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Letters Paint Nuanced Picture of Van Gogh

by Margot Adler

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Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait: Three Quarters to the Right" was painted in Paris during the summer of 1887. Courtesy: The Morgan Library & Museum

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Van Gogh's "Letter to Émile Bernard" created in Arles in March 1888, was done in pen and brown ink on a single sheet of cream machine-made laid paper. Courtesy: The Morgan Library & Museum

Day to Day, October 8, 2007 · Many people think of Vincent Van Gogh as an extraordinary painter who ended up in a sanitarium, mutilated himself and committed suicide. But a new exhibit, Painted with Words at the Morgan Library in New York City gives a more nuanced portrait.

The exhibit is based on 20 letters Van Gogh wrote to his artist friend Emile Bernard in 1888 and 1889. It was the period Van Gogh did his best and most famous work in the south of France.

Von Gogh met Bernard in Paris — he was 15 years older than Bernard. But it was not until two years later, when he arrived in Arles in the south of France, that he began a correspondence with his artist friend. These letters — newly acquired by the Morgan Library and available to the public for the first time — are filled with advice, thoughts about life and the theory of color.

Take this one, for example.

"I am still doing landscapes, sketch enclosed. What I should like to know, is the effect of a more intense blue in the sky. You can't have blue without yellow or orange. And if you do blue, then do yellow and orange as well," the painter wrote.

A number of the letters include beautiful sketches. In one, Van Gogh draws the famous bedroom in the yellow house; in another, a sketch of a sower in a field. Jennifer Tonkovich is curator of the department of drawings and prints at the Morgan.

"You see what he underlined, what he has emphasized," Tonkovich says. "He is crossing out things, he is always trying to cram more in.... He really has an expansiveness, when he is really excited and trying to emphasize something."

Artist and Critic

Van Gogh also gives surprisingly frank critiques of other artists. He calls Degas a little lawyer who does not have sex often, which is why his paintings are so aloof. Cezanne's stroke, he says, is sometimes awkward, and Van Gogh is convinced it is because Cezanne's easel wobbles in the wind. But Van Gogh writes that he has learned how to secure his easel in the ground. The letters, Tonkovich says, show you someone finding a successful way through daily struggles.

"You get a sense of his life and also of him as a physical being, him carrying heavy things out into the field, having to stake his ease, dry the paints in the sun," she says.

Besides the letters, the exhibit has paintings by Van Gogh and Bernard. Van Gogh writes about painting a bridge over a wharf — The Langlois Bridge — and includes a sketch. Across the room, you can see Bernard's version of the same scene.

Struggling with a Starry Night

At several points, Van Gogh writes about his desire to do a starry, night sky, "just as I shall paint a green meadow studded with dandelions," he writes, "but how to arrive at that?"

"But when will I do the starry sky, then, that painting that's always on my mind? Alas, alas, it's just as our excellent pal Cyprien says, in En ménage by J. K. Huysmans, the most beautiful paintings are those one dreams of while smoking a pipe in one's bed but which one doesn't make. But it's a matter of attacking them nevertheless, however incompetent one may feel vis-à-vis the ineffable perfections of nature's glorious splendors."

Of course, Van Gogh eventually overcomes these problems and goes on to paint some of the most celebrated night scenes in the history of art.

The Painted with Words exhibit gives you a picture of Van Gogh far different from the legend.

"These are not the letters of someone crazy," Tonkovich says. "While he did have these episodes of illness, he was a very rational, lucid, intelligent thinker. And that comes through the letters and also people are also surprised that his handwriting is so legible."

We all like to believe in myths and legends, Tonkovich says, but this exhibit shows the struggles of a man deeply exploring nature, thought and color. It's a more balanced picture.

This small, but choice, exhibit runs through Jan. 6.

moving on

Apartment search complete! September I will be in my new humble abode - on 14th and Pine. I can't wait! ...my own kitchen! my own bathroom! plants! windows!!!! and friends near by! yay!

