STARRY NIGHT NEWS #6: Archives; vinyards; and Musee d'Orsay on tour!

WHEN FAMOUS OWNERS SELL PAINTINGS

by Carol Vogal, New York Times

What motivates people to sell at auction, especially given the precariousness of the economy, is a matter of constant speculation. And when the consignors’ names are published in catalogs, it further fuels the interest...

...Rosenberg’s Treasures

Two years ago the Museum of Modern Art was promised the archives from the Paul Rosenberg Gallery. A legendary French dealer who ran one of the most important galleries for major masters of the School of Paris, Rosenberg supported, sold and showed the work of Picasso, Braque and Léger, among others.

When he died in 1959, his son, Alexandre, ran the gallery until his own death in 1987. Together they amassed tens of thousands of photographs, letters, index cards and more that chronicle a slice of art history.

After Alexandre’s widow, Elaine, promised the archives to the Modern, the museum hired Donald Prochera to put them in order so that students and scholars could examine the contents. A sampling of some 50 items will be on view at MoMA from Jan. 27 through April 5.

“It was important to keep it clear and focused,” said Michelle Elligott, who runs the museum’s archives, explaining that the amount of material to choose from was overwhelming. “We wanted to educate the general public who may not have heard of the Rosenberg gallery by illustrating its importance in the history of 20th-century art. And for those who already know the name, we have tried to show the relationship the two protagonists — Paul and Alexandre Rosenberg — had with these modern artists.”

The gallery originally opened in Paris, but when World War II broke out, the Rosenbergs fled to Manhattan, arriving in 1940 and opening a space on East 57th Street a year later. Some of the inventory and records were confiscated in Europe, although much has been retrieved over the years.

Throughout its existence the gallery sold and donated important works to the Modern, including Picasso’s “Harlequin” from 1915 and Cézanne’s “Château Noir” from 1903-4.
Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” one of the museum’s most popular paintings, came from the Rosenberg gallery. On view will be a 3-by-5 index card on the painting with a photograph from the original glass negative.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/arts/design/25vogel.html?_r=1

HARVEST THE REWARDS OF AN INVESTMENT IN A FRENCH VINYARD

Ever dreamed of rolling hills punctuated by vines laden with rich fruit, ripe for picking, the bright sun warming your land, in advance of a plentiful harvest? With the pressures of modern life and the stress of the daily commute taking its toll on a nation struggling to pull itself out of what has become known as the worst recession faced in 100 years (according to MP Ed Balls), many British people are looking to the French countryside to make their dream of owning a vineyard a reality...

...One region that has wide appeal is Provence, where not only some of the country’s most famous wines are made, but which also has a great deal to offer those looking at relocating. This region in south-eastern France is famed for its unique micro-climate and stunning sweeping countryside, as well as picturesque towns and villages, scattered throughout the hills. Saint Rémy de Provence is one such village, encircled by the remains of 14th century fortifications, and one of the oldest in France. The location where Van Gogh painted ‘Starry Night’ and Nostradamus was born, Saint Rémy is 20km south of Avignon and 90km from Marseille.

http://www.easier.com/63850-harvest-the-rewards-of-an-investment-in-a-french-vineyard.html

2010 FINE ARTS PREVIEW: JAMES CASTLE, TRISHA BROWN, MASTER IMPRESSIONISTS COMING TO BAY AREA

by Jennifer Modenessi

The biggest buzz is coming from the other side of the Bay Bridge with a slew of exhibits commemorating the 75th anniversary of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. But other Bay Area museums and galleries are sure to attract their fair share of crowds with a fascinating array of shows...

..."Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee d'Orsay" and "Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne and Beyond: Post-Impressionist Masterpieces from the Musee d'Orsay": Yes, both of these exhibits — which include works on loan from France's other famous art museum — will be stuffed with visitors. And yes, blockbuster shows of Impressionist paintings are nothing new. But for those who have yet to see works such as Monet's "Saint Lazare Station," Gauguin's "Tahitian Women, On the Beach" or Van Gogh's "Starry Night Over the Rhone" in person, these shows will be a real treat.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/theater-museums/ci_14088193

PARIS MASTERPIECES HAVE TOURISM OPERATORS STARRY-EYED

Canberra tourism operators hope the latest blockbuster at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) will attract a record number of interstate visitors to the capital this summer.

