A series of essays....
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| THE CHAPEL OF SAINT-SIXTE THAT OVERLOOKS THE VILLAGE OF EYGALIERES IN PROVENCE |
....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
“Our country is a painter’s palette, a sculptor’s energy, and a poet’s lyrical choice of words.....!”
These are words I’d written to a good friend who is an artist that lives in the South of France and calls the beautiful village of Eygalières her home. We’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to visit Nadine Fourre in her historical village and learn from her the magical history behind every stone, nook, and beautiful cranny that makes-up this wonderful place she calls home.
The village is surrounded by the superb landscapes of the Alpilles, the chain of small mountains which cross from east to west with olive groves, green valleys, and vine fields punctuated here and there by tastefully restored residences. The Alpilles range is about sixteen miles long by about five miles wide, running in an east-west direction between the Rhône and Durance rivers. The landscape of the Alpilles is one of arid limestone peaks separated by dry valleys. The highest point of the Alpilles is at an altitude of just 1,617 feet.
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| THE ALPILLES RANGE THAT RUNS JUST SOUTH OF EYGALIERES |
Like most of the villages that exist in Europe, large or small, they contain an existence of slightly newer houses and shops that are generally located along her main streets. The epicenter of the town’s historical aspects are contained in what is known as Centreville, or the center of the village. Eygalières is slightly different than other locations because the oldest part of the village is elevated and at the top of the hill, standing guard like a grand and loyal soldier, is the The Chapel of Saint-Sixte with its distinctive bell tower. Nadine offers many of her gallery showings within this beautiful chapel throughout the year. We were fortunate enough to enjoy one of her local exhibitions while visiting with her in Eygalières.
Just a hundred steps or so down from the chapel is a cozy, one-story stone house that is part of the original center of the 'old' village. Directly behind this little gem you will find smooth river stones of all shapes and sizes neatly stacked and divided lengths and shapes of petrified wood that have been gently excavated from the river by Nadine herself! This is where Nadine calls home. I won’t lie...I am a tad jealous of her simple yet generous lifestyle.
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| AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF RIVER STONES THAT RESTS BEHIND NADINE'S STONE HOUSE |
I have often written about Nadine’s superb talent of balance, texture, and form in her many handsome sculptures and designs. Life is all about being able to balance all of the elements that shape our lives whether they be life styles and daily activities to the natural elements that surround us in nature. Nadine’s appreciation of these natural elements, coupled with the fact that she has settled down to live in one of the most amazing areas in France that, in itself, contains a unique balance of stone, water, and an abundance of sunlight, is incorporated within everything she does.
One day, only a few months ago, Nadine asked how important would it be for her, as an artist, to eventually visit the United States stating that it was something she’d always thought about doing but wasn’t certain it was a commitment she was easily willing to make.
Having traveled and lived in many areas of the United States myself, I was able to expound on the artistic value of both city and country landscapes. I described the stark blue and starlit skies in the West, the crystal clear lakes of the North, and mountain ranges that stretch for miles while draped in cloaks of smoky purples and grays to the sheer rock faces that stretch up high, piercing the powder-puff clouds and blue skies that softly languish above the Rocky Mountain range.
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| NADINE SEATED NEAR SEVERAL OF HER SCULPTURES |
The first thing I could think of in answer to her inquiry was to say, “Our country is a painter’s palette, a sculptor’s energy, and a poet’s lyrical choice of words..... You must come visit one day, Nadine.”
And, I meant every word.
Yes, we may be temporarily existing in a world filled with such discord and genuine lack of harmony among many of the people who call this country their home due to a political climate that has awakened the dragon that lives in the ivory tower up in the lofty hills of wealth and privilege. However, I will never fail to give credit to the vast majority of American citizens who choose to believe that we are all better than this; that life is a healthy balance between the evil that exists and the good that will keep evil at bay by being forced to face and confront our attackers and voting them out of political office in the upcoming November elections.
The political vibe that exists within our country today will never erase the fact that it is a painter’s palette, a sculptor’s energy, and a poet’s lyrical choice of words! We witness the colorful imagination and talent that ignites the very soul of her people through the many varied artists, as well as the supporters of their artistic endeavors! Hats off to the hikers who traverse the miles of rocky and wooded trails, the writers who feel one with nature while creating the poems and stories of today and tomorrow, the musicians who create the magical sounds that make the heart sing, the painters who capture the pure essence of our colorful landscapes and cityscapes, and to all of the people who rejoice in the efforts put forth by these talented souls.
Deep down we are a nation filled with love and showered in hope for the future. And, we must not and will not allow these pure, basic ideals of life to dissolve within the black hole of hate and deceit. Yes, we are better than this!!
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| SEAMLESS BALANCE BETWEEN NATURE AND MANKIND ~NADINE FOURRE |
We must never allow talented people such as my friend Nadine to give-up on us or question whether or not they should learn for themselves from the comforting beauty that surrounds us as Americans. She must see for herself how this land is rich in its own history including our indigenous peoples who have always treasured the flora and fauna and spiritual benefits this land has to offer all of us if we choose to embrace them...rather than eliminate them.
Please visit us, my dear friend, and see for yourself the beauty that exists and may just serve to feed your soul with more pleasure than you could ever imagine. We need you. The world needs to hear your story. Our doors are open to your comments and suggestions as an artist, a friend, and a believer in beauty and grace...
Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
