Participants Stories:
Participant story Gwendoline Ng HK (Fine Art, HK)
This study tour was a totally new experience for me. It was the first time that I had travel overseas and experienced first hand a Western Culture. Alex gave me as well as my colleagues’ great insights into the French Culture and it’s wonderful Art History. I always found myself in awed and wonderment as each day passes by. As we did not speak French it was so comforting to have Alex by our side to make us feel as if we were locals in a huge western city…it gave us the confidence to move around independently when our daily structured classes ended. Alex’s depth of knowledge into 19th Century Art gave us an unforgettable western perspective of those famous Impressionist paintings and sculptures. I had an unforgettable experience in Paris, which I will treasure for many years to come.
Participant story Rodrick Bond (Photography RMIT)
The Impressionist Study Tour to Paris and Nice was a rare chance to experience art history and culture first hand…Alex’s endless knowledge and passion for these sites and their history allowed us to immerse ourselves in their world, an experience that could never be replicated in a classroom. The study tour put in perspective and gave a unique depth to my appreciation for these works.
Participant story James Barkley, (Advertising RMIT)
Without a doubt the ‘Footsteps of the Impressionists’ study tour was the best experience I had while at RMIT. I’m so glad I chose to do it as one of my electives in the third year of my degree…It was fantastic to have a leader that was so knowledgeable and passionate about art, photography, museums and France.
Participant story Melissa Wolfe (Teacher of Art, Media and Photography Toorak Secondary College, Mt Eliza)
I joined Alex Syndikas on the RMIT footsteps of the Impressionists tour to evaluate (initially) the relevance for VCE extension studies in the Visual Arts at Toorak College. This was a valuable and diverse learning experience for me as an educator, which thoroughly enjoyable.
In June 2008 five Year 11 students from Toorak College embarked on this tour with RMIT. Their experiences while in Paris have had a dramatic effect on their interest levels in history, culture, language, and the visual arts. This unique museum experience was not one that they could have had embarked on alone and achieved the same breadth and depth of knowledge. Alex’s passion and in-depth knowledge of art and artists remain with them today and all were hugely impressed with the footsteps of the Impressionist Tour. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone who is vaguely interested in culture and who wants to enhance learning via the global community. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their learning in the ‘real’ world and through personal experience.
Participant story James Weghorn (Photography RMIT)
It was amazing to experience Paris with your knowledge of its history…having you with us to show us exactly where the likes of Van Gogh set up his easel was brilliant. To stand where he stood and to see what he saw was what I will remember the most…
Participant story Catherine Cumming (Photography RMIT)
Having the ability to see the street almost as it was when they painted is an incredible experience…which enables you to understand the way in which they were inspired and how they approached their art making process…You gain a feeling of independence unknown in your hometown.
The galleries we visited gave my knowledge of the impressionist movement a great top up… It is this knowledge that I have been able to combine with my photography to create new ideas. The tour enabled me to take inspiration from all forms of art and transfer this into my own artistic process. Most of all I had an incredible time, which I will remember for the rest of my life.
Participant story Amy Lobb (Photography RMIT)
Recently, I came back from Paris where I took part in the study tour. As a photography student, this class was excellent for every type of photo opportunity: travel, portraiture, architectural and landscape. The artworks and museums we viewed were so inspirational to my photography. Whilst in Giverny (where Monet lived), I explored new abstract photographs inspired by the painter.
My experiences were so positive that I have already been looking into how I can go back to Europe and do further studies. It has ignited an excitement and passion. I want to thank RMIT for offering such a great course. I am very fortunate to have been given this opportunity’.
Participant story Harold Pinto Melb. (Fine Art – OUA)
I had long been interested in the French schools of art of the 19th and early 20th century, in particular the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Symbolists, Nabis and Fauves. I did the ‘Footsteps of the Impressionists’ tour with Alex’s RMIT group in 2012. We were given daily briefings on the history and important aspects of the places we would be visiting. The tour gave me everything I wanted to do and see and much more!
In Australia we consider ourselves lucky if half a dozen works of art are brought in on loan. The Grand Louvre, Orsay, L’Orangerie and Pompidou have an abundance of these. Furthermore, seeing the artists’ homes, studios, gardens, meeting places and tombs were all an added bonus. Now, when I read about their lives, I know exactly what is being spoken about.
For me, spending a day in Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh spent his final two months, was the highlight of the tour. We visited Dr Gachet’s home, Vincent’s tiny attic bedroom, Vincent’s grave and some of the sites that he painted.
I enjoyed the experience so much that I have decided to join his group again this year – this time with my wife.
Participant story Emma Carmichael (Journalism RMIT)
The shared experience of Auvers-sur-Oise
At Auvers-sur-Oise, Vincent van Gogh’s crow-stippled wheat field has hardly changed in more than a century. In the summer, the yellowness of it creates the same optical feast, the openness of it the same loneliness. Here, you’ll see just as Vincent van Gogh did, standing at the crossways of the dirt path from which he painted.