Masterpieces From Paris is the largest and most valuable collection of art ever exhibited in Australia and features 112 paintings including works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cezanne and Claude Monet.

The priceless works are on loan from the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and it is the first time they have been brought together in an exhibition outside of France.

The NGA is running its largest-ever marketing campaign to promote the exhibition around the country.

Around 250,000 visitors are expected to see the exhibition, 70 per cent of whom are predicted to come from interstate and stay overnight in the capital.

David Marshall from the ACT Tourism Taskforce says it could generate $40 million for the local economy.

"We're hoping that it will be a record summer for Canberra," he said.

"If you provide a reason for Sydney-siders in particular and regional New South Wales people to come to Canberra they will come.

"So events and exhibitions of national or international significance are very important tourism drivers into the ACT."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/01/01/2783744.htm?section=business

FORGET PARIS: THIS IS A MASTERPIECE

by Claire Low, Canberra Times

IT’S ‘‘BETTER than in Paris’’.

French ambassador Michel Filhol’s wife, Catherine, was so enamoured of the National Gallery of Australia’s latest blockbuster exhibition that she saw it twice, heaping praise upon Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne and Beyond.

She is one of more than 60,000 visitors to the exhibition since it opened a month ago.
It continues until April, on track for its target of 230,000 visitors.

According to the gallery’s assistant director, Shanthini Naidoo, about 70 per cent of visitors have come from interstate.

Ms Naidoo said she was pleased the gallery had drawn tourists to the capital at a time that tended to be quiet for restaurants and cafes.

‘‘We’ve been doing a lot of interstate marketing with the support of the ACT Government – it’s great to see it’s working,’’ she said.

‘‘The feedback from our visitors is overwhelmingly positive.’’

Of the 112 masterpieces, Ms Naidoo described van Gogh’s self-portrait, his work Starry Night, and Gauguin’s Tahitian Women as highlights.

In fact, the exhibition as a whole was a rare opportunity for art lovers.

‘‘There aren’t many Post-Impressionist works in Australia and because of their value, it is unlikely that Australian galleries will be able to purchase them.

‘‘To be able to see this many Post-Impressionist works in Australia is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.’’

Senior curator Christine Dixon supervised the exhibition.

It took four of Australia’s curatorial team working with curators of the Musee D’Orsay in Paris, along with transportation and installation teams, to mount the exhibition.

The paintings are displayed differently from the way they were shown at their home in Paris, but the National Gallery’s display has been lauded.

‘‘One of the things the director of the Musee D’Orsay, Guy Cogeval, commented on at the opening was how well-lit the paintings are,’’ Ms Naidoo said.

STARRY NIGHT NEWS #5: Cocktails,

"STARRY NIGHT" CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL
By Stacy Slinkard, About.com Guide to Wine

I recently had a chance to give this Pommery recipe a go and found it to be both delicious and unique, given the acai-blueberry vodka thrown in the mix. The "Starry Night" is a fun Champagne cocktail through and through and will certainly shake things up on the bubbly front this New Year's Eve. With a dash of Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka and a splash of Pommery's pretty pink Champagne you are ready to host and toast in no time at all! Check out the "Starry Night" recipe here.

http://wine.about.com/b/2009/12/23/starry-night-champagne-cocktail.htm
http://wine.about.com/od/mimosarecipe1/r/starrynightchampagnecocktail.htm

VAN GOGH MUSEUM CONCLUDES 2009 SUCCESSFULLY WITH 1.45 MILLION VISITORS

AMSTERDAM.- The Van Gogh Museum welcomed almost 1,450,000 visitors in 2009. This positive result is credited in part to the exhibitions Van Gogh and the colours of the night and Van Gogh’s letters: The artist speaks (which runs through 3 January 2010). The former exhibition is part of the Letters project launched in October, which attracted considerable media attention around the world. During the first two months of this year visitor numbers were down on 2008, bringing home the impact of the economic crisis on tourism. Thanks in part to the highly successful Van Gogh and the colours of the night exhibition (13 February to 7 June 2009), which atracted some 530,000 visitors, ticket sales recovered. In the summer months, too, the museum has booked good results with some peaks of around 40,000 visitors per week. The positive effects of the Letters project manifested during the final quarter of 2009, and figures once again were in line with 2008.

