In this series, I have featured a wide spectrum of creatives, from graphic designers and writers to photographers and food entrepreneurs. Now, I can add painter to the collection of talented Francophiles.
Watercolor artist Carol Gillott would gladly trade the roaring energy of New York, her current home base, for the indulgent leisure of Paris but compromises with visits three to four times a year – she refuels her creativity, soaks up inspiration and shoots thousands of photographs from which she paints upon her return. Not only does Paris drive her professional work but her long-running blog Paris Breakfast, a sort of visual love letter to Paris which she updates five times a week. While her fruitful career has taken her from shoe designer and travel book illustrator to in-house photographer at the James Beard Foundation, it’s the projects that bring her to France that offer the most fulfillment.
Describe what you love about France in three words. Can we make it 5 words? Eyes, ears, nose, tastebuds + brain. Paris stimulates all my senses constantly. I’m inspired all the time – endlessly surprised and amused. Sadly, New York doesn’t do it for me anymore… What you love about Paris and can’t get in New York? I’m nuts for the 38…
