Maya Ruiz-Picasso, Fille de Pablo.

I went to the Musée Picasso today to see the exhibition of work by Picasso that was inspired by his daughter Maya. It was amazing to see how much she had been the subject of his work. They were incredibly close and that intimacy comes through in so many of the paintings.

Picasso, 1944, Portrait de Maya pensive

My favourite pieces were the cut-outs, dolls, and cardboard figurines that he made for Maya during the war. The toys he assembled, recycling material from his studio such as wire, wood, fabric, nails was his way of distracting his daughter from the dark days of the German occupation. I think that limitless creative energy and inventiveness is what most strikes me when walking through room after room of his creations.

interior of Musée Picasso

The first time I went to the museum was over thirty years ago when I was backpacking through Europe at the age of 21. It was much smaller then. Retracing my footsteps, thinking about myself as a young art student fresh off the plane from Canada, I find it hard to believe that I have lived in France now for 20 years. That young art student would never have believed that she would one day make her home in a town to the west of Paris, and raise her family in France.

Autumn in Rome

This autumn we were fortunate enough to travel to Rome to meet up with dear friends from Canada. Inspiration for me was everywhere. Not simply in the museums and galleries, but unexpectedly on the corner of a building – an exquisite candlelit Madonna and Child,  the beautiful pale turquoise water in a fountain and the small, worn, wooden door to the building of our apartment.

Often the best inspiration is found just wandering the streets. Looking up to catch architectural details, looking down at ancient paving stones and stylish shoes, catching a shard of light. We were staying near the Pantheon, so had the opportunity to wander around it at different times of the day. At night it was eery, imposing and magical. Looking up at the imposing columns and magnificent doors my classics art history classes came rushing back to me!

The Pantheon by Night
Madonna and Child

We dined in the bustling Jewish quarter and tried the local delicacy of deep fried artichokes. Then we strolled along the forceful Tiber, which was rushing and thundering by. Taking a detour across a bridge and glancing up, I found my treasure – the little Madonna and Child peacefully glowing.