I’ve had a long-held fan girl crush on Vincent Van Gogh. I get compliments on my Capital One card every time I use it. It’s a little tribute to Vincent that I can hold every day. I’m sure he would be astounded and thrilled to know that I still treasure his art, more than 100 years after it was created.
My Admiration of Vincent van Gogh
Circa 1992, I wrote a research paper on this complicated man. As a budding artist, passionate Christian, and one struggling with depression, his story resonated with me. I loved his bright color choices and his focus on landscapes and flowers.
When Don McLean’s tribute song played on the oldies station, I would sing along with it behind the living room curtains, as if I were on a little stage performing for this complicated, misunderstood artist.
In high school and college, I studied French primarily because I longed to travel to the country where Vincent honed his craft. I had the opportunity to paint his Starry Night on the school cafeteria wall, and I learned more about the way he saw the world with every copied stroke.
I have yet to travel to France or the Netherlands to see his most famous paintings in person. But I take great delight in seeing his works in U.S. museums, such as the ones in St. Louis, Dallas and Chicago.
My Tribute to Vincent van Gogh
In 2013, I wrote this tribute poem to Vincent. I love imagining meeting him in heaven, and I hope to enjoy his company when all our hurts have faded away. In this poem, I imagine a time-travel meeting with him back to the 1880’s.
Vincent, I wish I could soothe
your throbbing ear pain
shredded psyche pain
anguished soul pain.
I completely understand
the constant torturous
sadness avalanche
despite all the beauty,
the ever-hovering dark cloud
casting shadows
over vibrant poppies
bright sunflowers
majestic cypresses
lush irises
and golden wheat.
Let me sit beside you
so I can dress your wound.
Take the pipe from your lips
and remove your coat and hat.
We can share a pot of tea
as we ponder the words from your father’s sermon,
the holy words I’ve read many times:
think on everything that is true
noble
right
pure
lovely
admirable
excellent
praiseworthy.
And the God of peace will be with us,
the two of us gathered in His name.
Are you a mega fan of a certain artist? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below!
I've had a long-held fan girl crush on Vincent Van Gogh. This is a story of how I learned about him and a poem I wrote as a tribute to him. #poetry #vincentvangogh #artlover Click To Tweet
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