Monday Morning Musings:
“This morning I saw the countryside from my window a long time before sunrise, with nothing but the morning star, which looked very big,”
–Vincent van Gogh to Theo, Saint-Rémy, France, 1889
“For myself, I declare I don’t know anything about it. But the sight of the stars always makes me dream.”
–Vincent van Gogh, letter to his broth Theo, July 1888
It was midday, but we saw stars,
swirling lines
and colored bars
65,000 hand-painted frames
aiming to depict the art and life
the vision, the strife
artistry in different forms–the imagination
to take his art, recreate, use animation
caught us,
and we flowed with the waves of light
through bright days and starry nights.
Vincent loved
his brother, Theo.
Wrote letters,
long missives
every day penning his thoughts
on art, love, and life
The movie involved a bit of mystery
born not just from art, but from Vincent’s history
of writing these letters to brother Theo
and so
Postman Joseph Roulin
Sends his son to deliver one
found after Vincent’s death
Armand travels, meets the people with whom Vincent interacted

Vincent van Gogh, “Dr. Paul Gachet,” [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Learns what they felt, and how they reacted
to his art and eccentricities,
some charged, by his electricity,
others repelled,
the story told almost Rashomen-style
different versions of the artist and the man
and we’re left to understand him, as best we can.
An artist for a few years only,
failing at other careers,
art dealer, missionary,
he was a visionary
though his stern parents thought he was a failure,
he painted over 800 paintings in his short career
and it is clear
that he suffered for his art
and gave from his heart
his mother disposed of his work in a crate
finding out–only too late
though she thought he was dim and full of whims
others a genius thought him
We walk out into the warm November day
drink coffee
And look at the colors play
Through city streets and historic sites
And think about Vincent’s short life
A few days later
We’re immersed again in art
Using a gift from friends–
sisters of my heart–
we ponder, peruse,
perhaps a snooze,
or eat and chat
perhaps a scream
(imagine that)
I think of light
And creativity
of sun and clouds
and starry nights

Ceiling of van Gogh Café
And so, to bed
pillows piled high
from a cat, a gentle sigh
the night here cloudy
perhaps we’ll sleep soundly.
but in our dreams
nothing is as it seems
in our dreams
we fly, starry skies
swirl and flow
on light beams
we ride, silver stardust flows
magic of the night
Immersed in art
through starry nights and clouded days
seeing magic, creativity,
imagination, a constant, that stays
We saw the movie Loving Vincent. Trailer here.
We visited Ground for Sculpture. I have many more photos that may appear at some point.
I missed a couple days of Eliot of Along the Interstice’s November Shadorma Challenge,
so I’ve put a couple into this week’s musings.
a lot to unpack in the post and muse about… art and struggle and the artist behind the art… but the artist doesn’t live in a vacuum… and their art continues to ripple out after so many years
nice job blending in the shadorma into the larger piece
Thank you. I guess there always is much to think about on art and creativity and the artists themselves.
A day or two after we saw the movie, my husband told me he was still thinking about it and thought it was amazing.
One thing that I always wonder about is how few great painters, sculptors, novelists, poets, musicians, composers, dancers, opera singers pass on their genius to a child or grandchild. Compare it with the number of politicians, film stars, film directors, celebrities of all kinds who pass their ‘talents’ on to their children. Funny, isn’t it?
Yes, good point. Some of course, never had children, but you’re right about how few pass along their talents. Or pass them on, but the kids don’t want anything to do with them.
If the greats don’t pass on their genius, for whatever reason, you have to wonder about the true ‘greatness’ of those who do.
Some are “great” only in artistic vision, but pretty awful as people.
And even the artistic part is often greatly indebted to father/mother’s influence.
Silver stardust flows!
Starry nights which are haunting and lovely, with elements of beautiful madness are my reaction every time I see Vincent Van Gogh’s art pieces.
I love the table outdoors and also forget is it your birthday occasion? Mine is in a short time. I’m a Scorpio but try never to sting or hurt others. . .
This film sounds fantastic! I will definitely want to see, “Loving Vincent.”
I like the creative, fun photos of each of you, Merril and hubby. 💕
I like letters very much. I have kept ones from my brothers, aunt, Mom, Dad and Grandpa, as well as from only my first husband. As father to my oldest two children, Caroline and James they seem like something they may like to read when they are older. 😙 xo
Thank you, Robin. I’m glad you enjoyed poem and photos!
The outdoor table was actually a sculpture! 🙂 Grounds for Sculpture is so much fun.
My birthday is in December. I received gift passes and gift card to the restaurant from some friends last year (my 60th).
I hope you get to see the movie.
Van Gogh’s short, jagged lines give the impression of movement, one of the reasons I find his art so appealing. Judging from the movie trailer I imagine the animation heightens that effect.
Poor mama Van Gogh, throwing his art into a crate. If she only knew how his work has been appreciated since then – and monetized!
It looks like another lovely weekend taking art seriously. That Doug, such a card. and you too posing with the scupture. Ha!
Thank you, Marian. You would enjoy Grounds for Sculpture.
I get the impression that van Gogh’s parents were dour people, and Vincent could never be what they wanted him to be (which might have been the stillborn baby born before him and named Vincent).
After reading your gorgeous poem, I’ll have to see the film. Sounds wonderful.
Thank you so much!
We enjoyed the movie. It’s definitely worth it just to see the paintings sort of come alive.
“And when no hope was left in sight on that starry
Starry night.
You took your life
As lovers often do;
But I could have told you
Vincent
This world was never
Meant for one
As beautiful as you.”
A beautiful post, Merrill. – A few lines from one of my favorite songs.
Thank you so much, Charlotte. I meant to post a link to that song–it’s been going through my head all day. 🙂 They did play it during the credits.
I felt Vincent through every word here.
How wonderful. Thank you, Ken!
Woot! We got to see Loving Vincent last night, and we loved it.
Oh, cool! I’m glad you got to see it–and that you loved it! 🙂
Looks like a soul-filling weekend, Merril. 🙂 I would love to visit Grounds for Sculpture. It looks like a wonderful place.
I think you’d have such a wonderful time there, Robin. 🙂
How I love your musings and this wander through Vincent’s life or concern and color! What an amazing park too!
Thank you, Damien. ❤
Grounds for Sculpture is so much fun. We've been there before. There are also indoor galleries.
Those sculptures invite those photos! Can’t wait to see more.
Van Gogh’s colors always astound me. Reproductions never do them justice. I don’t go to movies much, but this one definitely appeals. Your post flows so seamlessly and the visuals and words really complement each other. (K)
Thank you very much, Kerfe.
I think you’d enjoy Grounds for Sculpture (it’s near Princeton, if you ever want to go), and the movie. I can’t believe artists spent so many years painting in oil to recreate van Gogh’s work for it.
A labor of love I would guess.
Perhaps Nina and I could make an expedition to the Grounds for Sculpture. I’ll put it on the list!
Just as did Don McLean, you have woven Vincent’s magic into our words:
Thank you so much, Derrick, for the kind words and the link.
Here’s the version that played during the closing credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp5qJlr4go0
Many thanks, Merril. A very tender version
My link prompted by Charlotte’s comment
Ah, what an amazing and vibrant trek! I felt as if Van Gogh was with us; musing along to your psychedelic journey. The colors you released dance in front of my eyes. I loved you and your husband’s playfulness. Such joy! 💋
Thank you very much, Rose! He think van Gogh must have been so a troubled soul, but such a genius.