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) |