Monday, December 17, 2007

Reve d'enfant

I am Eliza Doolitle singing 'I could 'ave danced all night'. Oh no that was a different show.

Today was the performance of The Nutcracker at the Paris Opera for Arop. I am amazed to say that I was invited to design the pop-up invitation and that part of the same drawing was used for decorating their Christmas tree AND also the program. 

As if that was not good enough the proceeds for this special performance went to a fund to get kids in difficult situations into the Paris Opera. Did I mention that I was paid well and that I was allowed to take my family to the performance? 

I was so pleased when I saw that the costume designer had chosen the same colored dress as my drawing and that the lead  dancer even looked like my character. Imagine being me. There she was MY own Clara in flesh and blood. I know how Doctor Frankenstein must have felt.

Now, imagine still that you are me and you leave the theatre and see your drawing littering the bars and seats and it's being tucked into vests and purses and rolled up under arms, children are using it as a flag skipping down the sandstone staircase.It literally made my head feel a little bit faint. 

Another very happy moment also came when I saw that my son had written 'Maman' next to my credit in the program. I like that he personalized his copy. 

All I can say to conclude is to repeat what my lovely client said in her speech onstage and that is that with hard work and endurance dreams can come true. 
Posted by AprilinParis at 00:48:38 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Paris Ballet

I did it folks!   It is officially out. I have designed and illustrated the Gala invitation to Opera Paris Ballet presentation of The Nutcracker for the Friends of the Ballet. It is for a charity event that will raise money for poor kids to go to the Opera throughout the year.

I managed to do a pop-up format featuring the Rat King on the outside leading you in and on the inside is Clara dreaming and holding her beloved Nutcracker. The invitations have been set out and the reaction has been great.

One of the nicest features of this project is that I get to go to the ballet too. If only I had asked for more money to buy something appropriate to wear!
 

Ironically enough the Rat's creepy attitude (and whiskers) were inspired by my 17-year-old cat, Mouchette.
 
Clara pivots towards the right and left when you open and close the 3 fold card. 
I am told by my sons that the clouds are almost as good as Dragon Ball-Z clouds. 
Posted by AprilinParis at 21:47:18 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

Monday, August 06, 2007

Try to be Me

It is Monday and I am thrilled. Not only is my drawing really turning around into something that pleases my eye but my apartment is also turning aroud too. Why do I have this compulsion to clean and decorate during my breaks?It hasturned into part of my creative process.

I think of my childhood environment as truely chaotic. I guess I've managed to pull myself out of that model with a lot of work and drive but I feel choked when I see myself slipping back into the comfort mode of pure slop! I can actually locate pens now and I have a designated place for rubberbands. I feel panicked when I let things go. I am proud of the progress that I have made but am not yet where I need to be.

My current background music Mika's: Grace Kelly (energy) or Sarah Vaughan: Moonglow (whimsy) or (a favorite) Radiohead: Creep (plus even Youtube: The Secret). There, a peak into my current playlist.  

My little family gets back tomorrow. I can't wait to see them although I have really enjoyed getting to know myself again and to produce illustration work plus they will benefit from the nice new set-up in the living room.

I am working on a circular composition now and have added some spruce and candy using the girl as the pivot in the center. The drawing below was a color study to see where I might be able to go with the palette.  It is kind of a mess but closer to what I want. It still doesn't look very Christmas-y but will by tonight. It is almost 9 and should be the beginning of a long night.

 

Posted by AprilinParis at 21:29:20 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |

How do you spell rhythm?

One year since my last post. So it looks like I am establishing a regular rhythm which is great. I really wasn't sure if I would be able to keep up this blog on a regular basis.  (We really won't know until next summer if this is going to be a regular thing.)

It is 1 am. I have finally accepted that I am most creative at night so I was able to do other things during the day without beating myself up for slacking off. In fact, I cleaned my kitchen to a pulp and even found some larvae which was extremely rewarding. (They-- the larvae looked like eraser shavings and they were found floating in-- and here is the totally disgusting part-- in my dishdrainer's tray. I guess they were baby silverfish but they could be something much more horrible. I am getting goosebumps again just thinking about it. My poor hands are dry and cracking from handling so many chemicals to surge the enemy. )

I am working on a nutcracker invitation for a very prestigious ballet company. It could actually be my big break if I don't sabotage myself. It will be seen by all the right people who may just have more work for me. Fingers crossed.

I am happy to report that my drawing has improved dramatically since last year. It is so liberating to have my technical ability not hindering my creative spirit. It only took me 40 years. I am, however, having a hard time keeping the sponaneity of my sketches in my finished drawings. I am really loving color --as usual -- and exploring how to keep a very fine line with watercolor without having the two fight too much.

I intend to post the next phase so stay tuned!Hopefully I will do that before 2008 but you never know, I might really have established my rhythm.  

Posted by AprilinParis at 02:03:13 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |