‘For as long as I remember, have found peace in drawing – reproducing Mickey Mouse or creating imaginary worlds. As kids do. I have since applied myself to it as often as I could. Periods with, periods without. The faithful companion I should have taken more care of. The one providing a sense of calmness. Le songe premier.

Over the years, have had glimpses of mastery. I can still precisely remember some of my early sketches, how I felt, where I was. A girl sitting in Florence, a model at a London art school, a dog on a parking lot, a man lying on a Mediterranean beach.

Not everyone needs nor finds such a space, I am glad I did.’

This book aims at getting under the skin of an obsession, a practice, a mental space.