My Stylish French Girlfriends by Sharon Santoni

Many of you are familiar with the blog, My French Country Home, where Sharon Santoni gives us personal glimpse into her life in Normandy,  France. A reflection on a life that is balanced, harmonious and very fulfilling. She has now written a book, My Stylish French Girlfriends, which is a wonderful journey through the lives and homes of many talented, unique women Sharon knows in France. 

Please enjoy our interview and some images from this inspired book that you must have for your library.


1) Sharon, how did you come to the decision to write your first book about your French girlfriends? I know that you have been encouraged to write a book for some time.

First of all Karena, thank you for inviting me over and for featuring my book, I am very honored.     Like many bloggers I dreamed of writing a book, and already had some ideas, but it was the editor Madge Baird of Gibbs Smith who suggested that my blog series about my French girlfriends would work well as a book.  They contacted me and asked if I'd be interested and of course I was thrilled, in particular when I thought more about the idea and realized that taking the photos could become a veritable tour de France!


2)  These ladies have such a variety of talents and careers. Did your friendships form naturally and easily? It seems some people have a circle of friends that are only in their own sphere of interests.


You are right, we generally connect with people who share the same interests as us, and that is certainly why there are so many creative women included in the book.  It was a complete privilege to be welcomed into the daily lives of these women, who opened up their homes to me and my photographer, Franck Schmitt.   We shared meals, we stayed in their homes and became part of their family life for a day or so.  I couldn't have written in the same way if there wasn't the connection of friendship and shared interest.

3) When you were young, did you ever imagine your life going in the direction it has taken? Making a move from England to France?

I don't think many people know how their lives are going to play out, but when I was little I know that I often told people I'd live abroad as an adult.  I love England,  and I spend time in the English countryside every month, but I was drawn to anything foreign:  languages, food, culture....    Today I have lived in France for longer than I ever lived in the UK, I am married to a Frenchman, and our children are all born here, but I still manage to see everyday living objectively, and that is what helps me write the blog.  And by the way, my house isn't a chateau!   It's just a family house. 


4) One thing that stands out to me in my French friends is the true balance they seem to have in their lives. How do you find balance in yours?

First of all I have a very patient husband, who never moans when I juggle several projects at the same time.  Like many women, I like to multi-task and to manage different activities simultaneously, it seems to make things more fun.

5) Who, what or where do you look to for inspiration? Where do you find creativity?

It sounds like a cliché, but I truly am inspired by all the everyday stuff around me.  My camera never leaves my side and I am happiest in my garden.  We are lucky here in Normandy because we are in the countryside but only an hour from Paris, so I can easily pop in to the city for lunch, or an appointment.  I firmly believe in the importance of everyday creativity, no matter which shape that may take.

6) Do you have a mentor or is there someone who has had a great deal of influence for you?

I have a couple of good friends who I can call on to talk ideas through, but for the bigger decisions it's always my husband who helps me think things through and sort priorities.  He is very pragmatic and clear thinking, and he's always ready to listen.

7) Where do you want to go next in this journey? Are there any upcoming plans, for a book of fiction, for book signings etc. 

The blog has always grown organically, and I am happy to be led in new directions when they present themselves.   I'd love to see the blog continue to grow and who knows, maybe another book in the not too distant future.

Author Sharon Santoni

Sharon thank you so much for the opportunity to have our conversation and to feature this very special book.

Readers please visit Sharon's blog My French Country Home and purchase her book, My Stylish French Girlfriends. It is so full of life, beautiful homes, the French countryside, a real treat! You will be thrilled that you did!

Thank you to my Friends, Family, and Followers who Support The Arts!

Do leave a comment or message as they make my day!

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xoxo

Karena

The Arts  by Karena

Introducing Artist Frederique Chemin

The discovery of Frederique Chemin's works of art is like a burst of sunlight in the midst of a gray winter. Her layered vivid imagery and saturated color brings her paintings to life. Please enjoy some of works of art and our interview. Frederique lives and works in both Paris and Aix en Provence.

In her own words: "In my paintings, there are always little, yet significant figurative details within a mainly  abstract approach. I like the immersion into color and matter and I like the impact large paintings have. But I also like when some figurative references trigger imagination. Like tracks that would tell the viewers of my paintings where to follow- like a compass of the spirit. I like the different levels of reading, where different elements combine to form a global vision that everyone can see or feel in their own way."

Bella Vista

Cartography I Series

1) I understand that you became interested in art at a very young age. Would you tell us more about that?

I have always loved painting and drawing. When I was a child, I spent hours immersed in my work.  It has always been my favorite occupation! I would have skipped school and everything else to be able to remain at my table with my colors and brushes.

I was fortunate to have a drawing teacher in school who noticed my passion for art when I was 10. He offered to take me to the School of Beaux Arts in Paris where he had a private studio.  As a finalist in the Prix de Rome contest, he taught me oil painting. We walked through the entire school and its different studios. I was so amazed! I decided I would study art at this school when I grew up - and that's what I did. My teacher eventually won the Prix de Rome and went to Rome for several years and I never saw him again, but I am very grateful to him for having opened the door of this universe to me.

Spring Garden
Cartography I Series

des Fruites des Fleurs
Cartography I Series

2) Where does your inspiration come from?

It comes from life! I like to try to catch the part of a dream, happiness and beauty that is present in life. I try to give people who look at my paintings the joy of colors and space, like an "invitation to a  journey"* in a special way. I am inspired by the many things and places I see and things I live. Good memories, emotions, looking at my children and remembering the child I used to be (and still am)!

15th of August
Cartography II Series

My Paris Dream
Cartography II Series

3) Have you had a mentor or who are some artists who have influenced and inspired you?

