I love so many of Elliott’s pieces, but this one is especially fascinating with its magnetic blend of art, science and even music. And of course, he had me at Van Gogh.
My heart is breaking. I am a person who lives with a mental illness for I am bipolar. I am able to see the pure wonder of the starry night and still be so saddened that Vincent suffered without that which might have saved his brilliant life. He is my favourite artist and I mourn his passing in such horrid circumstances. That his painting holds deeper meaning doesn't surprise me greatly. Tortured minds see things that others simply cannot comprehend or express. We are a richer world thanks to Vincent. I celebrate his life and not his death. Thanks Elliot, I am sad, but somehow, lifted.
Well, Elliot, you’ve done it again - written another an article that educates, fascinates, and captures some of the magic of human experience. Our lives are filled with patterns, some of which we recognize, so many of which we’re unaware. The science that Starry Night captured is astonishing; even more remarkable is that scientists were curious about the swirls in the painting and were able to analyze its components. I’m a psychoanalyst / psychotherapist and I hear patterns of attitudes, behaviors, and emotional reactions in what my patients tell me. I’m amazed, repeatedly, by their courage in addressing their concerns and problems. Van Gogh dealt with his the best way he could, and we’re the fortunate recipients of his “best way.”
This was a beautiful piece. This is why I subscribe to your writing. In the midst of the chaos and worry I am shown something wonderful and can't help but pause and let it ease my mind. On a personal observation, printed renditions of Van Gogh's work cannot compare to the unexoected vibrancy of color when seeing the actual paintings. In 2013 the Denver Art Museum had an exhibition of his work. Absolutely stunning. And the last day of the exhibition was the first date I had with my wife.
Chris, I so agree. I have been lucky enough to see this in person in New York on several occassions and you realize how three-dimensional the paiting is. You look at the brush stokes and know that van Gogh applied the paint to the canvas. Like any work of art from the past, you can feel the connection of humanity across the ages. Also, it seems like a wonderful place for a first date! Glad it worked out.
If we look around we can see, every act of creation has something trying to be born, something trying to stop or help (chaos/restraint/unknown) and the resulting thing. Learning to appreciate the role chaos plays in evolution and transformation is a worthy goal. Without chaos we would still be one cell, dividing, reproducing a like copy.
In case it helps anyone visualize what is being discussed, here is a computer simulation of turbulence (perhaps modeling temperature) that evokes the shapes from the painting: https://youtu.be/cAvklJxj-1I
Elliot, the connections between science, music and art are astounding and beautiful. I so admire your ability to connect these three today for the sake of suffering humans who need solid ground. Our suffering does not go away, but when we know we are surrounded by this Loving Reality, we can breathe again. Thank you for this huge morning gift.
What fascinating insights and deeper understanding of the artist's sensitive mind and likely unique wiring that helped him visualize this flow in Starry Night.
I love so many of Elliott’s pieces, but this one is especially fascinating with its magnetic blend of art, science and even music. And of course, he had me at Van Gogh.
My heart is breaking. I am a person who lives with a mental illness for I am bipolar. I am able to see the pure wonder of the starry night and still be so saddened that Vincent suffered without that which might have saved his brilliant life. He is my favourite artist and I mourn his passing in such horrid circumstances. That his painting holds deeper meaning doesn't surprise me greatly. Tortured minds see things that others simply cannot comprehend or express. We are a richer world thanks to Vincent. I celebrate his life and not his death. Thanks Elliot, I am sad, but somehow, lifted.
Thank you Ima for sharing your story.
Well, Elliot, you’ve done it again - written another an article that educates, fascinates, and captures some of the magic of human experience. Our lives are filled with patterns, some of which we recognize, so many of which we’re unaware. The science that Starry Night captured is astonishing; even more remarkable is that scientists were curious about the swirls in the painting and were able to analyze its components. I’m a psychoanalyst / psychotherapist and I hear patterns of attitudes, behaviors, and emotional reactions in what my patients tell me. I’m amazed, repeatedly, by their courage in addressing their concerns and problems. Van Gogh dealt with his the best way he could, and we’re the fortunate recipients of his “best way.”
What a beautiful interlude before the next hectic news cycle takes over again! 🙏🏼
This was a beautiful piece. This is why I subscribe to your writing. In the midst of the chaos and worry I am shown something wonderful and can't help but pause and let it ease my mind. On a personal observation, printed renditions of Van Gogh's work cannot compare to the unexoected vibrancy of color when seeing the actual paintings. In 2013 the Denver Art Museum had an exhibition of his work. Absolutely stunning. And the last day of the exhibition was the first date I had with my wife.
Chris, I so agree. I have been lucky enough to see this in person in New York on several occassions and you realize how three-dimensional the paiting is. You look at the brush stokes and know that van Gogh applied the paint to the canvas. Like any work of art from the past, you can feel the connection of humanity across the ages. Also, it seems like a wonderful place for a first date! Glad it worked out.
If we look around we can see, every act of creation has something trying to be born, something trying to stop or help (chaos/restraint/unknown) and the resulting thing. Learning to appreciate the role chaos plays in evolution and transformation is a worthy goal. Without chaos we would still be one cell, dividing, reproducing a like copy.
In case it helps anyone visualize what is being discussed, here is a computer simulation of turbulence (perhaps modeling temperature) that evokes the shapes from the painting: https://youtu.be/cAvklJxj-1I
That is super cool thank you
Is the frequent branching shown in the simulation common in in other forms of turbulence? No branching in the painting. Just curious.
Elliot, the connections between science, music and art are astounding and beautiful. I so admire your ability to connect these three today for the sake of suffering humans who need solid ground. Our suffering does not go away, but when we know we are surrounded by this Loving Reality, we can breathe again. Thank you for this huge morning gift.
The power of observation coupled with empathy
Fascinating - and beautiful.
Thank you. You have made my world bigger, brighter, and more loving, LIFE and the systems that support and nurture it are awe inspiring,
Thank you, Elliot, I read this same piece on Saturday and also thought of 'Vincent'. Thank you very much for bringing both.
What fascinating insights and deeper understanding of the artist's sensitive mind and likely unique wiring that helped him visualize this flow in Starry Night.
This is an outstanding post. Thank you!
A beautiful article that touches on the wonder and mystery of life. I love that song. Josh Groban does a beautiful version of it, too.
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