My dear friend Tessa is organizing more art escapades in France, check them out here. Her colorful flyer, above, sets the tone for today's topic: art.
CONTRETEMPS (con-truh-tahn) noun, masculine
: mishap, mischance
: hitch; delay, inconvenience
: syncopation (music)
arriver à contretemps = to arrive at the wrong moment
jouer à contretemps = to play out of time
Click here, listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence
Nos destinées et nos volontés jouent presque toujours à contretemps. Our destinies and our wishes are almost always out of step. –André Maurois
Thank you to Joan Link for her help in translating today's quote.
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
The French word "contretemps" means, among other things, "a note played against the beat". I wonder whether that is why art means more and more to us lately, enough to dare us to put meaningless obligations aside in order to pursue creative activity, and so make a swift turn, marching to another drum beat: our own.
Break apart the word "contretemps" and you get "against time" which explains why artists find it difficult to practice their art. Who's got "temps" to sit quietly, waiting for the muse? And so we must make it (time and art): we shove a few things aside, allow the dust to build up, let the cat eat dog food, don't care about our hair… wear holes in our socks and dive into design when and where we can. If the muse is present, great!, if not, then ainsi soit-il! Nothing's stopping us now.
Contretemps: Part Deux…
As commitments creep in, and you feel like your plate is too full, duty dripping over at the sides, you might be tempted to invent a contretemps in order to excuse yourself from the whirlwind. Who wants to be in a crowded, cacophonic room, when one's own soul-centering sofa beckons? A reading lamp with a warm golden hue dancing beneath the dusty lampshade, a pile of favorite books, a jam jar full of colorful felt markers and a sketchbook by one's side… music musing in the background. When's the last time you were there, in that cozy chair?
Contretemps: Intermezzo
(We'll now take a break in the midst of this dilemma, its theme having to do, we think, with "art 'against time' or 'time against art'"–whether that be the art of writing, of painting, of singing… or simply the art of living…)
Contretemps: Conclusion
My Mom sent me an inspiring arty video the other day. "For Jackie and Max," her note said. I clicked open the link and found myself carried away by a quirky Canadian creator: a filmmaker, in all due respect. And I *do* respect the dues and bad days that an artist pays to get to such freedom. For isn't that the end result
of art: when the viewer (reader, or listener) is liberated, from time and space? Off we fly, if not contre le vent, then, somehow, "contre temps" and time's constraints.
Contretemps: to play out of time
This post was written in 2008. I'd like to add a section on art and conversation. This past summer I had the pleasure of spending a few creative hours with the writer Catherine Berry. During a stroll along the promenade here in La Ciotat, we talked about writing, sharing the ups, downs, misunderstandings, risks, fears, joys, freedoms and priviledge of expression.
Many thanks to Catherine for her story about her visit, and for the photo, below. Read the story at Catherine's blog, But You Are in France, Madame.
And please check out her wonderful and relateable memoir, available in paperback (click here) or ebook.
Me and Catherine Berry.
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Loved that video that your mother sent and I’m not sure who is the voice but it sounds like a small child. I would like to know who did the video is it is not clear who Elaine is but thank you for a great video and as an artist I really appreciate it and needed it!
Hi Kristi,
Love the video and I just bought Catherine’s book! How true is that quote from André Maurois?!
Tess’s painting classes look great! Rousillon in September would be amazing!
I know your dad likes to see the weather and tell him that we have skipped fall and gone into winter! It’s supposed to go down to 37 degrees next week here in Charlottesville, VA!
Isn’t that video inspiring. Watching gives me chills. The songwriter is Tanya Davis
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanya_Davis
Thanks, Eileen. I’ll tell Dad! 🙂💕
Kristi, thank you … and Jules … for that fabulous and inspiring video which I’ve just sent off to my grandchildren. I am going to check into the creator and see if she has done anything else like it. Thanks also for Tessa’s new information, which I’m always delighted to share. What fun to see you and Catherine Berry together! Having the opportunity to meet sister/fellow artists in person is always such a buzz. Congratulations all around once again to the great opening of Le Vin Sobre. So much to celebrate!
I hear you loud and clear, Kristi…
“a jam jar full of colorful felt markers and a sketchbook by one’s side… music musing in the background. When’s the last time you were there, in that cozy chair?”
My travel-size bag of watercolor postcards & wee box of watercolors languish on the back seat of my car. My output, usually cards that offer up funny/silly thoughts from The Women, usually give me a laugh-out-loud moment. So, why am I not…
Once on a flight I was painting a card (the fold down tray, plenty big) and the gentleman beside me asked me what I was doing. He mentioned he’d forgotten to buy his wife a birthday or anniversary card. When I finished, I gave it to him, and said “Here, you can give this to her.” (Somehow it was appropriate to the occasion!) He was surprised and very appreciative and I had a lovely moment of connection, happy to have this tiny creation move on.
Mercis from Roanoke (not far from Charlottesville-brrr!), for inspiring me to sit down and do my arty thing!
Just sign me:
Digging out winter clothes in Virginia!
Patty
Super to see you with Catherine Berry in real life! You are together my favorite writers about life in contemporary France.
Many thanks, Ellen!
Our dear Kristi,
What a wonderful,inspiring post!
Jules’ video was amazing!
I have visited Catherine’s blog,as well as seeing her comments in the comments box,and you two ladies never fail to fill me with admiration for not only your writing successes, but for your successes in creating a joyful life for yourselves and your families.No small feat!
And congratulations to Tess,as well,for her mastery in art.
Thank you for sharing your talents and joie de vivre with us!!
Love
Natalia. Xo
Thank you, our chère Natalia, for the kindest, warmest words always. 💕💕
What a lovely video that made me think. I must confess that after 40+ years of costume designing, I never really thought about if someone would “like” my art. I was just compelled to design and hope my work contributed to the intentions of the playwright and director. Interesting points to ponder.
Note to self: I must make time to create something, anything!!! Thank you for your post, it’s inspired me!
Thank you so much Eileen. It was a real pleasure to spend time with Kristi.
Hi Patricia, it was a sisterhood moment. Always good to see your name pop up and I look forward to the day when we can take a photo of us all together.
Ah Ellen, you always make my day. Thank you.
That is so nice to hear Natalia. I get distracted often by the downs and forget that there are ups too. Thank you.
Exactly!
Could another translation for “contretemps” be “out of sync” ? I enjoyed all of comments made! Many thanks and best wishes to all.
Cynthia, I really like your translation and think it fits so well! Thanks.