Spot the Signs and Market Finds in Paris

The Paris Vignettes series features the inspired work of street photographer William “Bill” O’Such in themed installments

Whether it’s street art, objects in a store window, or writing on glass, the non-human elements of photography can also tell captivating stories. While having lunch with a good friend, I encountered a delightfully unique sign (“WC”) on the way to the restroom: a whimsical illustration of a man admiring a flower sprouting from the words WC.

Later, as I returned home, the beautifully illuminated awning of Bofinger near the Bastille (“Bofinger”) caught my eye. The next day while strolling through a marché near Nation, I discovered a set of paint brushes (“pinceaux heureux”) that seemed to have been painted themselves, radiating vibrant colors and images.

One evening, the door of a restaurant offered a clear and artful depiction of its rules (“dehors”), blending practicality with humor. Stepping back, I noticed how large objects can become art themselves, like an intersection in Pantin (“pres de Pantin”) or the reflections in the windows of the Carreau de Temple (“reflets de carreau”).

While wandering through Montmartre, I came across a beautifully framed piece of street art (“un couple”), followed shortly by an artfully arranged collection of items on the street (“collection dans la rue”).

But my favorite discovery of all was a squirrel sculpture (“je t’aime”) sitting in a shop window. It was so compelling that I returned the next day to purchase it for our apartment so now it welcomes me every time I open the door.