Back to Paris
I thought I would show you this little watercolor, first. Last time I talked about how the color was a cross over point for me and you can see how I have taken some liberties with the color in this one. When I walked through this door the feeling was like walking on a cloud. I felt like an angel in this space full of calm, loving energy. It was glorious!
When we were in Paris, we also visited Notre Dame. Like everyone else, we had some lovely time on the grounds and enjoyed this amazing, cutting edge at the time, architecture. We also enjoyed the inside of which I want to show you a little bit. Now the photographs can be a challenge as there was a musical celebration going on and there are lots of people, too. But I want to give you a sense of this beautiful cathedral.
This is a view from the back looking straight up to the altar. I wish I could give you a better sense of the space, but it goes without saying that the volume is truly amazing. Can you imagine a special service here such as a wedding? The bride might need to wear hiking boots rather than heels, but the music would swell beyond belief!
This is one of the chandeliers. As you can see the light is dim, but creates the perfect ambiance.
This is one of the rose windows found in the cathedral. Would you like to see it closer? Here you go:
I love these windows so much. Like any good art, they have an incredible way of drawing you in and making you think. I find they are truly fun to study and explore throughout Europe. Where they are located within the architecture depends on the symbolism. France, by-the-way, has the largest number of medieval rose windows.
Everyone wants to go to Notre Dame, and it truly is an amazing piece of architecture. I have a soft spot in my heart for these great cathedrals of Europe as they are so inspirational in so many ways, although I am not a religious person. I am always find it is the little bits which draw me in. I also find it facinating to contrast and compare these structures in different parts of the world. Just in Europe you can begin to see the influences of the area as well as of the church. Some of them are so simple, however others are amazingly ornate!
Can you find inspiration in places (architecture) which you are not directly involved with? Is it a different kind of inspiration than the original intent of the place?
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There are 6 Comments to "Back to Paris"
It looks like “bliss” on the other side of the door. It must have been fun to have found that spot in yourself to bring forth that feeling.
Also, don’t you wonder how they built Notre Dame? Such beauty .
Hello Gwen,
It is truly bliss to work on these and to consider what they mean to me, personally, and wonder if they provoke any meaning to anyone else. I also love seeing how they develop throughout the work I am doing.
I am really lucky because my education is in interior design (which means I studied classical architectural history for a year – and I truly hated it when it all came from books), so I know a tiny bit about the building of some of these amazing cathedrals. It took just less than 200 years (1163 to about 1345) to build Notre Dame. The flying buttresses actually were added to hold up the thinner gothic-style walls – as they became higher and higher and began to crack. The thing is this was cutting edge architecture at the time. There were a lot of architects over the years working on this building, so as things went along and as construction methods changed, I am sure the actual building of the cathedral became faster. Because of the length of time it took to build it, there was a set sequence used in accordance with the church.
I truly love these old European Cathedrals and find the details so interesting. I am sure your time in Europe found you in many of these places, too. Did you ever go to Winchester Cathedral in England? It is so different, yet so beautiful. I love the patter on the roof of St Stephens in Vienna, Austria.
Thanks Gwen, I do hope you are doing well.
Kim thanks for the tour of the cathedral. amazing how many years it took to build. that’s slow architecture! Handmade. Yes, many, many buildings inspire me. Even run down modern and old ruins. Old esp inspires because it has remained for so long. Just love to look at the materials old and worn. Those windows are amazing too. I didnt know France was the queen of rose windows. Thanks again for sharing your trip to Paris with us.
Ha Ha Suki, you are right, it is slow architecture. I don’t think we would be patient enough with that these days! I think the old and handmade things remind me so much of the human touch to life and that is what makes it so inspiring. The old buildings have had humans literally touching all parts and that is so cool to think about. Fun tidbit about the rose windows, uh? I thought it was pretty cool, too.
It is my pleasure to share these things with you.
I hope you are feeling well and are up and doing your Suki thing again!
Thanks Suki!
I’ve been there, Kim, and yes, this space soars! Actually, your photo does a good job in capturing that immensity. I visited three cathedrals in France, maybe four, and yes, in each one I felt this powerful vibe of history and sacredness. Not just because of the architecture but because of all the prayers that have been whispered in these places.
Oh I love the cathedrals of Europe and I think it is because of the soaring spaces (with the more private chapels all along the sides) which intrigue me. You are right, the power comes from many aspects…the interesting thing is how it all boils down to art, uh? architecture, visual in the windows, sculptures and paintings and the words! Now that is cool!
Thanks San!