For comparison: in 2008 the Van Gogh Museum ended the year with approximately 1,470,000 visitors; during the previous year the museum welcomed 1,550,000 visitors.

Letters exhibition draws to a close

Van Gogh’s letters: The artist speaks will run through 3 January 2010. The exhibit features 120 original letters by Vincent van Gogh accompanied by the works he describes in his letters. These important documents are seldom shown due to their fragility and sensitivity to light. The combination of more than 340 works from the Van Gogh Museum’s own rich collection, including paintings, drawings, letters and letter sketches, presents a penetrating and comprehensive insight into Van Gogh as a letter writer and as an artist.

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=35201

ANOTHER SMALL RETAILER BEATS EXPECTATIONS
Posted by: John Tozzi on December 23

Another one of the retailers we’ve been tracking through the holiday season exceeded expectations. David Sasson of Overstock Art, an online retailer of replica oil paintings based in Wichita, Kan., told me Tuesday that he had just finished the best week in his company’s eight-year history, with sales more than double his previous record week.

“I don’t know if you can tell from my voice how tired I am,” he said. “We’ve been working around the clock for the last few days,” including Saturday and Sunday.

Overstock Art has seen consistent sales growth since August, including several months at 60% above 2008 levels. Sasson is projecting 2009 sales will top $4 million. He credits increased spending on search advertising and strong customer service that has brought repeat customers back, along with discounts as high as 35% or 40%. Demand outstripped Sasson’s expectations, and Overstock Art even ran out of some paintings they try to always keep in stock, like replicas of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.

http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/running_small_business/archives/2009/12/another_small_r.html

Vincent Van Gogh, "Le café de nuit", (The Night Café), 1888. Oil on canvas, (72.4 x 92.1 cm), 28 1/2 x 36 1/4 inches. Located in the Yale University Art Gallery.

YALE UNIVERSITY SAY SUIT OVER VINCENT VAN GOGH'S WORK IMPERILS OTHER ART

NEW HAVEN, CT (AP).- The ownership of tens of billions of dollars of art and other goods could be thrown into doubt if a lawsuit seeking the return of a famous Vincent Van Gogh painting is successful, according to a court filing by Yale University. The Ivy League university sued in federal court in March to assert its ownership rights over "The Night Cafe" and to block a descendant of the original owner from claiming it.

Pierre Konowaloff is the purported great-grandson of industrialist and aristocrat Ivan Morozov, who bought the painting in 1908. Russia nationalized Morozov's property during the Communist Revolution. The painting, which the Soviet government later sold, has been hanging in the Yale University Art Gallery for almost 50 years.

"Invalidating title to the painting would set U.S. courts at odds with the Russian government and cloud title to what Konowaloff concedes is at least $20 billion of art in global commerce," Yale's attorneys wrote in court papers filed Wednesday. It also would "imply the invalidity of title to countless billions of dollars more of other sorts of property expropriated and sold" by Russian authorities, Yale's attorney wrote.

Any federal court invalidation of Russian nationalization decrees from the early 20th century would create "significant tensions" between the United States and the Russian Federation, Yale argues. Russia continues to possess, display and defend its title to many artworks that were nationalized, including against Konowaloff's litigation and threats of litigation in France and Britain, Yale says. Yale says the court does not have the authority to evaluate the legality of a Russian nationalization. The university says former owners have challenged titles to artwork and other property seized from them in Russia, but their claims were rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court and state, federal and foreign courts.

Konowaloff's attorney, Allan Gerson, said in an e-mail that the argument was "ridicious" and that the lawsuit was not against Russia. He has argued that the court does not have to determine the lawfulness of the Russian confiscation of the painting, saying Yale cannot establish that it has good title. Yale received the painting through a bequest from Yale alumnus Stephen Carlton Clark. The school says Clark bought the painting, which shows the inside of a nearly empty cafe, with a few customers seated at tables along the walls, from a gallery in New York City in 1933 or 1934.

