Giverny

about an hour away from Paris lies a small town by the name of Giverny. For most, the name of this village holds no significance but for those who live and breath art, it's another story.

Claude Monet. A pioneer, an innovator, and an artiste. This man was responsible for the creation of a new style and the beginning of a new era. His painting Impression Sunrise, or Soleil Levant, was criticized and misunderstood by the French artistic society. Although many wrote him off as talentless and confused, he went on to become one of the most popular and noted painters of all time. Without his bravery and passion, many of the artists and painting we have today would not have existed. Later in his life, Monet found inspiration through flowers, nature, lilies, and the French countryside. He made residence in the town of Giverny where his home and the area in and of which he painted is now a place of pilgrimage for artists and those who appreciate art.

While traveling in Paris last summer, my group decided to visit Monet's home: a truly unique experience. His hose and gardens have been restored and when walking around you feel as though Monet's easel and brush could be seen at any moment. Monet's nineteenth century home is very beautiful and an interesting snapshot of the time, but his gardens, lilly pond, and poppy field are what bring the tourists. Spend five minutes here and you will think France has transformed into Eden.

One of Monet's most famous paintings Poppy Field, was created here. This work of art captures the essence and the beauty of Giverny as if you are standing in the field as Monet paints. Ironically I stood in this very field. After living this moment, then realizing it on canvas, my perception of anything and everything has changed. Monet took things for what they were, quirks and all, and found beauty in every single one. If Monet did this with art, why can't I do it with my life? The work of Claude Monet is simply this: art of inspiration.