I need to start taking pictures again. Real, solid, inviting pictures. Perhaps I should look into a studio situation, or appoint a nice window to be my right hand man. Ideas need to develop first and foremost I suppose. I'll sit here like Winnie the Pooh, and think for awhile - see what my "Pooh brain" comes up with.

Things I look forward to doing in the next month:

*starting new job
*MOVING!
*buying plants (now that I have windows to accommodate)
*joining a gym that has both a lap pool, and yoga classes at around 5ish (I think I found Gold's Gym in Woodinville to be the most accommodating so far).
*finding a place to shoot/using my "Pooh brain" - the Winnie kind.
*grocery shopping at Trader Joes
*decorating my new digs
*keeping in touch with Aaron
*overcoming the one year mark of a shitty past.
*finding a second income, possibly something to do with photography.
*putting together a disc of photography to sell in cafes
*road trips to the eastern side of washington with friends
*
*
*

photo taken by Brain, on our "day trip gone wrong" to the mountains. But Harry Potter made it all better. (Ken and myself pictured). The water was FREEZING! *go figure!?!

and so it begins

I got the job at Onlineshoes...and somehow I'm a bit relieved - probably because it means I wouldn't have a $40,000+ loan hanging over my head, and a future of doubt/debt...I feel like I just let everyone around me down though...yet, I don't have the same regret - and I'm confused as to why not.? I guess a part of me wonders what SCHOOL in Paris would gain me - or if I would end up with the same kind of job as Onlineshoes - only with a sort of "I'm better than this!" attitude "I've studied in Paris". I don't know, I guess I just can't imagine the possibilities as well as I had hoped, especially with the extraneous amounts of needed money hanging above my head. I suppose I could contact the school again, and ask them what their alumni are doing now. But if they mention online catalogues...well, well.
Paris is still on the horizon though, I know it is. It has to be, for me to stay sane. Perhaps not for school though - maybe for something more prestigious or something less complicated - which ever way - it's where I'm headed.

it's 2:45am; Harry Potter time.

It is almost 3 in the morning, and I am just settling in - with the seventh chapter of Harry Potter in tow. Ken and I spent 4 blissful hours meandering the crowds and books at UVillage Barnes and Noble, waiting for our wrist band letters to be allowed to purchase the latest and last. There is something about being in a room with a large number of strangers (all kinds), and having the exact same intention for the evening - no matter what it is, really. I can't get enough of the connection that it allows between two people or two thousand people (whatever the number). A strange sense of community I guess.

Well, I received my acceptance letter today by email. I have a place at the Paris Photographic Institute, for January 2008. I'M GOING TO PARIS!....IF....I don't get the job at Sasquatch (which would overlap the same time frame). If I somehow manage the freelance job at Sasquatch, I think I will try to defer for a year at Speo's, and go January 2009. They are both so hard to pass up! But I guess they are good dilemma's to have to deal with. I don't know how I got so lucky all of a sudden.

I'm waiting for it to wear off.

Back to Harry, I'm up to chapter 2...only 740 pages left...and dammit - as I was looking at the last page for the page number, I read the last 5 sentences...bad Charity! Someone should hang me from the rafters!...oh wait. ;)

new things.

So, Sunday I had sent my resume out to this ad on Craigslist, for a position of Assistant Digital Production Photographer at Onlineshoes.com. Thinking at the time, it was a shot in the dark (all craigslist ads are it seems), but I was awoken by a call this morning from their lead photographer. I have an interview tomorrow at 10am. crazy.
I'm a little apprehensive about it, I guess I tend to convince myself that I still have a lot to learn...which I do. But I always forget that I know more about photoshop, etc then the average joe...at times, even the average photographer (taking for example Renee's story of teaching her boss/photographer how to do the smallest little things on photoshop - I think it was creating a layer mask!? - we both had a little power trip I think after a moment like that).
Hopefully it will go well.

