From the start, my approach to this series has been personal. My goal has been to introduce you to individuals whose work inspires me and whose connections to France are notable. There may be common elements to the Francophile narrative but each reflect a singular passion, be it for food, art, writing, designing or photography. The collection has grown tremendously since I began these features and as I encounter new expats and other longtime visitors to France, I’m astounded by the breadth of stories left to tell.
After following her work for several months, I had the opportunity to meet food stylist and illustrator Jessie Kanelos Weiner just before the expat exodus for the holidays and learn more about her own journey. As she describes, it all began with an experience as an au pair – “a year of cutting chicken cordon bleu into bite-sized pieces and blow drying a petite Parisienne’s hair every night” which turned into a tale of great love, both with country and countrymen (well, one in particular). After a requisite period of ocean-hopping, she settled back in Paris a year ago as a newlywed, determined to maintain the creative drive she felt in Chicago and New York. It…
