The Uncanny Strokes Of Genius

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most famous artists of all time. His life was also in the saddest state of affairs. One thing is certain if he hadn't become famous for his paintings , he would have for his letter writing. He died far too young and left behind a large collection of letters, most to his brother Theo. The letters cover a period from 1872 to 1890. They are often eloquent, speckled with the mundane events of his life. Yet the flavor of his existence exudes from each one. In reading them one can travel with him through his religion, his artistry, his mania, until his final terrible letter which he had on him at his death by suicide, which began"Thanks for your kind letter and for the 50 from. note it contained. There are many things I should like to write you about, but I feel it is pointless."

There are several things we can learn from Van Gogh's journey from clergyman to a self-mutilating, hallucinating, suicidal artist.

1.) Never mistake your art for God's light.- In other words don't paint nudes of prostitutes to show the humanity of the sinner. We can figure that out ourselves.

2.) Be grateful for the patronage of others without attaching baggage to it. Van Gogh was constantly sorrowful over Theo's patronage, although Theo was glad to give what he could in exchange for the paintings he sold as a curator.

3.) Always illustrate your letters. You never know how much they'll be worth after you die.


An Illustrated Letter by Vincent Van Gogh--who wouldn't read that?

---

***read the letters of Van Gogh***

Social bookmark this