Hi, we’ve had quite a few heavier subjects lately so today I thought we would share something a little lighter & have some fun!
But before we continue let’s grab our cuppa’s, treats & get comfy.
I’m having a spicy Chai Lattè with a slice of gf Carrot cake. A delicious combination!
Let’s begin, we are traveling to a gift given to me by my daughter…
A fun day out
Even though it was a dismal & rainy day with storms forecasted.
I was looking forward to meeting her at the Ferry terminal that would take us across the harbour for the short walk to the event that we had planned to attend together.
I had prayed that the heaven’s wouldn’t open & pour their wet contents upon us as we walked. And that prayer was graciously answered!
As we reached the giant Marquee the atmosphere was one of excited anticipation.
A replicated & functioning French cafe had been set up on the left with a replication of the Artist’s room on the right.
There were the usual marketing things available that were covered in the creations that belonged to this display.
But somehow these seemed flat & lifeless.
As we entered the entrance to where the true display was taking place it was like entering a distorted world.
With fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, mirrors & images of the Artist’s works placed below & above to give an optical illusion.
The next area to the main event was through a blackened doorway. This was where the artist’s creations were being heralded into the modern age.
The various music selections playing had been chosen to represent the emotion of the periods of this Artist’s life that we were viewing through his artworks.
His paintings had been brought to life on digital screens, some from floor to ceiling, in different shapes & sizes, some playing in continuity.
A few screens displayed the artist’s words, poignant quotes from the various seasons of his life.
His artworks were intriguing, they reflected the changing circumstances, seasons & styles of his growth as an artist in the late 1800’s.
The show lasted an hour, although it seemed much shorter because it was truly a delightful feast for the senses.
As we exited the screening area, a room filled with hundreds of Sunflowers, a flower that this artist had claimed as his own, farewelled us from the Art show.
If you haven’t already guessed who this artist was, it was Vincent Van Gogh.
As we sat in the French Cafe, replicated from one of his paintings with our cuppa’s & treats discussing this artist’s life.
Which had sadly ended at the age of 37, once believed to have been by his own hand but modern detectives believe that he actually met with foul play.
We both agreed that he had accomplished his life’s dream said in his own words;
“I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say ‘he feels deeply, he feels tenderly’.”
Vincent Van Gogh
And we both agreed this to be true about Vincent & his art.
For it reflects the depth of his feelings & tenderness of wanting to convey the beauty of the world around him for the enjoyment of others as he struggled with his own depression.
As I drove home reflecting upon this wonderful day out, I was left with his poignant words playing in my mind;
I always think that the best way to know God is to love many things…
&
“There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”
Vincent Van Gogh 1853-1890
He loved people & is still bringing that love to us through his Artworks today, over a century later!
This reminded me of the following words;
“Jesus replied,
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it:
Love your neighbour
as yourself’.”
May we leave His legacy of love as we go through life & beyond.
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Room
Or
In Prayer
© 2022 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All Rights Reserved. Photos by David McElwee & Beyza Eren on Pexels.com
Thank you for this enlightening story of Van Gogh and the reason behind his paintings, Jennifer. I had never heard it before, and I love his quotes and purpose. Love and blessings to you!
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Thank you Trudy, love & blessings to you too my sweet friend. It was such a wonderful day & truly informative, I’m glad you enjoyed our outing too! 😊
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Hi Jennifer-did you go to the immersive exhibit? I went to it when it was near me. I was very touched by the experience and loved the many quotes by Vincent Van Goh. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reminding us of the greatest commandment–to love God and to love others.
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Hi Amy,
It’s called ‘Van Gogh Alive’ here & is a traveling exhibit, it’s doing the rounds of our major cities here in Australia, was that the same as you went to?
It was definitely a touching experience ☺️
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Jennifer, Van Gogh Alive sounds fascinating. I am so glad you and your daughter were able to share this experience together. Thank you for sharing with your readers, sweet friend!
Blessings,
Pam
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It was such a great day out Pam. Even the ferry ride was fun! Blessings to you sweet friend ❤️
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there’s nothing like a bucket of sunflowers to light up a room! thanks for sharing fun, Jennifer. i hope your weekend is delightful …
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Thank you Linda! It was a delightfully restful weekend ☺️ I hope your weekend is being just as delightful!
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Glad you had a fun getaway day with your daughter, Jennifer. We all need days like this.
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Thank you Lisa! Yes, we do all need some fun times with our adult children. Lovely having you drop by today 😊
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Van Gogh Alive sounds amazing, Jennifer! I’m so glad you and your daughter were able to share this immersive art experience together.
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It was a lovely day out & especially sharing it with my daughter. Lovely having you drop by today ☺️
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I’ve seen a Van Gogh exhibit that sounds similar a couple of hours from here. It sure looks and sounds interesting! What a fun day with your daughter.
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Thank you Barbara, it was really interesting & different. ☺️
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Jennifer, what a beautiful time you spent with your daughter! I hadn’t heard that some now think Van Gogh met with foul play. That’s a mystery unto itself, I’m thinking. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your fun!
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Thank you Jeanne. Yes, it’s interesting that modern day forensic experts have looked at the evidence of his death & feel there are too discrepancies to rule out foul play!
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This sounds like so much fun. And getting to experience it with your daughter must have been an added blessing!
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It was a lovely day out Donna & especially blessed with my daughter ☺️
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I totally loved this, Jennifer. I am far behind in reading after being hit with a stubborn flu virus nearly 3 weeks ago. This gladdened my heart and made me smile. Thanks! 💝
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You’re most welcome Pam! I’m delighted you enjoyed our time together here. 💖
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It sounds like a great day out! I love the sunflowers and the Van Gogh quotes!
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Thank you Lesley 😊
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