French Artist 法国艺术家- Louis Cavert 路易高

Recently I met an Artist in Paris. He has an exhibition in The Chinese Cultural Centre in Paris. I visit the exhibition. He introduced himself to me and then we spoke about his work. He invited me to leave a message for him in his guest book.

Before I left, he recommended that I should visit the d'orsay Museum instead of spending time in the Lourve. I didn't know the way to the D'orsay, so he said he would check it out for me. Later he came back and told me he would walk me to the bus-stop to catch the bus that will head in the direction. I had my daypack with me. We walked toward the bus-stop, the bus zoomed passed before we reached the stop, the artist, his name is Louis Cavert, 70+ years old, ran after the bus, I shouted after Louis to not run, I can always catch the next bus, he continued to run after the bus and hit its side to signal for it to stop and wait for me. I got on the bus and waved good bye to Louis with tears in my eyes.

Three weeks later,  in Singapore, one day I received a package in the post from Louis, he has sent me three pieces of his artwork, carefully sandwiched between pieces of compact foam board to protect the work. This gesture moved me again. There is a letter attached to this mail:

Here are the three pieces of artwork that I would love to share:

Sometimes in life, you meet different people for a different reason and their little gesture moves your heart. I'm always thankful that I have the good karma of always meeting nice people who have shared their lives with me and brought me happiness.

I enjoyed Louis's work, he is 70+ at the least, at this age, he is every bit a bubbly and healthy adult man, he speaks Chinese and love the Chinese Calligraphy. The reason for his passion in producing artwork related to his interest. There is the Childlikeness in his work that I'm currently exploring. When I was talking to him, there was such eagerness in his tone and a strong pride in him about his work, this was apparent when he was introducing his work to me. When I mentioned to him about the Childlikeness in some of the artwork that I'm studying, he was elated and told me, Yes he is very much a child at heart and he became even happier.

In conclusion, purity and childlikeness, these are such precious quality, much of which are lost in the process of growing up. Some of our childlikeness is hidden because the expectation of society has sort of cast a mold and modified our maternal believes and people put up a strong front in order to survive and to protect themselves. It is a luxury to be able to be yourself.

I like childlikeness, I think most artists have this quality in them. I pray that I may meet more of these wonderful soul in this life.   

I want to pick a gift and send it to Louis, something that would bring a smile to his face. He brought a smile to mine.