Oil on cardboard – 8 x 8 inch – Unique work

As I wander the streets of Amsterdam, my camera hanging from my neck, my head thrown back to enjoy the tall houses, I nearly stumble into something…


My neck returns to its natural position and what a surprise when I discover that it is a bicycle. But not just any bike! No, a purple bicycle… And yes! It has a basket on the handlebars all decorated with flowers in purple and orange tones, and also at the back in a bag. It’s love at first sight!

So I start dreaming… Once upon a time, a princess straight from the far north and all dressed in pink, who had decided to go around the world on two wheels. What a funny idea. And yet, that’s what she did. Aboard her purple bike, she leaves her hometown one fine morning in front of all her very worried family and all her neighbors too.

The first day is difficult. The rain, the hills, the descents, the ravines, the cars, the heat, the cold welcome from the local populations… This rather hostile atmosphere lasts several days, weeks. But the princess does not let this discourage her. She insists without ever losing her joy and good mood. Until one day, probably unlike any other, while she was driving in the scorching heat, she was greeted by young children who cheered and followed her closely. So much so that she is forced to brake and stop.

Then adults out of nowhere approach the merry band, some with drinks, others with food. Our princess does not believe her eyes. She is moved. She blends in with the crowd and enjoys every minute. But, soon, it’s time to go again…

Since that day, it’s as if something has changed, perhaps herself. Still, each of her encounters has been incredible, unique, sublime. Her journey lasted several years.

She gave herself the time to live, to breathe, to love. She fully lived her dream.

And I had mine.

As I wander the streets of Amsterdam, my camera hanging from my neck, my head thrown back to enjoy the tall houses, I nearly stumble into something…

My purple dream…