The Shoes of Van Gogh: A Spiritual and Artistic Journey to the Ordinary

by Cliff Edwards

This personal and reflective book is an exploration of Vincent Van Gogh as spiritual guide, specifically as the most important spiritual guide for great teachers such as Henri Nouwen. Topics include Van Gogh's life, Van Gogh's conversion from drawing to painting, and the evocative power of still life versus portrait. Package includes 10 drawings from Van Gogh and is designed for easy reading.

Genres: Art, Biography

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is not an ordinary biography, it is nevertheless an exceptional one. Vincent van Gogh and his art have become such an important part of our collective awareness, but for many, in ways that heretofore were inexpressible. This slim volume packs more information about the why of Vincent and the how of his paintings than one might expect. Having read Vincent's letters, this author has managed to capture just what it is about the man and his work that has captured our minds and hearts. You can read a gigantic tome with endless references and come away with much data (which is subject to interpretation) about the man and his art. Or, you can read this wee book and come away with some deeper understanding of both. Your choice.

[Mark Ferrara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An author with true insight.

[Steffanie Kamper Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed a lot of the essays in this book particularly. I'd really like to go see several of the pieces he's discussing in the chapters! Made me want to do more digging on both Vincent's theology as well as finally getting to read the letters between Vincent and theo.

[Maria Hrickova · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[debbie-anne Hogarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read... a different look at Van Gough work

[Jennifer Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend loaned the book to me. She made it seem more like a biography of Van Gogh rather than an opinion piece. I enjoyed the author's perspective but I was hoping to dive more into his life. I like that the story was interspersed with snippets of letters to his brother and I was able to get a glimpse of some of his artwork. Seeing his art at the Denver Art Museum up close and personal a year or so ago was great. The book made me appreciate it even more.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend for further insight into the life and work of van Gogh. Some excellent quotes from his letters about life, God, belief, faith, being an artist, suffering.

[Julia Matallana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, thought provoking