Konowaloff has filed court papers calling Yale's acquisition of the painting "art laundering." He argues that Russian authorities unlawfully confiscated the painting and that the United States deemed the theft a violation of international law. Konowaloff alleges Clark knew of the painting's ownership history and that "Yale engaged in a policy of willful ignorance" when it accepted the piece in 1961. Konowaloff wants the immediate return of the painting as well as damages.

Yale says the Russian nationalization of property, while sharply at odds with American values, did not violate international law. The university also says Konowaloff's claims should be dismissed because they are time-barred by a statute of limitations.

Konowaloff said he became the official heir of the Morozov collection after his father died in 2002, and he began to try to document the inventory. He said his grandfather did not try to do so "for reasons of personal security and due to the lack of any available judicial remedies at the time."

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=11&int_new=35244

FOUND: THE CLUE TO VAN GOGH'S EAR

The mystery behind the most famous mutilation in art history may finally have been solved.
A scholar has found evidence that a distraught Vincent van Gogh slashed his ear after learning that his brother, Theo, on whom he depended financially and emotionally, was about to get married.

Martin Bailey, who has written a book on van Gogh and curated two exhibitions of his work, devised his theory after meticulous detective work on a letter in a painting that the artist completed soon after he injured himself.

Bailey concludes that this letter was written by Theo from Paris in December 1888 and contained news of his engagement. This, he believes, tipped Vincent, who was already psychologically disturbed, into self-harm.

“Vincent was fearful that he might lose his brother’s emotional and financial support,” writes Bailey in the January edition of The Art Newspaper.

For years disputes have raged over what really happened to van Gogh’s ear just before Christmas 1888. Some have blamed his mental illness, others have said he was driven mad by lead in his paints. The breakdown of his friendship with Paul Gauguin, his fellow artist, has also been cited, although it is claimed that Gauguin made up this story himself.

Academics at Hamburg University argued recently that Gauguin, with whom van Gogh shared a house at Arles in the south of France, cut the ear in a quarrel over a prostitute called Rachel.
This theory was dismissed by the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and by Bailey...

...Bailey assembled his evidence partly from close study of van Gogh’s Still Life: Drawing Board with Onions. The work was completed at the beginning of 1889, just a month after his injury. It will be the star painting at a new exhibition opening in January at the Royal Academy around the theme of van Gogh and his letters.

It includes an envelope on a table. Bailey examined it microscopically and found the number 67 inside a circle. This was the official mark of a post office in Place des Abbesses, close to the apartment in Montmartre occupied by Theo, an art dealer who regularly provided money for Vincent.

The envelope has a special frank mark that says “New Year’s Day”. The Paris postal museum confirmed that in the second half of the 19th century such a mark was put on envelopes from mid-December onwards.

Bailey believes van Gogh deliberately put the envelope in the painting because of its deep significance.

Vincent usually received his allowance from Theo on or about the 23rd of each month, although sometimes he received two a month. It is known from a letter he wrote to Theo at the end of January 1889 that he had received what he called “the much-needed money” on December 23.

Bailey argues that the letter in the painting contained the news from Theo that he had proposed to his girlfriend, Johanna Bonger. The letter, dated December 21, is from Theo to his mother seeking permission to marry.

“Vincent would surely have been next to be told,” said Bailey.

Another letter, from Theo to his fiancée, mentions his brief visit to Vincent on Christmas Day after he had taken the train from Paris on hearing of the mutilation.

Theo wrote: “When I mentioned you to him he evidently knew who and what I meant and, when I asked whether he approved of our plans, he said marriage ought not to be regarded as the main object in life.”

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article6968527.ece

NEW ARRIVAL: REEVES PAINT BY NUMBERS (OILS)

I was surprised to see that the world’s most popular painting’s ‘Paint By Numbers’ version was discontinued. But then, I was even more surprised to see that it was rated only of a medium level of complexity. If that’s of medium difficulty, I hate to see really difficult.

