There’s a quote that is widely attributed to Vincent Van Gogh despite there being no proof he actually said it. It says “Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk but no flowers grow on it.”
Even if he didn’t say it, I would like to think he might have agreed. Van Gogh today is one of the most famous painters of all time. Even if you aren’t an “art person,” you’ve likely seen Van Gogh’s most recognizable works on everything from calendars and screen savers to phone cases and wallets.
During his lifetime though, Van Gogh struggled. He was born into an upper middle class family but mental illness haunted him and his story ended prematurely thanks to a self inflicted gunshot wound. The impressionistic painter saw no commercial success in his lifetime and yet had such a unique world view his works are among the most moving and timeless you’ll ever see.
The road for Van Gogh was anything but paved and easy. Maybe that’s why he was able to give us flowers and stars and massive skies – things that we all need but don’t always see well for ourselves while we build our lives on whatever road we can carve out.
I have been fortunate to see several of his paintings in person and to do the immersive 3D installation (pictured) when it came to Columbus a few years ago.
His paintings are some of the most easily recognized in a museum and I will always stop in my tracks to admire them. There’s something that feels like they are about to explode out of the frame. They have movement. If you move fast enough, you might catch a falling star or pluck a flower from the vase.
Van Gogh’s life clearly was hard and the commercial success that came in the decades following his death seems bittersweet given that it was too little too late for him. I wish it were easier for him but I’m grateful for all that he accomplished on his life’s road.
Who needs normal when you can have sunflowers? Ask yourself that the next time you feel bad about yourself or want to take an alternate path. Who needs normal? Go do the things that bring you more flowers and stars.
