Seeing New Orleans Through The Eyes (And Family History) Of A Local

To say that artist Madeleine Faust has deep roots in New Orleans history is like saying the Mississippi is a big river. Faust’s family name is LeDoux, a lineage that tracks back to France more than 300 years ago, with LeDoux kin settling in Louisiana in 1716. The family’s story offers a maze of connections, from early plantation owners and planters to business owners in New Orleans and landowners on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. LeDoux family graves are in two of the city’s oldest cemeteries, St. Louis No. 1 and No. 3.

The city celebrated is 300th birthday in 2018, and we chatted with Faust to view New Orleans history through the lens of her deep family ties.

Artist Madeleine Faust lives and works in New Orleans, but her works have been exhibited across the U.S., as well as internationally, including Germany, Greece and England. Photo Credit: Madeline Faust

What is it like feeling so connected to the city?

It was just always a part of my life and history. Tradition was important to us. All of the men in my family were in old-line carnival krewes and the girls made their debuts when they turned 21. Every All Saints’ Day, my mom would take us to the cemeteries to maintain the family tombs. It was just what we did.

Few things are as signature to New Orleans as a Mardi Gras parade!

Are there particular family traditions that you cherish?

I absolutely loved the old-line Mardi Gras parades, and I still do. The floats built on the old cotton wagons have their own particular way of rumbling down St. Charles Avenue. Back then, you could go anytime to the den and see the floats being built. I loved watching the flambeaux line up and eating McKenzie’s king cake, which had little porcelain kings in them made in France. My dad would go on a “business trip” every year at Mardi Gras, while my mother would take us to the parades. I think I was a teenager before I realized he was actually riding in the parades. It was kind of like finding out about Santa Claus when I figured it out.

This stainless steel piece is just one of more than 60 works found in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Photo Credit: New Orleans Museum of Art

What is it about New Orleans that inspires you?

Growing up Uptown, I was surrounded by wonderful architecture and old traditions. Mother took us to the New Orleans Museum of Art at least once a month. She went to Newcomb Art School (now part of Tulane University) before I did, and I think watching her paint and draw is one reason I became an artist.

Your grandparents lived in the country on the Northshore. Did you spend time there?

I always recommend visiting the Northshore to visitors. We loved to go there! My grandmother Jinx was beautiful and carried herself like royalty, but she could also shoot the head off a rattlesnake from 100 yards, drove a tractor and was a deputy sheriff always on the hunt for illegal hunters and poachers. She was my hero.

How have you seen the city’s contemporary art scene evolve since Katrina?

It’s changed so much. When I was in college, Magazine Street was the center of the gallery scene. Then it moved to Julia Street anchored by the Contemporary Arts Center. Now St. Claude is a hot spot. So many artists came to the city, from all over the country and the world, to help revitalize the community after Katrina, that it’s really put us on the international art map.

As a sculptor and artist, what are you looking forward to creating in the coming year?

I’m excited to be working with the Broadmoor Improvement Association to add art to the Broadmoor Fine Arts and Wellness Trail Uptown.

Where do you take out-of-towners to eat?

I like to go to out-of-the-way places. One favorite is Liuzza’s by the Track, a great neighborhood bar with wonderful food. Get the gumbo and the barbecued shrimp po’boy.

Where do you recommend visitors explore the city outside of the French Quarter?

I love Mid-City. My studio is just off the Lafitte Greenway, a great place to bike. And the Bayou St. John area around the Bayou and City Park is a beautiful area to discover.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in New Orleans.