Overnight prints is having a give away this month of 100 free single sided business cards, and I was thinking I should take advantage of that with a possible pet photography advertisement/card. Here's what I came up with so far...I might fiddle with it a bit more...I have until August 15th. Let me know what you think. (I thought about using the bunny, but I don't know if that would really be my demographic...?) Maybe I'll try a couple, and post them, see what you think -

Goal #21: I want to learn how to surf.

Surf inspired art. Photography by Chris Gentile.

Mr. Votolato

"some mistakes can't be undone, it will never be like it was.
wishing for it, only makes it worse."

-Rocky puts almost a year of my life into two sentences. dammit.

mope, not morre.

I'm feeling over and under-whelmed at the moment. I'm not making the kind of money that I thought I'd be making coming out of school. Somehow I had more money while I was in school then while I've been out... -I don't quite know how that works.
I feel like work has taken up all of my days, which means I don't have much time for my friends - whom all seem to be busy with their own work schedules as well.
I have a long list of people I need to call, but am apprehensive about it because I don't quite know my schedule well enough to make plans. And while hanging out with David tonight, the realization about all of it came to a head. All of the people that I used to see on a regular basis, those that became my rock, have all gone back to their lives. It's a strange notion. For two years, 20-odd random strangers, put aside their lives. And now that those two years are up, they fall back into the world they once knew, as if nothing really lapsed. Perhaps I'm being a bit dramatic. People changed, bonds happened, skills and professions altered. But suddenly there is no time, or no good time. It's all such a mess of schedules, no one is on the same clock anymore. It's sad, and frustrating. Heck! I live with one of my friends, and I barely get the chance to see her even! It's all just a bit depressing.
I always remember how much I hate data management when I start working it full time...that's not to say that I don't love my coworkers, it's hard to find - although I must say, I've usually been pretty lucky. But the job itself will drain you of all life and meaning. So, if my next few entries to this thing are a bit down and out, it's because most of my day is spent thinking about how much I wish I was somewhere else, with someone else, was someone else...I get a lot of pondering done, a lot of dwelling, a lot of over analyzing. It's enough to put anyone over the edge...almost.

new place to call home.

Took a drive to my mom's new place this weekend. Leavenworth, Wa. I was pleasantly surprised really. It's a big change of pace for my mom, I'm hoping it's what she wants. Aside from that weighing worry, I can somehow see them being there for years on end - which is a feeling I haven't felt about a house since my grandmother's house. It was a strange feeling to have...among other strange thoughts of the future that followed.
self portrait, driving through the pass.
my mom feeds the birds, all of them, on what seems to be an almost daily basis. turns out mountain birds are little oinkers.
the house.
the views.
Daniel Radcliffe turns 18 in 2 weeks! whoot! not that not being legal was stopping me from looking...but you know, I can now feel less dirty, and not have to use the phrase "if only I was a thirteen year old girl..." because really, who was I kidding anyway?! yeah. I know.

robots save humanity, with one GM vehicle at a time.

saw Transformers yesterday - can you think of a better way to spend July 4th, than in a movie theater watching the summer blockbuster.?...okay, you probably can, and so can I. But it was my brainchild, and I'm sticking to it dammit. Would I recommend it? Not really, but Hank and I had a good time anyhow - maybe you would too!?

man, I loved those toys! Thanks brother for sharing at such a young age.

the beginning

I had my first real life photographer moment today. I interviewed with Sasquatch Books, showed them my book, and talked about possible projects in the works - I might become one of their freelance photographers!?...if they like me that is...
It seemed to go pretty well, they talked about the book project that I had originally come in there to talk about, and they also brought up other projects in the works - which I found very intriguing! They were a great group of people - oddly most of them had graduated from Seattle Central - and I felt really comfortable around all them (for being in an interview situation at least).
Their production manager led me to the conclusion that I needed to find myself a food stylist (not necessarily because my styling was bad, but more I think because I'm not a food stylist, and wouldn't want that pressure while trying to photograph, too) - so I might have to HIRE someone to be my second-hand-man!?! That's nuts right? yeah. I thought so. (that was my first real life photographer moment)

Well, here's hoping that it all goes well.

a rainbow to make it all better.

