As an introduction ...

Sur les Ghats de Bénarès (''On the Ghats of Varanasi'') is a travelbook that takes place along the Ganga River in Varanasi.

Almost a motionless travel then...

This is the story with a small "h" of a chaotic city that founds a bit of calm and serenity by the holiest river in India.

The incomplete history of the most important city of Hinduism through its people, its pilgrims, its tourists, what is happens there and what is done.

Above all, it is the story of a walk with its discoveries, encounters, surprises and misunderstandings.

From the desire ... to the first drawings ... to the book

This project and the resulting book, is part of a 14 months journey (March 2012-May 2013) through Asia.

In February 2013 I spent a few days in Varanasi, I fell in love with this city and I drew some sketches. I like everything I see and it makes me eager to draw.

My Indian visa expires, I have to leave town. I'm a little frustrated by not being able to stay longer.

I spent a month in Nepal and the idea of working more seriously on a sketchbook about Varanasi starts to make its way.

On 14 March 2013, I'm back in Varanasi, with time enough and a good supply of paper.

I remain there close to 3 weeks and, as I expected, I spend most of my time walking along the Ganga and drawing.

Mahanirvani-kkbb

Originaux1

After having nearly fifty sketches done, I had to finish the coloring, add a few collage on some of them, order them, write some text and edit them (as little as possible) ...

More simply : get the book ready.

About the text, I have focused to describe my feelings and questionings, to tell some stories and invite the reader to follow me in this walk along the Ganga.

Unfortunatly for english readers, the text is in french.

But this is not a problem to enjoy the drawings...

Depending on how many english reader people will contribute to the projet I may think of making a translation of the text.

Conteur

Today, the page layout is complete.

With few exceptions, it is the same for the proofreads, edits and all the finishing touches).

Many printing estimates were prepared and I finally found my printer (the Villière Printing in Savoy, certified imprim'vert, ecologic printing label). I finally face the most difficult part : finding fundings before signing the quote printing with peace of mind ...

And then ...?

The printed book will be ready early November.

I'll be at the ''Rendez-Vous du Carnet de Voyage de Clermont-Ferrand'' from 15 to 17 November 2013.

I will present the original drawings of this travel book and other sketches and watercolors done elsewhere, and during other trips.

More importantly, if the crowdfunding is successful, I will be presenting my work to the public and several publishers.

This is what is sure about the future.

But I would also like to organize or participate in exhibitions where I can present my original drawings.

I also plan to participate in generalist book markets to meet a wider public.

The book in its final form :

Livre1

Vigneteslivre1

The book has 64 pages all in color. Size is 25.5 x 13.5 cm - landscape.

It will be printed on recycled paper semi mat 200g.

The cover will be flexible (300g paper).

Printing will be performed in France by an Imprim'Vert certified printer.

The first printing will be 250 copies.

I made very few alterations on the computer to stay close to the original drawings and the spirit of the travel book while providing a quality work.

Besides the book, I'm working on some other products :

- 8 models of postcard. (Size A6 long 20 x 10.5 cm) - A first model has been printed to check the print quality.

- 12 models of magnets (3.2 cm in diameter) - Some minor edits and adjustments are still needed to optimize drawings to this reduced size.

- Professional quality prints on 300g paperfrom of some drawings - original size (25.5 x 13.5 cm) and extended (40 x 21 cm)

Detail_cartespostalesetmagnets1

Vignettescartesetmagnets

A last word for the end ...

My wish is to share a bit of my journey (other may follow) with you.

After several months working almost alone, I need you all to go to the end and finish the project.

In addition to your financial contribution, you will help me greatly in relaying information to your close, your fellow travelers and your great-uncle billionaire and art lover ...

Thank you to all of you to turn this crowdfunding into a great adventure!

-Sur les Ghats de Bénarès-