15.14 - Capture the Magic: Your VIP Pass to Meet Famous Artisans, Photographers, Artistic Metalmakers & French Cinema's Finest
In this FREE le Bulletin you will join me for an exclusive peek into France's creative world, we'll immerse ourselves in a celebration of French creativity, from photography to metalwork and more...
Today at a Glance: Your FREE weekly newsletter
Bonjour mes amis !
It’s wonderful to have you back here with me today! Bienvenue !
In this newsletter, you’ll:
- Meet a new MyFrenchLife Magazine contributor and learn about how she goes about maintaining her creativity.
- Next, a podcast interview of someone famous for artsmithing in Paris. We visit his atelier and learn about his prestigious and bespoke designs for the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and Remy Martin.
- AND then there are two more French Film Reviews to enjoy.Watch out for the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin this weekend: “15.14.a - The Muse Of MyFrenchLife: How Inspiring Writers Are Creating Audacious Growth” - It’s not too late to subscribe←
→Are you ready to deepen your French knowledge and connection?
🔓 Here you can UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE FRENCH STORIES:
Become an annual subscriber and save! Enjoy exclusive, intimate glimpses into France and French lives delivered straight to your inbox or the App if you prefer..
À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 5.4.2025
1. Let’s explore & read the new articles in My FrenchLife Magazine
Thank you to all the talented Contributors to MyFrenchLife magazine. I love that your articles take us from one end of France to another and constantly remind us of the rich culture of this wonderful and diverse country.
Merci.
Judy.
Introducing New MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor Joanna Maclennan
I’m delighted to announce that Provence-based photographer Joanna Maclennan has joined our amazing MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor team, and today in her introductory article she will focus on how she maintains her creativity.
Bienvenue Joanna !
I’m looking forward to working with you.
Here is how Joanna introduces herself:
I'm a professional photographer specialising in Interiors, Still Life, Travel and Portraits for international magazines and publishers such as Cabana, World of Interiors, Thames & Hudson and Flammarion. I have been living in Provence for almost 20 years. Find me at JoannaMaclennan.substack.com — A Photographer's Life in Provence
And… Don’t miss her September Provence Photography Workshop (← details) and… don’t miss the opportunity to dive into Joanna’s superb Instagram ←
Getting to know more about Joanna:
I’ve been a professional photographer for the past 19 years. Having grown up in England, I moved to France in my early thirties and never looked back – though I still love visiting the UK. I’ve been based in Provence for nearly 20 years now, where I live with my husband and our daughter. We have recently built our own home and studio in the village of Eygalières.
I’ve always loved travel, different cultures and meeting new people – not to mention art, design and flea markets. Anywhere and anything that has a deep sense of time and place. My photography plays a huge part in this, while also being my greatest passion.
I work with natural light. I used to work mainly with my old Hasselblad camera which taught me the process of taking time. The process was unhurried, which suited me perfectly. Even now into the digital world of photography, I use this process, seeking that precise shot, as opposed to firing off a thousand and leaving it to good fortune. Less is more. And through this process, I am able to get the depth and richness that I’m looking for, my photographs made atmospheric by differing textures and shadows. While much of my work is focused on interiors, I also shoot Lifestyle, Travel, Portraits and Still Lifes, drawn to faces and objects that tell a story.
Joanna has two inspiring books to her credit. You can discover them here:
Living Wild in English and French, and
Now, let’s enjoy the introductory article from Joanna and how she feeds her creativity.
a) →Provence: Finding the time for Creativity
by Joanna Maclennan←
I was reminded the other day by my husband Mike not to be feeling guilty because I carved out time to ‘faff’ (as I like to say!) around with objects and take photos in our bedroom for myself and not work. As he said, it’s all part of the creative process. I reminded myself that I should do it more often.
Allowing ourselves time for creativity (whatever it is) is just so important…”
Read the entire article in MyFrenchLife Magazine←
b) →Podcast Interview: Steaven Richard, Paris - Artsmithing — Speaking Materially with Sarah Monk←
Steaven Richard evolved his craft as an apprentice to several artisan blacksmiths over many years and in many countries before establishing his own atelier in Paris specialising in artistic metalwork.
As demand for his work grew, particularly from architects and designers, he realised he needed more space to accommodate the expanding workload. So he moved to a large warehouse in Valenton and added to his team of blacksmiths and metalworkers who combine traditional skills with new technology.
Atelier Steaven Richard has become famous for its artistic metalwork. Prestigious designs include a bespoke metal floor for the studio of Karl Lagerfeld, the elevator doors for the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, and a ‘Steaven Richard’ limited edition bottle for Remy Martin.
c) →Australia: Alliance Française French Film Festival - Reviews: Army of Shadows/L’armée des Ombres and Holy Cow/Vingt Dieux
by Cynthia Karena←
People overseas may wonder why some of us in Australia, a country so far away from Europe, are interested in a French film festival. Well, we’re a curious mob, and the Alliance Française French Film Festival allows us to experience a slice of French culture, understand the different perspectives of the French, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Another important reason we love this French film festival is its quality programming. The films chosen are top shelf and cover a wide range of genres, with great directors, actors, and cinematographers. There’s usually ‘something for everyone’.
In 2024, the Alliance Française French Film Festival in Australia saw over 188,000 attendees, making it the largest French film festival outside France!!
According to the Alliance Française, it was also the second-largest national paid cultural event in Australia, surpassed only by the Taylor Swift tour – “a true testament to the Festival's immense cultural impact”.
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’ the newsletter of MyFrenchLife Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Chers amis (dear friends)
As I reflect on this week's stories, I'm reminded of how art, whether through a camera lens, metalwork, or film, connects us all to our personal passion and to the heart of France.
As I welcomed Joanna, I must confess that her photography has inspired me to slow down and notice the beauty in everyday items and moments.
Q: What creative French expression speaks to you most? Drop me a line and let's chat!
Avec affection (with affection),
Judy
Here’s how you can stay in touch & personalise your le Bulletin experience, and deepen your French connection.
🔓 Here you can UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE FRENCH STORIES:
Become an annual member and save! Enjoy exclusive, intimate glimpses into France and French lives delivered straight to your inbox.
⭐ How you can BECOME A CHERISHED MIGHTY SUPPORTER:
If you love le Bulletin, you can help us share more stories of remarkable French women and authentic French experiences. Plus, enjoy special perks!
🎁 Perhaps you’d like to SHARE THE INSPIRATION:
Gift le Bulletin to friends and family who admire the strength and spirit of French women. It's the perfect way to share your passion for France.
💡 And don’t forget… you can always EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES:
Discover even more inspiring stories in our complete newsletter archive. Perfect for satisfying your Francophile cravings at any time that suits you, wherever you live, and at any time.
I love Joanna's work. As we flail around with our phones, it's always a reminder of what a real photographer can do!