Today I visited the Rijks Museum and learned Dutch history through four centuries of art collections. Last night it was three stories of Vincent at the Van Gogh Museum. Nicola, this blog is dedicated to you and your thirst for more information about Vincent Van Gogh. Over the 10 years he painted (until his death), his work evolved from very dark stills to the more colorful floral landscapes we associate with him with. As a painter, he was a master craftsman. He used special techniques and tools to plan and create his work. You could call him a student of art, though he had little formal training. He studied and often borrowed art and techniques from other painters to develop his craft. While there was no mention of the type of mental illness, it’s pretty clear from the history that he was working in isolation with little to no recognition of work. On the occasion of the infamous ear cutting, another painter had come to stay with him and they apparently quarreled. My guess from what I read is that there was some altercation with a knife and Van Gogh used it on himself instead of his guest. Regardless, from that point on, it appears he was hospitalized where he died several months later from self-inflicted gun shot wounds to the chest. What was most interesting is that in spite of his challenges, he maintained a positive outlook toward life. He was self-motivated and extremely productive. He was fortunate to have such a caring family, including his brother Theo who was completed devoted and devastated by his death (he was only 37). It’s Gay Pride week in Amsterdam—the busiest week of the year. I’m learning more about it and the events that litter the streets! Yesterday, it was the Drag Queen Olympics and today, the Canal Parade along with dozens of other events. I posted a video I took this afternoon of the Canal Parade to give you a sense of the electrifying environment. Apparently, I’ve come at the busiest time! Three themes emerge for me from what I learned during two days of art and culture events: creativity, courage, and community. This city is full of it!
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 22:00:08 +0000
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