Welcome to my website and my news/blog about arts and culture. I’m pleased to announce the birth of my novel, Aegean Adventure, which is now in paperback format from Amazon, please see the My Books page.
Please note that my words are my own and I am not affiliated with any company or organisation, unless there is a statement specifically informing you of a link.
I’ve chosen this image which is a typical example of the beautiful blossom suddenly very visible at this time of year. The landscape is dotted by trees that have exploded with blossoms in fluffy clouds of white and candyfloss pink. Leafy green buds are emerging and the entire atmosphere reinforces the sense of new hope and optimism.
And what has this to do with arts and culture? Nature is a true inspiration and has been the driving force of creation behind many poets and artists. The spring blossom photo here reminds me of Vincent Van Gough’s painting, ‘Almond Blossom’ which he painted in 1890 as a gift for his brother Theo, in honour of the arrival of his new baby son, (Vincent’s nephew, who was also named Vincent.)
It is a beautiful painting; simple soft white blossom stretching across a stunning sky-blue background, reminiscent of the Japanese style which Van Gough was heavily influenced by. I have seen this stunning painting when I visited the Van Gough Museum in Amsterdam, (which is well worth a visit). Van Gough painted several paintings featuring almond blossoms, but I warm to the personal sentiment associated with this particular painting. It reminds me of new beginnings, just as the current surrounding blossom is signalling to us the birth of the new.
A few locations in the UK have featured a short art installation or mural display of Van Gough’s most famous artworks with commentary. I visited the one in York last year, billed as Van Gough: The Immersive Experience. It is located in St Mary’s church in Castlegate, which is now an exhibition centre near the Jorvik Centre. For the admission fee, you can briefly relax and absorb the wonderful, world-famous Van Gough images projected around the interior of the church accompanied by an informative commentary. You can watch sunflower stems grow and curl around church pillars and ‘starry, starry nights’ unfurl across medieval walls. The ‘Almond Blossom’ painting also stretches out along the interior in blue and white, see the photo below which I took at the time.
Please search online if you feel inspired to know about Van Gough or these immersive art installations (especially to check out times and admission fees). Till the next time…
