Hello Gogh
Since it’s Mental Health Awareness month, I’d like to start by shouting out all of the mental health encounters I’ve had that have brought me joy, excitement and deeply earnest emotions. Whether it be the lyrics of a song that seem to be speaking just to me or the breathtaking views of a classic painting, mental health struggles have been turned into art by those who live with them, for centuries.
A few years ago, I got the pleasure of visiting Amsterdam with a couple of my closest girlfriends. The views were stunning; from the seemingly endless tulip fields of the Keukenhof gardens, to the glassy water of the canals that flow through the city. Picturesq from every angle, it only makes sense that museums of breathtaking art can be found everywhere. One such museum is the Van Gogh museum.
A tortured soul, Van Gogh suffered with bouts of anxiety and depression his whole life. It is through a pieced-together autobiography, Dear Theo, that we can now get a look inside the inner workings of a man once written off socially, now touted as a genius. Only 11 short years after his passing did Van Gogh rise to the level of fame that we know of today. He is now considered one of the greatest artists in history, yet at the time of his life struggled immensely with his illness, living in poverty and eventually taking his own life.
Art is a reflection of life, which makes it amazing that Van Gogh was able to paint pieces that can elicit feelings sometimes so contrary to his own. The feelings of warmth I get from the scene that Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone depicts are all encompassing. I find the swirling lights of the sky dreamy, and the green and blue forward pallet soothes me. Van Gogh is just one example of many who have turned their despair and difficulty into works of emotional rollercoasters for the public to “ride at will”. It is important we respect the differences in people and celebrate their unique paths.
Every person is different. Different in ways that make for some incredible shared experiences. What we create together and because of each other can be thrilling, beautiful and wonderful. It is something to be celebrated. Let this month remind you to, as always, be kind. When we choose to love and foster each other for who we truly are, the world gets a little bit brighter.
by Catie Zimmerman