LIFE IN PARIS

I’ve begun calling Paris one of my homes in between travels, thanks in part to a life-changing experience I had while traveling across Bhutan in the spring of 2024. Filming a documentary on sustainable travel, I found myself irrevocably changed by the depth of my experience of the present moment in that powerful and ancient land. Everything else just fell away. Since then, I’ve changed direction in life, stepping away from social media entirely and largely setting down my cameras, in favor of full immersion in the present moment, wherever I am.

I still choose to participate in a great many explorations throughout a given year, often traveling by bicycle across remote global south countries. I simply choose instead to savor my experiences for myself, rather than capturing them for others. I continue to work throughout the year in different parts of the world on specific projects, which will be produced and shared with the public upon completion.

I’ve chosen Paris as a home in between adventures for the incredible creative opportunities this extraordinary city affords me. I’ve spent time here throughout my adult life and have always been met with incredible receptivity from the city, its guardians, and its residents. Whether as a twenty-something busking hippie pantomime/dancer/musician, the middle-aged questioning artist I am today, or all phases of Merrick in between, I have always come to Paris to push the boundaries of what I believe is possible in my known universe. That continues today, perhaps more so than ever.

I am rediscovering myself as a creative being at heart here, allowing all creative whims to be explored. In fact, the more whimsical—or gaudy—the better! Writing, dance, fashion, biking, bikedancing, skating, singing, improvising violin in the metro, dancing spontaneously in the metro, diving into dance communities, learning French, non-monogamous dating, contact improvisation, communication improvisation on the streets, hosting mobile interactive rollerblading dance parties on the boulevards of the city, exploring human connection of all kinds, dressing up to walk the streets for no reason—in the rain, smiling at strangers or picking up conversations with strangers, sitting in cafes to write and observe, heartily tipping street buskers, attending performances of music, dance, and other cultural events… the list goes on.

I’m living my very best creative life here in Paris and am immensely grateful for it—for the bravery with which I dive into challenges I’ve set up for myself across an array of creative areas, with more goals set out than I could possibly realize in the time I’ve set for myself (yet I continue to push forward regardless). I didn’t realize such a life was possible. I’ve always dreamed of spending more time in this magical city, but it wasn’t until I tried out calling it home that I began to experience the incredible fruits of such an immersion.

Paris is a city that celebrates magical thinking. Cliché as it sounds, the city herself will rise up at every turn to meet those who dare to live boldly and creatively on her streets. She celebrates your whims, your dreams, your emanations. This place is no joke, and it’s no wonder Paris has attracted the likes she has over the centuries. I am tremendously grateful that she has opened her arms to me, providing a place to learn, grow, and nurture my ever-unfolding artist, as I dig deep to discover what is possible in this incredible life—when I pour myself into the depths of the present moment and push myself ever onward in the direction of the realization of my greatest dreams, creations, and aspirations. I look forward to sharing my findings with you.

Merci, belle ville, merci !