Tour de Provence [plus]
My Raw Look at Southern Charms & Wild Cards
Since October 2022, my journey has taken me from the cobblestones of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to the artsy alleys of Barcelona. I've soaked up the serenity in Saignon and been dazzled by the history of Arles and Aix-en-Provence, not overlooking the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon and, of course, Châteaudouble (the village on the rock that prides itself not being conquered by the Romans)!
Corsica and the Camargue, they're the [plus] in my pack, adding their untamed spirit to my journey. Each place I've visited has splashed its colors onto my canvas—raw, peculiar, and unequivocally authentic.
Dance of Defiance: The Camargue Bullfight Series
Charging Grace - A Chapter from 'Tour de Provence [plus]' Series
During my first encounter with a Camargue Bullfight, the language barrier was as challenging as understanding the cultural nuances of this unique "game." It was evident that this was less a fight and more an artistic expression with the bull as the hero. The scene was exhilarating, the bulls bursting into the arena with majestic fervor, evoking images of a more lively Ferdinand.
In Camargue, the emphasis is on skill and respect, with the bull's name prominently featured, celebrating its celebrity status, while the razeteurs skillfully assume their role in this bloodless dance of honor. This fascinating interplay of danger and respect has inspired my latest gouache painting series, a tribute to the true protagonists of this ancient tradition.