June 28th. sucked. except maybe the last hour of so when I was good and drunk with my friends...but by then it was nearly the 29th, so it just barely counts. -but we'll pretend it does.
June 29th. made up for the 28th. see the funny/sad/strange thing is, it's not all that big of a deal to me (my birthday, etc) perhaps on some level it is - since it's instilled in you from the day you are born that your birthday is a 'special day' - but there is a part of me that detests the attention given on a day such as your birthday. the pressure can be very aggravating. I'm half sorry I threw all of those surprise parties for Lucien back in the day, because it must have been awful on some level to take all of that in. i digress.
Well, I'm not sure why my "special day" had to go so poorly. But again, in the end, it was just another day - I just happen to be considered one year older now. Look how wise, how distinguished.
On my way to Redmond, Friday (to visit my mother one last time as she resides in the black hole that is Redmond...she now resides in the even MORE black hole that is Leavenworth) the rain storm continued from yesterday - and while hoping for a thunderstorm, I found myself driving under a full rainbow. A rainbow that you could actually see where it started and ended; hitting the water of lake washington on either side of the 520bridge. It was pretty spectacular, and I 'challenged' myself to pull out my point and shoot powershot and snap some shots while driving in the rain, on 520, in 6pm traffic. -it wasn't too bad, I just wish I could have stopped and really taken a shot.



This weekend has been pretty full so far. Went to sushi with Steph, saturday afternoon, after working a couple of make-up hours with Katrina (my coworker). Bought a few cds at Sonic Boom - the new White Stripes and Rocky Votolato, Eels live album, and a Calexico/Iron and Wine collaboration. Feeding my music addiction. It's a beautiful thing.
I took in a movie by myself on the east side. Remembered how much I love the Ocean's movies. Ocean's 13 is lovely and entertaining. Some great one liners, George Clooney and Brad Pitt work very well off of each other.
Had drinks with my friend Chase at a new wine bar/cafe called Cafe Presse or Le Presse on 12th. We went to his place afterwards, and he showed me this PBS special called Art:21, one of the featured artists was Sally Mann. Love her stuff, but my god, she's a little nuts! It was interesting to see. And a bit hard to understand...why they all have to be crazy.
Now I'm off to enjoy the company of Kirsten and Ken.

new places, new life, new year

Well, as quickly as I move in, I'm already looking for a way out. I'm still trying to mull over exactly where, and how much I want to spend. But I'm trying to decide quickly, so that it might be done very, very soon. I need windows! I need structure! I need comfort again! it's just not working...
I have an interview on Tuesday with Sasquatch Books, which I hope will be successful(!) They are looking for a food photographer for a winery appetizer/entree book...right up my alley - I just hope my style is what they are looking for. I have no price in mind when it comes to this job...I would do it for free as far as I'm concerned. I just want to shoot a job, and start professionally.
Seattle Magazine is also looking for an intern, which I think would be an amazing opportunity! It's unpaid, and would probably be thankless work, but the chance to get my name in that industry would be fantastic!...I don't know, it's all becoming a little scary at the moment - knowing that soon I'm going to have to support myself with my photography, or with anything really...I just don't want to stray too far from what I have been working so hard to do.
And then there's the whole "issue" of wanting Paris under my feet ASAP! How do people do it? Where do they find the money, how does debt work exactly? I'm in a little, but not to the extent that you can be...I know I don't want to be...but it's intriguing when it comes to traveling the world - almost worth it really.
oh, and I turn 24 tomorrow.
How did that happen!?

