Vincent Van Gogh: His Spiritual Vision in Life and Art

There may be a great fire in our soul, but no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a little bit of smoke coming through the chimney, and pass on their way … Must one tend that inward fire … wait for the hour when someone will come and sit down near it - to stay there maybe? Let him who believes in God wait for the hour that will come sooner or later. - Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) is arguably the most beloved artist int he world. he was also an artist motivated by a deep spiritual vision - expressed first in his efforts to become a missionary and minister, and later, after his decisive break with organized religion, through his art. Through art he found anew way to express his solidarity and compassion for humanity, and to awaken people to the sacred depths of reality. As he wrote, I should like to pain in men and women something of that quality of eternity which was symbolized formerly by a halo and which we try to convey by the very radiance of our coloring. It was this vision and the quality of his sacrifice that defined the spiritual dimension of his art. Though virtually nobody in his own lifetime understood his intentions or appreciated his work, Van Gogh poured out his convictions in letters to his brother Theo. Drawing largely on these letters along with her own reflections on the interplay between his life, his spiritual vision, and his art, Carol Berry draws a moving portrait of Van Gogh as a spiritual seeker and teacher for our time. Along with original translations of Van Gogh’s letters the volume is illustrated by a number of his drawings.