This is actually my second copy purchase of the same item. I had planned to add the kit, box and all, to my shrine and leave it at that. After giving the kit - a cardboard backed canvas, 20 pots water soluble oil paint and fine brush - the once over, it proved irresistible. How could I not try to paint the image that I’ve idolised so much for so long? How could I pass up the chance to take a step in a Van Gogh shoe? How could I leave it sitting in a box, on a shelf; to never know what it was like?

I couldn’t.

This may have an entirely comical outcome, but as Vincent once said:

“One must work and dare if one really wants to live.”

NEW ARRIVAL: MAGIC LANTERN GLASS SLIDE

Fresh off the UPS truck came the much anticipated Starry Night magic lantern glass slide. I don’t, as a rule, don’t bid very much on eBay unless it’s a really unusual and special item, and when this popped up about a month ago, I decided to take a whirl. In my search for all things Starry Night I've become familiar with much of the merchandise out there, but this item I'd never seen before.

The slide consists of a photographic print of the painting on transparent plastic, sandwiched between two solid glass squares held together by neat strips of copper tape. As can be seen by the photo, the copper tape has discoloured on the outside, as copper does. What cannot be seen in the photo is that the plastic print has stuck itself to the forward-most glass sheet, making the image appear uneven. This would not affect viewing in a magic lantern. It's difficult to determine in the transparent print is actually fade from use and age, of it the print was not of exceptional quality to being with - the yellow, particularly, lacks the punch of the original.

Of course, being square means that it does not include the entire original. One star is missing to the left of the cypress and the moon is not visible at all. Lacking the moon, the painting becomes rather dark and ominous - I'd trade that one star for the moon any day.

Despite all the apparent flaws I've listed, it is still a nice piece and I'm glad to have something in my collection that hasn't been mass-produced on a truly epic scale.

WHAT: pre-1950 Magic Lantern Glass Slide - photographic print of original artwork.

HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 7.9 cm/3.11 inches square.

THICKNESS: 4 mm / 0.16 inch.

MATERIALS: glass, copper tape, transparent plastic.

A VERY VAN GOGH CHRISTMAS

MIA’S ORNAMENTS… SUITABLE FOR FRAMING

Mia's artist inspired designs are certainly that. These ball and molded ornaments have become the hallmark of her collection. Since 1995 no other studio has dedicated itself to honoring the fine arts to the extent that Mia has both in her regular collection and through her commission design ornaments. Mia divides her time between her business and shipping headquarters in New York City and her design studio and retail store in Krakow, Poland.

http://collectibles.about.com/library/weekly/aa072302a.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3oP0iVKgLw





CARSON COLLECTIBLES CERAMIC ORNAMENTS

Made of good quality ceramic, each ornament features Starry Night on one side only. Looks good from a distance, but the detail isn’t as sharp as it should be close up.

http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1261185779/ref=sr_nr_seeall_7?ie=UTF8&rs=&keywords=starry%20night%20ornament&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Astarry%20night%20ornament%2Ci%3Aapparel




THE UBIQUITOUS STARBUCK’S MUG

This truly horrific version of Starry Night was one of Starbuck’s most popular designs. The original has been flipped and altered by making the cypress a pine tree with decorations. It pops up from time to time on eBay. For lightweights only. A sacrilege for the serious collector.


TALARIA ENTERPRISES

Yikes.

http://www.talariaenterprises.com/product_lists/teapots.html




NYC HANDMADE GLASS ORNAMENT

Double yikes!

http://www.nycwebstore.com/detail.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=PPR-VGSNO

THE ULTIMATE PRESENT...

VINCENT VAN GOGH - THE LETTERS: COMPLETE EDITION

Since 1994 the Van Gogh Museum and the Huygens Institute (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) have been working on the new edition of the letters of Vincent van Gogh. The complete illustrated edition is published in 6 volumes and contains 819 letters written by Van Gogh and 83 written to Van Gogh by Paul Gauguin, Theo van Gogh, Paul Signac and others.