Pride Parade 2007

more on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/charitylynne/

downtown pt.2

Last night was the final showing of the slide show David made for our class. We (being, myself, Annelise, Bethany, Garrick, Travis, Kevin, and Marcellina) met at Nijo's to eat sushi, drink cocktails, and bask in the glory of ourselves and our year - this time in public. It actually wasn't as awkward as I once imagined...maybe it was the two lychee martinis or maybe it was just being around good friends - however, it was a nice viewing. (a small turn out, obviously, but just right really.)
After Nijo's we all decided to move the party along to Smith (on our way there, Kevin happened upon Lindsay and made her join our debauchery). Smith is a new bar on 15th, actually right behind my place, owned by Linda's Tavern (which was obvious, given the mass amount of plaque'd game on the wall). Clayton was there playing dj for the evening, and we took some time out again to take in a few more drinks...before deciding that we should really go out to karaoke before the bars closed for the night. So we all packed into the limited cars available and made it our mission to invade the Busch Gardens for some drunken tunes. Best Idea EVER!
Annelise chose to sing Ace of Base, and although I can't vouch for her singing (not a dis, because I would have been WAY worse!) she TOOK the stage and won over the crowd (granted, the crowd was mainly friends, but she charmed the socks off an old woman coming back from the bathroom). Bethany sang also, and was just as kick ass, with her excitement into the mike. And Garrick was the surprise talent of the night (well to everyone aside from Bethany of course) that man can sing!
We then migrated to Annelise's AWESOME apartment, and finished up our night giggling about Annelise's bed situation, scaling buildings to get on the roof, and watching Annelise sing and dance to music like Missy Elliot (I had no idea...).
It was a good night.

downtown pt.1

walked down to Nijo's last night for our class slideshow-showing. the sky was ridiculous with these two buildings...i was just glad to have my tiny little camera, and a little scared i was going to get mugged because there were a lot of hecklers around me on 2nd and Pine at 9:45pm.

june 17, 2006; father's day

i didn't walk down the isle, but it was good to be there. i wasn't aware that it would have been a good thing for me to do, until i was sitting there, waiting for my classmates to come out. i had sudden urges to tell the people sitting next to me "see there - that's my name in the program. i'm graduating too." "why am i not in a gown? why didn't i walk?"...'oh i don't know...i didn't think i was done. i didn't want to wear blue again. i didn't want to bother my family with another event. because the portfolio show was graduation enough.' yet somehow it wasn't enough, but being there was...almost overwhelmingly so. accomplishment. finishing something. moving forward. acceptance.
it felt scary. but it was good to have friends nearby to share it with.

music i want to purchase and partake:

architecture in helsinki
old decemberists
bloc party
interpol
boards of canada

okay, alright...since it is the beginning of a new era and all...

let's try to make this interesting shall we?
blogs are all around me, with photos, ideas, articles...what I'm going to do I'm not sure. Maybe a little here, a little there.
Graduation week is winding to a close, and a new life is ready and available to document at will. A way to keep in touch, when we are too far away to touch each other.
yeah well, I was burned by the sun for the first time this summer. Meandering around the sculpture park...but lets just call it a park. Because honestly, the sculptures were few and far between, and really not all that monumental. I did however like the Taste bistro and their tiered grass patio, good spot for a fashion shoot. Made me think of April. Whom, by the way, I spent some time with yesterday as well! Had coffee (aka hot chocolate) at Crave with her and a few of her friends, before she hitched a ride to the airport to embark on her new life/adventure. I'm going to miss her, and will have to make a point to visit her once she is settled in. She is going to take LA/Santa Barbara by storm, they will never let her come back.
I also had a chance to catch up a bit with my dear friend Mark Weeks. Who is in town this month for a few photo shoots. Lovely, amazing man! I wish he still lived in the area, but am glad that I know someone who lives in London! It was good to see him doing so well, and meeting some his fantastic friends and past classmates (third years to our class) over drinks at the Rosebud was highly enjoyable. It was a full day yesterday. Makes up for today, which has involved me; in bed; uploading images on flickr; kicking myself for not getting the important stuff done (aka getting images out to the Abbey Garden, investigating photographers/internships and sending out resumes and promos). There's always tomorrow I guess...perhaps tonight.