Amour !
Monday, April 28, 2008 Posted by Eric
If you wander around in Paris and see the word Amour painted on the pavement or on some shop window, it's very likely that this man - Jean-Luc Duez - did it! Jean-Luc started doing this after a love story that did not end too well... But he claims it's not the only reason. To him, writing Amour everywhere is also his own way of acting for peace in the world (he actually started doing this after 9/11). And it works! He told me that he met 3 people that wanted to commit suicide and did not because they saw one of his signs. Amazing! Check here to see more Amour!
About 20 people will attend this year's PDP Picnic on May 7, why don't you join? Please check this topic in the PDP Forum.
April 28, 2008 12:06:00 AM GMT+02:00
Love this photo. Better and better each day.
April 28, 2008 12:14:00 AM GMT+02:00
It certainly helps that his handwriting is so stylish! Lovely. Who is in the pic, is that him?
April 28, 2008 12:27:00 AM GMT+02:00
The black and white really works well here, Eric. And what a nice thing to do!
(Comment 3? My lowest yet!)
April 28, 2008 12:30:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric, That video is so hot. Did you take all those photos? Did you spend time following him around one day? And the artist, Duez, I think is very handsome in a 60's inspired sort of style. I just love it.
April 28, 2008 12:33:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric, In my walks around Paris I've never come across Amour but the other examples of street art in Paris never fails to amaze me. I have a small portfolio of photos of the street art I've encountered and I'm always looking for more examples. Some are small and some fill the entire side of a building. In Chicago our mayor does not suffer street artists, their work is removed by crews roaming the city looking for violations of the anti-graffiti laws. What a shame - not all art hangs in a gallery.
April 28, 2008 12:36:00 AM GMT+02:00
Don't you just love the way your mouth moves when you even pronounce the word amour.
I have recently noticed Jeff Aerosol's work around Paris because of PDP--now I have someone else to be aware of.
April 28, 2008 12:51:00 AM GMT+02:00
Love is a many splendored thing. It arrives in all colors, fades to black. It makes the world go around, and stops it dead stop. It feeds the heart, and stops it. Love warms the heart, and chills it. We love many things, and even love to hate other things. Paris j'taime. Great photo.
See ya soon. 7 days...
April 28, 2008 1:22:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric, layers and layers of reflection in this photo. A PERFECT shot! I love everything about it. Please share with us the story of how you came to be next to Jean Luc and his "Amour" on glass to take the photo. Did you interview him for a story?
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
April 28, 2008 1:23:00 AM GMT+02:00
Hm, Eric, when you choose to point to the love theme... that is always powerful. The video is intoxicating.
April 28, 2008 1:57:00 AM GMT+02:00
How LOVEly. I think it is an interesting photo--adore the black and white!!
And what a mission in life, reminding us all to love.
Eric, you should check out Lynn's photo today--just amazing!
April 28, 2008 1:58:00 AM GMT+02:00
What a great story!
April 28, 2008 2:38:00 AM GMT+02:00
This seems like a good time to introduce you all to an eccentric and dogged individual called Arthur Stace (1884-1967); who, after a life lived "on the wrong side of the tracks", converted to Christianity and thereafter began a project that remains both deeply mysterious and utterly marvellous. Fifty times a day, for no less than thirty years, Stace wrote the word "Eternity" on the sidewalks of Sydney: not with a spray can, but in plain white chalk - and not cryptically, but in an elegant copperplate script. How's that for keeping your eye on the "big picture"!
PS Stace eventually became known as "Mr. Eternity".
April 28, 2008 3:02:00 AM GMT+02:00
Fabulous photo, and a great story about Jean-Luc! Loved your little movie too. I will definitely keep an eye out for Amour when I'm in Paris this fall. Once again Eric you're giving us tools to see Paris in a whole new way (both on this site, and when visiting in person). And Eric you really must see Lynn's latest post; it ties in very well with all this!
Lucio thanks for the Mr. Eternity info. What a story; and what persistence!
April 28, 2008 3:07:00 AM GMT+02:00
Great story...to save lives...certainly could use more of it in the world these days. Might I recommend Coltrane's "Love Supreme." :-)
April 28, 2008 3:11:00 AM GMT+02:00
I loved your video!
April 28, 2008 3:13:00 AM GMT+02:00
Katie: You're welcome.
I'm certain Stace is a familiar figure to at least some of PDP's readers and contributors, but there will always be those to whom he is not. As for his persistence, I accidentally underrated it. His project ran for a total of thirty-seven years!
Sorry Arthur, wherever you are . . .
April 28, 2008 5:11:00 AM GMT+02:00
Cool picture and cool story. Thanks for sharing this. It put a smile on my face.
April 28, 2008 5:25:00 AM GMT+02:00
hi!
I would like to know if skateboarding is a popular sport in France.
(if you get a chance...) Please take a picture of young teenagers skateboarding around paris.
Merci
April 28, 2008 5:34:00 AM GMT+02:00
this is just what i needed, a great pick-me-up after weeks of confinement, perfecting my final studio project. thank you for the beautiful, serene photo :)
April 28, 2008 6:06:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric, how subtle you are. And how wise. What a lovely photo. What a lovely man. ;)
April 28, 2008 6:29:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric the video link is great. It's nice that you were able to "catch him in action" around Paris so that we could visualise the way he makes his art. I also like Jeff's tribute to love...watch out folks!
Did you have to get down on the ground to take any of the photos in the video?
April 28, 2008 6:53:00 AM GMT+02:00
The Paris Picnic, I cannot make it this year. Next year I think so. We could have a picnic here in
SF at Union Square, same time -- then it would be virtual. Let me know if any of you SF people are into this. bisou bisou
April 28, 2008 6:59:00 AM GMT+02:00
What a cool idea Lois? How about a simultaneous picnic around the world? You bloggers could all post photos of the event too! Now that would be spreading l'Amour!
April 28, 2008 7:10:00 AM GMT+02:00
Voila, quand j'ai vu "Amour" j'ai immediatement pense a Grand Corps Malade :
C'était sur une grande route, j'marchais là d'puis des jours
Voire des s'maines ou des mois, j'marchais là d'puis toujours
Une route pleine de virages, des trajectoires qui dévient
Un ch'min un peu bizarre, un peu tordu comme la vie
Evidemment j'étais pas tout seul, j'avais envie d'faire connaissance
Y'avait un tas d'personnes et personne marchait dans l'même sens
Alors j'continuais tout droit mais un doute s'est installé
Je savais pas c'que j'foutais là, encore moins où j'devais aller
Mais en ch'min au fil du temps j'ai fait des sacrées rencontres
Des trucs impressionants, faut absolument qu'j'vous raconte
Ces personnages que j'ai croisé c'est pas vraiment des êtres humains
Tu peux parler avec eux mais jamais leur serrer la main
Tout d'abord sur mon parcours j'ai rencontré l'innocence ....
...Un moment sur ma route j'ai rencontré l'amour
J'lui ai dit tient tu tombes bien, j'veux t'parler d'puis toujours
Dans l'absolu t'es une bonne idée mais dans les faits c'est un peu nul
Tu pars en couille une fois sur deux faudrait qu'tu r'travaille ta formule
L'amour m'a dit écoute petit ça fait des siècles que j'fais mon taff
Alors tu m'parles sur un autre ton si tu veux pas t'manger des baffes
Moi j'veux bien être gentil mais faut qu'chacun y mette du sien
Les humains n'font aucun effort et moi j'suis pas un magicien
On s'est embrouillé un p'tit moment et c'est là qu'j'me suis rendu compte
Que l'amour était sympa mais que quand même il s'la raconte
Puis il m'a dit qu'il d'vait partir, il avait des rendez-vous par centaine
Que ce soir il d'vait diner chez sa d'mi-soeur : la haine
Avant d'partir j'ai pas bien compris, il m'a conseillé d'y croire toujours
Puis s'est éloigné sans s'retourner, c'était mes derniers mots d'amour
J'suis content d'l'avoir connu, ça j'l'ai bien réalisé
Et je sais qu'un d'ces quatre on s'ra amené à s'recroiser
Un peu plu stard sur mon ch'min j'ai rencontré la tendresse
Ce qui reste de l'amour derrière les barrières que le temps dresse ...
Grand Corps Malade, Rencontres
http://www.paroles.net/chanson/39080.1
April 28, 2008 7:18:00 AM GMT+02:00
Here is the utube version with the prononciation in French, if that helps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1zwtH7Kgys
April 28, 2008 7:19:00 AM GMT+02:00
Great photo, and I love the video! What a wonderful way to start a new week!
MZM
April 28, 2008 7:28:00 AM GMT+02:00
Encore une autre sur l'Amour
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdyJVJQia6k&feature=related
Grand Corps Malade, Les Voyages en Train
April 28, 2008 8:50:00 AM GMT+02:00
April 28, 2008 8:52:00 AM GMT+02:00
My mom found your site and forwarded it to me and I am so glad she did. I am about to return to the US after my second stint of living in Paris (in the 9th as well) so I am glad to have found a site that will give me a little taste of the city that has been my home once I am back in America. And as a hobby photographer and occassional blogger about life in Paris I really enjoy your stuff. Merci bien!
April 28, 2008 9:32:00 AM GMT+02:00
YOU MADE MY DAY.
I was a little bit sad and...it's finish.
April 28, 2008 9:47:00 AM GMT+02:00
Tomate - The music breathes life into the text. It truly pulsates and leaves one satiated,pensive yet content. Thank you:)
April 28, 2008 9:53:00 AM GMT+02:00
Lynn's photo of the day is just breathtaking! What a winner! Click away PDP fans for a real treat!
April 28, 2008 11:28:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric, thanks for the Amour message. Always good to read or hear.
And Tomate, thanks for Grand Corps Malade. Great text!
April 28, 2008 11:38:00 AM GMT+02:00
he he Katie, Christie, Marie and Michael, well done, you got Eric over to me in style. Anyone else wanting to see what Eric did over at my place in Cheltenham, click Michael's link above! All welcome....oh it's worth it .. lol!
April 28, 2008 12:28:00 PM GMT+02:00
*finishED* (better)
The video is so nice! Eric, did you meet him and wandered together to see his work or did you do it by yourself? Tell us how you took these pictures please.
April 28, 2008 1:21:00 PM GMT+02:00
Those before him used to spread the word: All you need is love!
April 28, 2008 1:32:00 PM GMT+02:00
:-)))))))))))
;-) lynn
inge
I think i am getting addicted to PDP
April 28, 2008 1:54:00 PM GMT+02:00
Great joke Lynn and thank you for giving me the space over at CheltenhamDailyPhoto to get Eric back for his post on the 25th! Now the next time Eric says, "I'm going to bed early because I've had a busy day", I want each of you to remind him of his "busy days"!
April 28, 2008 2:26:00 PM GMT+02:00
Yes it happens to all of us, Anonyme!
My pleasure, Michael. Anoyone else got photos of dear Eric they want to ... erm... share? LOL... Eric is saying EEK for the first time, i bet.
April 28, 2008 2:27:00 PM GMT+02:00
Oh i seem to have developed an accent in the midst of my excitement; anoyone? I meant anyone, of course.
April 28, 2008 2:30:00 PM GMT+02:00
Amour - it makes the world go 'round.
April 28, 2008 3:29:00 PM GMT+02:00
Lynn, the picture will come: after the PICNIC! :)
April 28, 2008 3:29:00 PM GMT+02:00
You see, what one man can do for someone. Good for him. When you see him tell him what a good job he is doing. God Bless Him. Elaine Cooke
April 28, 2008 3:29:00 PM GMT+02:00
You see, what one man can do for someone. Good for him. When you see him tell him what a good job he is doing. God Bless Him. Elaine Cooke
April 28, 2008 3:29:00 PM GMT+02:00
the pictureS* (mais que se passe t-il aujourd'hui?! Maybe I'm in love. LOL.)
April 28, 2008 3:36:00 PM GMT+02:00
Eric - adore the photo - adore the video. How I envy you being able to meander through the streets of Paris, observing and sharing such perfect slices of daily life. Yes, how did you meet him? I always love the backstories behind the featured moment. Thank you, again for sharing such beauty on a dreary New Hampshire morning!
April 28, 2008 4:29:00 PM GMT+02:00
what a great story. Loved the video too. Thanks for the link. Great work!
April 28, 2008 5:02:00 PM GMT+02:00
What a bittersweet story and such a neat pic, especially in B&W!
April 28, 2008 7:45:00 PM GMT+02:00
Mais oui, Guille, c'est ca, tu es en amour, c'est vrai ;)
April 28, 2008 7:52:00 PM GMT+02:00
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie,
That's amore. (Tell 'em, Dino)
I love the fact that one week from now I'll be sitting in an airplane, escaping. Here's a...more: just got my European phone today so calls will be easy, and no charge pour mes amis Parisiens.
April 28, 2008 8:04:00 PM GMT+02:00
I have taken a photo of "Amour" a couple of times. I just looked through my photos, and yes, it is the same handwriting. It is so good to connect the face to the word. I photographed it on the sidewalk in the 7e Arrt while walking to the park. Another time, I photographed it on a wall on Île de la Cité.
Hi Lynn, I visited your site thanks to Michael's link. Very nice photo of Eric.
April 28, 2008 8:36:00 PM GMT+02:00
Jeff, I'm happy for you. Keep posting your updates! Allow me to live vicariously through your excitement.
April 28, 2008 9:20:00 PM GMT+02:00
I remember I was in Paris when people were first noticing the work of Jean-Luc Duez and his "Amour" markings around the city. I really thought they were great and they are definitely noticed. Merci, Eric!
michael and lynn...Ooooohhh...how naughty of you two!! A conspiracy..I knew it! LOL!!
jeff...What service did you get your phone through here in the US???
April 28, 2008 10:53:00 PM GMT+02:00
What a great way to spread the word!
Today I'm saying a huge big thank you for the support shown by CDP bloggers.
April 29, 2008 12:03:00 AM GMT+02:00
he he Tonton and Lois. It's Michael's photo i merely posted it as he doesn't blog at the moment. Not so many comments as i expected but of course anybody looking at the portal simply sees a man - they don't know it's ERic until they get there LOL i should have photoshopped his name onto it.
April 29, 2008 12:17:00 AM GMT+02:00
Tonton_flaneur: I got the tip from somebody here on PDP. It's "Call In Europe", at www.callineurope.com. It's a pretty good deal. Friends in Paris won't need to pay to call me. (Of course, this assumes I have any friends in Paris who will call me!!!)
April 29, 2008 8:37:00 AM GMT+02:00
To ANONYME who likes to skate "I would like to know if skateboarding is a popular sport in France.
Totally!! They have been skateboarding in France since the 70's (that I know of) and they're still doing it now.
Here is a French website with some links you can click on.
http://le-site-du-skateboard.com/
And here is a site with photographs and videos of skateboarding in Paris in front of the Hotel de Ville
http://www.speedvibes.com/show.php?&code=23093paris
Hope that gives you a good start.
April 29, 2008 3:20:00 PM GMT+02:00
Thanks Tomate!
May 1, 2008 2:50:00 AM GMT+02:00
Lovey story, lovely shot.
May 4, 2008 9:54:00 AM GMT+02:00
That is such a sweet thing for Jean-Luc to do, and I am so glad he has managed to save some lives in the process. His handwriting/penmanship is beautiful too.
May 5, 2008 3:23:00 AM GMT+02:00
Great blog, great photos, great stories. I like to check in on your blog, because I am reminded of the things that make Paris such a special city.
October 7, 2009 12:01:00 PM GMT+02:00
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