A wonderful read, these letters reveal that Vincent van Gogh was not only a great artist but also a gifted writer. As surely and skilfully as he wielded his brush and draughtman's pen, so he found the words to say what most deeply concerned him as a human being and an artist. All the works to which Van Gogh alludes in his letters will be shown for the first time: not only the paintings and drawings on which he himself was working, but also the works of art by others that he wrote about, over 4.300 illustrations in total.


The international reputation of Van Gogh's correspondence is based upon its immense value as a document humain and on the enormous wealth of biographical and art historical information it contains. The letters constitute the story of Van Gogh's search for his destiny: of the close bond with his brother Theo, who supported him unconditionally, of his sometimes troubled friendships, his need for recognition and, above all, of his passion for art and literature. The letters are reproduced exactly as Van Gogh wrote them, without textual refinements, re-translations, amendments or excised passages. Supplementary texts add information about his life, the context in which the letters were written, a list of materials discussed in the letters, a chronology of his life and a full index.


Data Edited by Leo Jansen, Hans Luijten and Nienke Bakker. Six hardback volumes, slipcased, 2,180 pages, over 4,300 illustrations. Van Gogh Museum/Huygens Institute/Mercatorfonds, 2009Co-editions: English (Thames & Hudson), French (Actes Sud) and Dutch (Amsterdam University Press)ISBN: 978 90 6153 853 0 Price € 395, till 4 January 2010: € 325.


http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp?page=200942&lang=en

STARRY NIGHT NEWS #4: Consider the story of Vince

Today, we tell the true story of a young man with bipolar disorder, Vince.

During his early life, Vince struggled to find his niche in the world and lamented he would never find anything of value to contribute.

Through most of his 20s, Vince had no career.

A failed relationship plunged him into depression and, although he dabbled in a few occupations, he was sad, lonely and was starting to self-medicate his mood with alcohol and cigarettes.

He had a crusty personality and a violent temper, often blacking out after threatening the lives of people he cared deeply about.

Vince’s brother Theo took care of him as best he could from a distance, sending him money.

At the age of 27, he decided to be an artist and attempt to create images to forge his relationship with the world around him.

He was untrained and had no mentor, but he set about it with zeal and energy.

Vince wrote daily to Theo and occasionally spoke of loneliness and ideas of suicide.

In one letter, he said: “I am unable to describe exactly what is the matter with me; now and then there are fits of anxiety, apparently without cause, or otherwise a feeling of emptiness and fatigue . . . and at times I have attacks of melancholy and of remorse.”

In another, Vince wrote: “Like everyone else, I need friendly or affectionate relationships and companionship. I am not made of stone or iron like a lamppost. And, like any man, I cannot go without these things and not feel a void, a lack of something.”

He called his loneliness “a particular torture.”

Vince became adept at painting, but never sold any of it.

Without Theo sending him money, he would have starved.

Yet, there was genius in his work and Theo could see it.

Vince’s mental illness developed into untreated schizophrenia and grew to the point where he attacked Paul, his good friend and fellow artist, and even committed self-mutilation.

As Vince’s condition deteriorated, his productivity did not and he managed to paint 70 masterpiece paintings in 70 days — and made several sketches as well.

He wrote to Theo: “I put my heart and my soul into my work and have lost my mind in the process.”

Finally, Vince could no longer handle his loneliness, his hallucinations and his poverty, and, at 37 years of age — only 10 years after beginning his painting career, he shot himself.

His beloved brother Theo was with him when he died two days later.

What became of Vince’s art?

Just months before his death, the genius of his work became evident to many others.

Today, Vince’s paintings hang in the most prestigious museums and galleries around the world because you see, he was not just Vince — he was Vincent Van Gogh.

The friend he had attacked was Paul Gauguin, who moved to Tahiti a year later.

The next time you see the painting Starry Night, remember what Vincent said: “For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”

Maybe you know someone with a mental illness and just maybe, they are lost in their own particular torture.

This season, remember them, and when you feel a little blue, remember Van Gogh’s words of self encouragement: “There is no blue without yellow and without orange.”

