“The way to know God is to love many things deeply.” Van Gogh, the pastor turned artist!
In college i helped edit a book called “Van Gogh and God”—great little book on his personal spirituality and how it came to express itself primarily through art. Just came across a copy today, by one of my professors and friends Cliff Edwards.
He also wrote a nice book on the Japanese poet Issa, who is one of my favorite nature lovers. Even loved flies that haiku poet. That was a man who could see through things. (https://worldstudies.vcu.edu/people/religious-studies-faculty/edwards.html) Here’s a link to my teacher. Good man, well studied but it led him towards humility. He’s also a great book artist! Makes huge sculptures with old books! Or used to when i was there.
Also Dr Edwards was always available as a teacher and as a person, and has a contagious curiosity about where religion and art intersect which got planted in me! Thankful for real teachers in life. They are helpful. And still studying artist’s spiritualities and where art and faith conjoin and intersect. The inherent relationship between true identity and creative expression is one of my life topics! On a personal and city wide level. How culture is meant to flow from core identity, interest me! And how to restore this vital connection or true image, is part of my own healing journey. Thankful for guides along the way today!
Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo (“Letters to Theo”) about painting from the “absolute self”, to paint the essential nature of things. Interesting quest! I like what artist think about! They become great teachers of how to interpret more deeply.
I’ve had a long journey with Van Gogh, having gone to Arles and many of the places he painted over the years, and seen most of his works. Such a vibrant heart, who made great art.