Paris is an ideal place to become informed, while Venice is a place to think and write.

The bohemian life that reigned in Paris until the end of the '50s is gone. The artists had more time to think, to reflect; success didn't come so suddenly.

Tinguely wasn't the first artist to work with machines. But others were more interested in precision, in what machines are meant to do. What made him different was the random element. He introduced the mechanical accident. He was always interested in the immaterial, in sound, smoke, speed, light, shadows.

Is it worth while to observe that there are no Venetian blinds in Venice?

We went to Paris and Pisa and Venice and Florence, all over Europe. The first few months were hard, but it was a good experience for the kids.

Once did she hold the gorgeous East in fee, And was the safeguard of the West.