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/opinion/79551097.html

NEW ARRIVAL: THUNDER TUBE

Received my Starry Night Thunder Tube by Remo in the mail today. What’s a Thunder Tube? Technically, it’s a percussion instrument but often marketed as a scientific toy, it is basically a sturdy tube with drum skin over one end. Attached to the centre of the drum skin is a long (in this case 43cm/17 inches) spring that wiggles when the tube is shaken, creating sound waves that are amplified by the tube, sounding not unlike thunder. By placing a hand over the open end of the tube you can vary the pitch of the sound and scraping a fingernail down the spring makes a sound like a creaky door.

Thank you to Audiosynccrazy who were just about the only company I found willing to ship this product outside the contiguous United States.

WHAT:
Remo thunder Tube in Starry Night design

LENGTH:
Total: 60.96 cm/24 inches
Tube: 17.18 cm/7 inches
Spring: 43.18 cm/17 inches

WIDTH:
5.72 cm/17 inches

MATERIALS:
Composite board, steel, paper, Mylar

http://www.amazon.com/Remo-Thunder-Starry-Night-Design/dp/B0002MQHIU
http://www.audiosyncrazy.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/Audiosyncrazy

VAN GOGH'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT #3: Moosefest

VINCENT THE MOOSE

Undoubtedly the star of the 2009 Bennington Moosefest, Vincent was located at 428 Main Street, Bennington, Vermot. Artist Mike Madison is responsible for this unusual homage. What would the real Vincent think?

http://gonewengland.about.com/od/vtsightseeing/ig/Moosefest-Photo-Gallery/Vincent.htm

STARRY NIGHT NEWS #3: Nativity Turtles

STORY OF CHRIST'S BIRTH TOLD 500 DIFFERENT WAYS AT LAWRENCE CHURCH

One story was told 500 different ways inside the walls of Centenary United Methodist Church.
From a nativity that featured the little town of Bethlehem to one composed solely of dogs (a West Highland white terrier stood yapping in the manager), the 15th annual Festival of Nativities took on many interruptions of the manger scene.

“There isn’t a duplication. It is really most astounding,” said Virginia Romero, who made the trip from Topeka to visit the display Saturday afternoon. “Some are very solemn, some joyous, some are very funny,” said Virginia’s niece Joyce Romero. “It’s amazing how many different emotions you feel while you are here.”

Snowmen, bears and the gang from Charlie Brown also depicted Mary, Joseph and Jesus in different versions of the nativity. Some scenes featured teepees and buffalo. Others had lions, zebras and giraffes. In a nativity set purchased in Peru, figures stood with long necks, reflecting the importance of llamas and alpacas in the South American region. Another nativity set doubled as pieces on a chess board...

...On display were nativities made of limestone from Ireland, tin from Mexico, olive wood from Bethlehem, silk from India, bamboo from Japan, terra cotta from Italy and wool felt from Kyrgyzstan. The church holds nativities from more than 40 different countries.
Others scenes haven’t traveled far at all. Among them was a papier-mâché tree made by Bishop Seabury students who painted a nativity scene inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/dec/13/story-christs-birth-told-500-different-ways-lawren/

THE TURTLES ARE COMING... THE TURTLES ARE COMING!
Giant fiberglass sea turtles are coming to Topsail Beach!

Artist Jane Shaar started the fund-raising project. Like in many cities, artists in Topsail will paint large sculptures get local businesses to sponsor them. Naturally, the sculptures on Topsail Island will be of sea turtles. Next fall, the turtles on display will be auctioned off.

Shaar is working on the first turtle, named "Starry Night", inspired by Van Gogh's famous painting.

"It's extremely rewarding and I've found some wonderful people to help me out. Surf City Art's Guild has been great, some of the turtle people I know from Turtle Patrol, they're helping out, so it's just kind of bringing us all together, and everybody loves the sea turtles, you know it's just a given," said Shaar.

All of the money raised at the auction will support the expansion of the Karen Beasley Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Beach.

http://www.wwaytv3.com/node/19771

STARRY NIGHT NEWS #2: #1!