I love the work of many artists. I admire Raoul Duffy for the lightness of his lines and  his various skills, Matisse for the "luxury, calm and delight"* he provides for us and Mark Rothko for his mastery of color. I love Edward Hopper for the deep feelings present in his paintings, Picasso for his freedom, and many more!

Plonger dans l'Eau Bleue
Cartography Series III

Villa Serene
Cartography III Series

4) What effect did your studies at l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris have on your aesthetic?

It was a wonderful place to be. You had a studio you would share with other students.  You could exchange ideas about art and life, creating the future in a place where you could feel the greatness of the past! I had a wonderful teacher, a painter called Amor who taught me that I had to find my own way and my own technique.

Play with Me
Cartography IV Series

Jeux d'Eau
Cartography IV Series

5) When you have time to relax, what activities do you enjoy?

I love reading, playing music, watching movies and outdoor activities allowing me to be in contact with nature like swimming and skiing.

un Jacinthe ou un Crocus
Black Cartography Series

My American Dream
Black Cartography Series

6) Where can our readers find your art? Do you have upcoming gallery exhibits?

You can follow me on Facebook and on my website. You can see my paintings at Gallery 32 Fine Arts in New York. I will have an exhibition in Paris in Spring 2015 and one in Aix en Provence in May 2015.

Miroir, Miroir
Black Cartography Series

7) Finally what words of wisdom you have for the aspiring artist of any age?

I would say find in yourself what is your particularity, what really belongs to you that you want to share with others; the colors of the song you want to sing! And if you feel like being an artist, go ahead, make your dream come true. Don't give up or let anything stop you from doing it!

*"Invitation To The Journey" Charles Baudelaire

Be sure to visit Frederique's website to see more of her art, her upcoming events and to learn more about this fascinating artist. This is the link to her Facebook Page.

Much thanks goes to Paula Winke, marketing and public relations consultant, who made the introduction.  Paula is based in Kansas City; however her work with clients takes her throughout North America and abroad.

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts!

Please sign up for email alerts to find out about my latest features. 

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

All Things French and Paris Oh Yes!

Please join me on an adventure I have dreamed of for a lifetime!

This sculpture of the Winged Victory in the Louvre symbolizes so much to me.

Yes, I am overcoming the difficult issues that have held me back for several years. Now is the time to move forward with goals, purposes, the opportunities of this next chapter in The Book of My Lifetime.

The Louvre with the Glass Pyramid 

I have had the good fortune in a past chapter to travel quite a bit, to Greece, the Greek Isles, Italy, Switzerland, The Czech Republic, Maui, Mexico, Canada, and more. However, somehow I did not spend time in France; and my heritage is part French.

The Eiffel Tower with Fireworks!

Lavender Fields

I have dreamt of running through fields of lavender and taking in the heady scent. Making Herbs de Provence with bits of lavender and fennel mixed in.

I would gaze in awe at the magnificent sculpture atop The Garnier Opera House.

I take time with friends to visit Provence and stay where the Courtyard has a view of the sea and the groined ceiling the color goldenrod, as does the excellent wine!

Back in Paris bicycling to get fresh breads and sweet treats. The aroma coming right out of the ovens!

The Grand Lefour Cheese Cart

You will never ever find the many varieties of cheeses that France produces anywhere else in the world!.

Going with my friend Andrea of The French Basketeer to purchase a colorful variety of Market Baskets to ship home to California.

A must stop for me, the  American Tourist

We must take some treats back home from our travels!

Excerpt  below from the Author Vanessa Diffenbaugh

As it is springtime I am currently reading this  Book, and have it with me for evenings when it is difficult to unwind from so many pleasures of the day. The Author has this to say:

"The Victorian language of flowers began with the publication of Le Language des Fleurs, written by Charlotte de Latour and printed in Paris in 1819. To create the book--which was a list of flowers and their meanings--de Latour gathered references to flower symbolism throughout poetry, ancient mythology and even medicine. The book spawned the science known as floriography, and between 1830 and 1880, hundreds of similar floral dictionaries were printed in Europe and America. In The Language of Flowers, Victoria learns about this language as a young girl from her prospective adoptive mother Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells her that years ago, people communicated through flowers; and if a man gave a young lady a bouquet of flowers, she would race home and try to decode it like a secret message. So he would have to choose his flowers carefully."

Reve, Soon to be released A Four Volume E-Book

That will delight, educate, interest you greatly.

Written by Andrea of French Basketeer, Elizabeth of Elizabeth Eiffel, and Laura Ingalls Gunn of Decor to Adore. These women have traveled to France many times, two have homes there, and you Must subscribe to this publication!

The architecture, here is The Musee d'Orsey with more priceless art treasures.

The Pantheon in Paris, so difficult to even imagine what went into this  stunning construction.

Renaissance Paris Vendome
Luxury 5 Star Accommodations
or stay at a friends flat!

Luxury Shopping Anyone? Elite Jewelers Van Cleef and Arpels

Now off  to Beune to have some time out of the city again and lets visit Andrea's 

Andrea's Beautiful home in Beaune during the Holidays!

Baking her Apple Tartre in Puff Pastry served with a dollop of Creme Freshe!
Enjoying the Good and Blessed Life we have.

Joining Anita of Castles Crowns and Cottages
and many others participating in this Dream Trip! Please visit their sites as well!

Simply Irresistible France!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena

Thank you dear friends for supporting the Arts Worldwide!

A very special thank you to all who have been here to help me  during my time of healing!

Credits to Follow

I Long to be in Paris

Adore this image of the Eiffel Tower!!

So many friends visiting France this Spring and here I am Freezing! (Boo Hoo!)

One day soon I will be enjoying the fabulous French shops and countryside!!

A new Giveaway is coming up for all of you Francophiles. Check back in a few days!

Images Courtesy of Amazon.com

Art by Karena