo was interviewed by Krystal Kenney on La Vie Creative
Just this week, I met an a painter who lives in Pertuis de Beaumont, Jocelyne Morawiak. As I walked, I saw a small sign in a window that said “Atelier Overt” - « studio or workshop open” and as I paused, a woman beckoned me inside. I don’t speak French, but we managed, and she had a friend there to help. Her delicate work was inside, paintings and prints made using real plants. She explained to me how to make an anthotype using turmeric and asked if I would like to borrow a book, which I did. She simply had me write down my name and email. This book explains how to make prints using herbs and natural processes. My mother used to make amazing dried flower bouquets, and I was drawn to these.
I met Gina after a Ukrainian soloist performed at the American Church in Paris several years ago. On this visit, she took me to a unique rendition of Othello, written and performed by one actor, from the viewpoint of Iago. Gina has lived in Paris for two decades and can share much about her perspectives as a US expat.
I have enjoyed the novels of Janet Skeslien Charles about the American Library in Paris (where she worked as a librarian when she first arrived in Paris). Her work is beautifully written and historically enlightening. She weaves the present and the past, the US and France into her novels. I highly recommend The Paris Library, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, and The Parisian Chapter (the auditory version of this book was published last year and is narrated by Pauline Chalamet whose brother you may know!) Last year I met Janet and her husband. This year we met for coffee-first at The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore (featuring works in English) and then with Harriet Welty Rochefort (whom I had met the day before). What fun to listen to two authors who have written novels in English about events in France during World War II. The two are good friends and shared anecdotes and experiences about writing and selling their work. I was honored to spend time with both of them.
I was invited to the home of author, Harriet Welty Rochefort, in a less central arrondissement. Her first three humorous books about life with a French husband in Paris were groundbreaking in the field of personal memoir by an American author married to a French man. Her most recent book, Final Transgression, is a serious novel about World War II and shares a bit of her husband‘s family story. Harriet truly is an illustrious author and serious journalist. Recently, she began a Substack newsletter @HarrietinParis.Substack.com. and she will be on staff with a new news venture on Substack, @reportingfromparis.substack.com
Last year while visiting the Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore, I asked about her books, and the owner asked if I were her sister and said I looked a bit like her. When I told this to Harriet, she said we must get together and take a picture! We did!
Here is her interview with Krystal Kenney:
I included her in one of my former Substack posts.
Barbara Lambesis
There is no doubt I have met some fun people! Barbara Lambesis, who attended my little birthday gathering and has become a friend, is the president of the Wallace Fountain Society. The mission of the society is to promote, preserve and protect the iconic Wallace Fountains of Paris. She is a fountain of information and wisdom.
I think I’ve told this story numerous times of how how I met Barbara. I was painting a Wallace Fountain and she dropped her card in my lap. Even more remarkable, she was on her way to the Senat to receive an award for on behalf of the foundation. She also asked if I would donate a painting to a fundraiser for the Wallace Fountain Society and I did.
I know my trip will continue to lead me to fascinating people, and I so appreciate their sharing wisdom, expertise, opinions,and kindness.
They teach me to rise above the news I hear each day. Take note and do not stop dreaming.
Creating a collage at home
I always like to give a nod to those who greatly influenced my learning path about France,
Krystal Kenney https://laviecreativepodcast.com,
Claudine Hemingway https://www.claudinehemingway.com
Christina Consolé https://www.parisianniche.com
Lily Heise. Lily Heise, Author at Love and Paris
As always, inspired by all of you!
Janis Commentz
(from my iPhone! -which is no small feat!)
I invite you to visit my website at Janiscommentz.com and my Instagram @janiscommentz
Substack Janis Commentz
Thank you so much for your kind words and support, Janis! I was thrilled to spend time with you and am in awe of all that you do. Xo
Loved your piece and of course am delighted to be included in it along with other creative women you met in Paris. The least one can say is that you make the most of every moment! Thanks for sharing and "bonne continuation".