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Nicole Jensen's avatar

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.

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Ima Chameleon's avatar

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.

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Elliot Kirschner's avatar

Thank you Ima for sharing your story.

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Irna Gadd's avatar

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.”

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Susan T's avatar

What a beautiful interlude before the next hectic news cycle takes over again! 🙏🏼

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Chris Werner's avatar

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.

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Elliot Kirschner's avatar

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.

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Lynn Geri's avatar

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.

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Jonathan's avatar

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

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Therese McNally's avatar

That is super cool thank you

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sherm gallay's avatar

Is the frequent branching shown in the simulation common in in other forms of turbulence? No branching in the painting. Just curious.

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Carol Spencer's avatar

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.

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Nature Lover's avatar

The power of observation coupled with empathy

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Richda D McNutt's avatar

Fascinating - and beautiful.

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Linda Querry's avatar

Thank you. You have made my world bigger, brighter, and more loving, LIFE and the systems that support and nurture it are awe inspiring,

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Fay Reid's avatar

Thank you, Elliot, I read this same piece on Saturday and also thought of 'Vincent'. Thank you very much for bringing both.

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Therese McNally's avatar

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.

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LAUREL HARTMAN's avatar

This is an outstanding post. Thank you!

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Lynette Mason's avatar

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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ann 2031's avatar

🩷

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