Walking one way takes you down a botanical route, with glimpses of gigantic clouds rolling through the gaps in the leaves; a place of Narnia fence openings and shrubbery like unravelled knitting. The alternative direction will lead you past a scarecrow that has perhaps lost its purpose now, missing clothing – fragmented – as if it has been overwhelmed by the countryside.
Auvers-sur-Oise was Vincent’s final home, where he is buried beside his brother and greatest friend, Theo. Their grave is understated: simple headstones bobbing in a bed of ivy, the evergreen plant being a symbol of immortality. It is a reminder to us that although Vincent was not a survivor, his work always will be.
With much appreciation for Alex Syndikas, an outstanding teacher and lovely friend, who I admire greatly and feel very proud to have met. Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or the third, Alex has a gift for uncovering its unique magic at every turn. For all the knowledge he holds, and all the time he dedicates to his students, past and present, thank you.
Participant story Anne Huth Qld, (Fine Art – OUA)
I am an OUA student who participated in the RMIT unit In the Footsteps of the Impressionists with Alex Syndikas as the tutor. This study trip to Paris was amazing, starting from Montmartre and including places such as Monet’s Garden at Giverny, Van Gogh’s final resting place in Auvers-sur-Oise, Louveciennes and many galleries. It was made even more amazing by Alex’s excitement in sharing his extensive knowledge of Paris and the Impressionists. Alex and his most capable assistants, his wife, Jeanette and son, Jean-Luc, were friendly, caring, and generous with time and knowledge, and wonderful companions.
Participant story Liz Farrell Qld. (Fine Art – OUA)
As an artist I found participating in the 2013 Footsteps of the Impressionists, Paris Tour, changed the way I think about and practice my art. One of the things I appreciated the most, was to see the work of the Impressionists and Art in its broader sense in the flesh and to feel and sense the presence of great artist in the places where they walked and lived.
Alex Syndikas’ knowledge and enthusiasm was contagious and each day of the tour held new experiences and peaked my interest, leaving me feeling I wanted to know more about the place, artists and their work. From the moment I arrived I felt like I was amongst old friends, part of a family and fellowship of like-minded people.
For me the Paris Tour has been a life changing experience and as part of my Fine Arts Degree through the OUA, it has not only furthered my studies, but also grown me as a person. It is to Alex, Jean-Luc and Jeanette; I extend my thanks for all the happy memories, laughter and lasting friendships.
Participant story Julia Nance (Photography RMIT)
Experiencing Paris for the first time on an Impressionist Tour with Alex has been one of the best choices I have made. My passion for art and photography flourished in Paris where I was able to see and experience so much with an experienced and passionate leader.
Alex certainly knows more than the average tour guides about art and history of Paris and in particular the impressionists. Immersing myself in the culture, visiting the famous sites of paintings and seeing the palaces where admirable artists lived was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. Alex will introduce you not only to the art and culture in Paris, but also the best places to find amazing Parisian cuisine, famous sites in blockbuster films and the historical sites around Montmartre.
The ‘Footsteps of the Impressionists’ tour really enlightened me to the beautiful and rich artistic history of Paris. I made unforgettable memories, treasured friendships and saw some of my favourite artists’ works and snippets of their lives. The ‘Footsteps of the Impressionists’ tour is unique experience of Paris and some of France’s country areas. It will open you up to new friendships, passion and appreciation of art and the city of love.
Participant story Julie van Didden Qld, (Fine Art – OUA)
I was fortunate to participate in the 2014 Footsteps of the Impressionists Paris tour. For the lover of art this is an experience not to be missed. In a totally relaxed environment, our group explored the past haunts of the Impressionists within Paris and the surrounding countryside, ably led by Alex Syndikas. Alex’s extensive knowledge of art of all genres, equalled by his intimate knowledge of Paris and the culture of France, was freely shared as we explored museums, galleries, famous landmarks and “hidden gems” of Paris and its surrounds. The tour was made all the more enjoyable by Alex’s consideration of all members of the group and relaxed and friendly approach. A fabulous art tour – highly recommended.
Participant story Max Hayward (Creative Writing RMIT)`
Footsteps of the Impressionists tour to Paris was an informative, sociable experience with structured educational elements at galleries but also plenty of free time to explore the city for ourselves. A highlight was the opportunity to visit villages outside of the city – Auvers-sur-Oise, Louveciennes and Giverny and immerse us in the natural beauty that inspired the works of Van Gogh, Pissarro and Monet amongst others.
Alex’s passion for the City Lights enriched the experience profoundly, and his appreciation of good cheese, wine and baguettes encouraged all of us to indulge in the romantic lifestyle that really does still exist in the backstreets of Montmartre.
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