VanGogh

Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night"

The Unexpected Math Behind Van Gogh's "Starry Night" - TEDEd

tur·bu·lence
noun
a :  great commotion or agitation
b :  irregular atmospheric motion especially when characterized by up-and-down currents
c :  departure in a fluid from a smooth flow 

in·spi·ra·tion
noun
1 the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
2 the act of drawing in; specifically :  the drawing of air into the lungs


[As read by Shelley-Ann]

Art, science and faith have long reflected the human condition of dark periods, struggle and turmoil, as well as our desire for expression, understanding, beauty and inspiration.

Don McLean’s song Vincent is an inspired tribute to VanGogh’s piece “The Starry Night.” McLean in turn becomes a muse for the song Killing Me Softly, lyrically depicting the experience of Lori Leiberman hearing McLean in concert. Both songs reflect the powerful experience of recognizing our own suffering in the words, or art, of another.

McLean sings “With eyes that know the darkness in my soul”
Leiberman echoes “He sang as if he knew me, In all my dark despair”

This same darkness and despair have birthed much of the stories and art shared with us today, here at Glimpses. May we find comfort in recognizing ourselves in another. May we find inspiration in the stimulation of our senses. May we find hope in the beauty that surrounds us.

[sadly, our musical components cannot be adequately recorded, so you will have to imagine the lovely mash-up Shelley-Ann and Kevin did of Don McLean's "Vincent" and the Fugees remake of "Killing Me Softly."