A Parisian Adventure
[cont’d]
Their newest book, Oh! Mon chapeau [Oh! My hat] plays a Where’s Waldo? game inspired by David A. Carter’s Dot series. David had visited the Salon the year before, and Anouck and Louis had a chance to meet him. In a changing landscape, a monkey chases a wind-driven hat. The reader must search behind or under the pop-ups for both the monkey and the hat. These books are perfect for even the pre-reading child, or those who don’t speak French, like me. It seems Anouck and Louis’ success has them very busy turning out more and more books. I so look forward to seeing where their creativity and inventiveness takes them.
Moving right along! While standing with UG’s books cradled in my arms, Pat, taking the role of translator and facilitator, tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Do you know José Pons?” I had a vague recollection so I consulted my iPad catalog. Sure enough, Pons was well represented. His exquisite, Il Était Une Fois (Once Upon a Time), with lush illustrations by Benjamin Lacombe, is a collector’s must. We acknowledged each other’s involvement in pop-ups but now it was my turn with UG.
Philippe Huger, aka UG, likes to use his bulky size, shaved head, and bulging biceps, visible in his short-sleeved t-shirt, for intimidation. Not a personality trait one associates with a paper engineer. I can’t say what brought on this tough exterior but he refused to speak English, which I know he could, or take a photo with me. When it came down to it, I just countered, “I’m Ellen from the Bronx.” That should have said it all.
UG was generous, however, with his signing, and included Harold in the inscriptions with funny images. With his colored pencils laid out and a razor blade for sharpening them, he was not to be rushed in his executions. There was evident precision in his color choices. For his pop-up trade edition of the artist, Vasarely, UG hand-produced 200 copies of a limited edition binding to house it. I did bring his Funny Birds from home to be signed and told him it had been nominated for a Meggendorfer Prize. I couldn’t tell if it was a language barrier that had him shrug at this disclosure.
Philippe was the last paper engineer to sign for me and by now, the shop was clearing of patrons. The party was about to begin! My first French soirée had all the components you would expect, wine, cheese, pâté, and camaraderie. Thibaut came down the stairs to the selling floor carrying a tray of goodies as one brings an offering to the king. All insisted I try the cheese. It was magnifique! I couldn’t believe my eyes that my cholesterol-conscious husband was digging deeply into the foie gras. There were very pitiful looks when I refused the wine; Alas, I don’t drink alcohol.
Now with no agenda, I had the liberty of chatting with Marion, Olivier, Pat, and Thierry. Thierry is working on another exhibit for 2015 with Pat doing the graphics; Marion continues to publish her engaging books, and Olivier is seeking more commercial outlets for his talent. Over by the register, my purchases were being tallied. The euros were mounting and so was the bulk. But this is part of what I came here for.
