Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?: An Artistic Pairing of Two Iconic Cities - Softcover

Ratican, Diane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0991131509 ISBN 13: 9780991131501

Publisher: Illustre Books, 2014

Synopsis

"When you fall in love with a city, it is forever." –Toni Morrison

This unique book is about exploring Paris and Los Angeles, a mixing and pairing of yesterday and today, the monumental and the everyday, the people and things, all shared through text and illustrations that tell the stories of these two very different, yet similar, cities.

For the first time, the cities of Los Angeles and Paris are illustrated in parallel. "Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?" represents a visionary approach to a comparative study of two major, contemporary metropolises. As a long-time resident of both cities and a successful entrepreneur, author Diane Ratican curates visual pairings of Los Angeles and Paris with a newfound appreciation for their similarities, differences and eccentricities.

"Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?" features full-color illustrations by famed artists Eric Giriat (Paris) and Nick Lu (Los Angeles), highlighting the Yin-Yang relationship of everyday life between two of the world's great cities. Primarily an art book, this visual publication playfully "connects the dots" between respective architectural icons, historical legends, fashion trends, and cultural peculiarities. With the added benefit of historic information, cultural trivia, and a guide to the author's favorite "addresses," "Why LA? Pourquoi Paris?" is a unique visual guide for visitors to Los Angeles and/or Paris who want to experience the cultural milieu of these two distinguished cities.

About this title

About the Author

"It is as though there was never a time I did not love Paris. The minute I arrived and got a glimpse of the cityscape, I knew that I was born to be there. I am able to experience the privilege of a lifetime in being who I am–and this awareness has brought bliss to my life in Los Angeles, created a harmony between the two cities, and opened doors I didn't know existed." Diane Ratican, educated at University of California Berkeley in History and Sociology, then at UCLA with a Masters in Sociology and Education, started her career educating gifted children, and then moved on to become a risk-taking entrepreneur. This background uniquely prepared her to engage in this latest endeavor, as writer, conjuror of images, and artistic director. Sharing her enchantment with, and knowledge of, both Los Angeles and Paris has become a complex project with all the depth and nuances of a richly textured tapestry. As an entrepreneur, Ratican built a highly successful business importing children's clothing from France for upscale retailers across the U.S. Ratican's excitement and infatuation with Paris, her second home, plus her enthusiasm for her resident city, Los Angeles, uniquely positions her to engage readers to develop their own love affair of both these dynamic destinations. Ratican is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother living in Pasadena, California.

Review

"When you fall in love with a city, it is forever." -- Toni Morrison

Edition details

• Publisher: Illustre Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0991131509
• ISBN 13: 9780991131501
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256
• Illustrator: Giriat Eric, Lu Nick