PARISIAN INSPIRATION

Just back from a weekend trip to my favourite city in the world.

What did I do?

Strolled in the sunshine by the Seine and through the Tuileries - and just soaked up the atmosphere.

Ate turbot and hot chocolate souffle at Michelin-starred restaurant, Marius et Janette - which had been recommended by Arthur Pincher, of Arbroath.

Met the talented sculptor Jean GARLEITA for a drink in a rose-tinted bar just off the Champs Elysees.

And tackled this awkward-looking crustacean at Terminus Nord - a classic French brasserie which is almost an institution. It's situated right opposite the Gare du Nord and serves some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted. It's a station cafe - but not as we know it!

As a consequence, I arrived home feeling thoroughly inspired (and glad that Henry-the-trainer couldn't see the profiteroles which we all snarfed down!).

How about you.....what has inspired you most over the last few days?

SUBLIME SCULPTURE

I love sculpture. I like the fact that it's 3-dimensional. That it occupies its own space. That you can reach out and touch it.

For my 21st birthday, my parents asked if I wanted a ring or a watch. Neither inspired me. I wanted simply to see Michelangelo's David (I'd just read The Agony And The Ecstasy by Irving Stone and it had blown me away). So they bought me a ticket and I flew to Firenze to see the perfect piece of marble, crafted into a man. I'll never forget the moment I first laid eyes on him. It was love at first sight.

This early passion may be why my webpage features a woman trying to kiss a statue. To breathe life into him - which is what sculptors do so cleverly. It has always been the perfect fantasy for writers - the statue who comes to life. Much has been written about Pygmalion - a Cypriot sculptor who carved a woman from ivory and fell in love with her. Eventually, with the kind intervention of the goddess Venus, the statue came to life and he married her. Shakespeare also used the statue device in my favourite of his plays: The Winter's Tale.

Last week, in Paris - I was lucky enough to visit the atelier of an amazing sculptor called Jean Garleita. I ate lunch surrounded by some of his stunning works in their various stages of construction. Have a look at the photo, above - and see for yourself how talented he is.

You can read more about Jean and where to find his work by clicking here: SUBLIME SCULPTURE

And maybe you could tell me - what's the most beautiful piece of sculpture you've ever seen?