Tag: Networking

Celebrating Women in Art & Network Provence

Published on by Rebecca RonaneLeave a comment

Celebrating Women in Art & Network Provence

A small Network Provence group had big fun in Carpentras on March 12th. Other than its iconic proximity to and view of Mont Ventoux and its legendary Sunday brocante market, we all agreed we knew little more about this charming town.

The first pleasant surprise was our ‘bien reussi’ lunch at Chez Serge (large, tasty portions). After that, we squeezed in coffee and desserts, feeling like kids at the literal candy shop Clavel Confiserie.

Watching me trying to get to my ice cream before it melts, Network Provence, passionate -about- art-ladies, participated in a little presentation/discussion about the destinies of women artists in general, and specifically, women Impressionists and two distinguished female painters represented in the Carpentras Museum L’Inguimbertine. We talked about the underrepresentation of female artists in museums (only 1% in the National Gallery in London) and how their careers depended heavily on family support or the lack of it.

 

Finally, the crescendo of our gathering was the actual visit to the L’Imguimbertine museum. Nothing can prepare you for this stunning (in size, proportions, and overall beauty) building and its enormous collection. It took us almost two hours to browse the History of Carpentras exhibit corridors, the beautiful endless shelved armoires with tens of thousands of hand-copied books from centuries ago and finally, the beaux-art wing with an overwhelming number of paintings and sculptures done mainly by artists born or known in this region.
We didn’t even have time to see two chapels, the ancient pharmacy, the mediatheque, and the outside areas. Ultimately, we agreed to repeat this type of ‘museum visit’ – NP meetings in the future and to give our warm recommendations for a worthwhile visit to Carpentras. 

Written By Mimi Barbulovic for Network Provence

 

“Inside Janice Jacquet’s Creative Process”

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

Today, Bonnieux artist Janice Jacquet treated Network Provence to a generous demonstration of her process for creating the colourful canvases we usually only see after completion.

With a dizzying array of colours, tubes, brushes and tools, Janice worked and talked us through what it was like for her to lay down, cover and reveal layers of glorious paint, which ended up in landscape abstracts to be defined by the viewer. There is something perfectly ASMR about watching and listening to the process. Janice’s voice and the sounds of various tools on the canvas, all the while revealing and changing such beautiful light, shadow and colour.  It reminded me of artist Gina Southgate, who uses the sounds she creates while painting as experimental music while she paints other musicians’ creations. How lucky we are to experience this from one of our own NP women of Provence! It was such an informative event and extremely relaxing and inspiring.

Network Provence boasts a wonderful membership of creative and enterprising women; it is always so satisfying to experience each other’s worlds like this. Refreshments and socializing with friends and newcomers is a great pleasure indeed, and today revealed that there will be some very interesting meet-ups in the near future.
Join us for more upcoming Network Provence events listed on the website. This is a valuable two-way resource for those living and working in the region.

By Maryna Fontenoy

Wine and Women that Network in Provence

Published on by Rebecca Ronane

The 2023/24 Network Provence season ended on a high note with a wine tasting at the wonderful Racine’s in Bonnieux.  Jess and Pierre, the Luberon’s favourite ‘caviste couple’, shared some of their preferred summer wines, two roses and a white, in a tasting set to prepare us for the summer ahead. Besides a rosé from Corsica’s Domaine de Leccia, the standout favourites were Cadet de La Begude for its drinkability and price point, and the white we shared was loved by all-L’Odalisque de Sylvain Morey, which is set to be a summer star, produced in the Luberon.

Jess talked us through why they chose these three wines, and judging by the refills; she was right on the mark for what we would enjoy. This couple knows their profession and can answer most questions, as evidenced by our curious attendees.  We learned about regional differences, discussed the myths of pink depths in rosés and found some interesting facts about what happens to wines that are exported and rack up the travel miles.  Comme d’habitude, Jess and Pierre let their passion for wine shine with great enthusiasm, knowledge, and good humour.  They break the mould of stuffy wine stereotypes and bring a sparkle of enjoyment to learning about the intricacies of our region’s favourite beverage.

Meanwhile, Network Provence welcomed newcomers and regulars with interest and laughter, which is always a feature of meetings.  We have had a brilliant season of meetings in Aix, and at our new meeting place the Cafe de la Gare in Bonnieux.  Events this year have included talks with Nora Jaccaud, photography with Raina Stinson, an art exhibition with Miriam Hartmann featuring NP members, floral arranging with Helen Puillandre, Hypnotherapy with Mei Yee, storytelling with Sabine Copinga, to name some of the special programs at our meetings.  We have also attended many art openings and other local events and used our connections to the fullest!  It is proven that connection is one of the most important elements in longevity and happiness. There is no better group in Provence to find community and connections among like-minded women than Network Provence.  I think I speak for everyone and give big gratitude to our leader, Rebecca Ronane, for founding such a wonderful group full of networking potential, friendship opportunities, and a creative connection hub.

Although meetings will be paused for July and August, make sure you follow along through Facebook and Instagram to see what wonders the women of Provence are creating and doing over the summer.  Now is also an excellent time to review your membership status and revise any ads you have on the website.  Keeping others updated on what you do and what you have to offer is a key point of being in a group such as NP. You should also have a look to see what others are up to as well.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer until we meet again in September!

Written by Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence