Banners
I’ve always wanted to do a site with rotating banners, not sure why. I do know that they’ve always amused me though. So, here are the current banners in rotation for this blog, which are formatted for this particular theme. All photos were taken by me when I studied abroad in Paris in 2007. I finally made good use of them! One day, I’ll finally get around to making that scrapbook…
"Boats in the moat"
-This was taken on a trip in the Loire Valley at one of the various castles I saw that weekend. I love how the boats are congregated together like they’re gossiping to one another on their break.
"La Grande Roue"
-The ferris wheel at the Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre. Got to ride it once and the view was great from the top.
"Escaping to another world"
-The bookshop in this banner is the renowned “Shakespeare and Company”. The image is based on the idea that books take you to another world - a much overused concept but a valid one at that. I used a brush to get those swirls and forgot where I got it. In any case, thanks to the creator for sharing it!
"Reality meets Monet"
-A mesh of Monet’s actual garden and one of his paintings. One can definitely see the inspiration for impressionism in the water’s reflection - it’s amazing how much it looks like Monet’s thick brushwork.
"Stepping into the future at the Centre Pompidou"
-When I first saw the Centre Pompidou, I didn’t know what to think because I was stunned by how cluttered and messy it looked. As I got to explore it more, it made sense. The Centre houses modern art and as such, its bold choices are in the same vein as the artists who chose to break the mold in their time.
"Mystery painting in Versailles"
-I tried to give this banner an eerie feeling. The “missing” painting in the halls of Versailles intrigued me and different explanations spang in my mind, ranging from the mundane to the supernatural. Whatever the reason, I hope I never find out so I can keep guessing.
"Je t'aime, Paris!"
-This was Oscar Wilde’s grave at Pere Lachaise. There were lipstick kisses peppered all over it and notes thanking him. It’s good to know that the deceased are still given gratitude for their work long after they are gone.
I’m not sure how often I’ll be updating the banners but with the set I have right now, I’m pretty content that they’ll last a while.