VAN GOGH'S STARRY NIGHT WORLD'S MOST POPULAR OIL PAINTING FOR 2009
OverstockArt.com Rankings List It As #1

Wichita, KS - The popular online art gallery, overstockArt.com, revealed today the annual Top 10 Oil Paintings rankings for 2009. Topping the list is Vincent van Gogh's irrefutable magnum opus, "Starry Night." Van Gogh's "Starry Night" reclaims its title as the world's most popular oil painting a year after Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" snatched the title away. According to overstockArt.com's statistics, Van Gogh has the top two most popular oil paintings in the world, with "Starry Night" in first place and "Café Terrace at Night" in second.

"Van Gogh consistently remains the most popular artist in the world, his total sales numbers have left everyone well behind," said David Sasson, CEO of overstockArt.com. The top oil paintings sold online according to overstockArt.com are:

• 1. "Starry Night" - Vincent van Gogh
• 2. "Café Terrace at Night" - Vincent van Gogh
• 3. "The Kiss" - Gustav Klimt
• 4. "Poppy Field at Argenteuil" - Claude Monet
• 5. "Luncheon of the Boating Party" - Pierre Auguste Renoir
• 6. "Garden Path at Giverny" - Claude Monet
• 7. "The Rest" - Pablo Picasso
• 8. "Red Cannas" - Georgia O'Keeffe
• 9. "Farbstudie Quadrate" (Color Study of Squares) - Wassily Kandinsky
• 10. "The Dream" - Pablo Picasso

According to Sasson, the Top 10 list is released annually due to popular demand.

"A lot of people want to know what's selling best because it helps them stay up to speed with the latest trends and allows them to know which paintings are the hippest and most desirable on the market."

"In the business world especially, where image is everything, many companies strive to keep up with the latest interior décor trends to maintain a modern appeal that will impress customers and clients," said Sasson.

Van Gogh's masterpiece, "Starry Night," was created in 1889. To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the creation, overstockArt.com developed a special rendition of the masterpiece in deep oil paint.

This special version of "Starry Night" was created by overstockArt.com over the course of a year, it took seven months to dry and weighs over 18 pounds. In 2009 overstockArt.com sold more than 45,000 oil paintings. They are one of the Web's most successful distributors of wall décor items with over 10,000 daily visitors and 100,000 loyal customers.

http://www.hamptons.com/the-arts/art-news/9515/van-goghs-starry-night-worlds-most-popular.html

DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES

For some people, dollhouse miniatures hold a real fascination and there’s no doubt that making good scale replicas can be an art-form. Never being one for dolls and failing to see the fascination for dollhouses, the fad has passed me by. Now, in my adult years, I can appreciate the artistry it tales to make tiny vases and chandeliers, but it just doesn’t float my boat. Never-the-less, in my quest for all things Starry Night, dollhouse miniatures cannot be ignored, especially when you see the quality of the following…

PAINTINGS

This 5.08cm (2 inch) square reproduction has me in two minds. No, the painting is not and should not be square, but the manufacturer has taken the time and trouble to morph the image to fit the frame when it would have been so much easier to chop off the sides of the painting to fit. That alone is to be commended. There’s also something pleasantly simple about having a plain dark wood frame when one is so used to seeing flashy gaudiness.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Funcky-Love__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Only 6.04 x 5.84cm (2.37 x 2.29 inches). It comes with an encouraging warning that should be on all great art: THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A TOY. IT IS AN ADULT COLLECTIBLE MINIATURE AND NOT FOR CHILDREN. The plain gold frame provides a modern air to the post-Impressionist piece that I’m not entirely comfortable with.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Mainly-Minis-Dollhouse-Miniatures__W0QQ_armrsZ1

A 1:12 scale double matted (gold and white). The picture alone is 5 x 3.5cm (1.96 x 1.37 inches) but with frame and matt: 7.7 x 6.2 (3.03 x 2.44). Including “realistic acrylic” glass, the matting softens the contemporary frame. In short, this is a really nice piece.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Kerbey-Lane-Miniatures__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Another 1:12 scale. The image itself is 6cm (2.36”) wide and 4.5cm (1.77”) high. The entire piece, including flamboyant frame, is 8 x 6.5cm (3.14 x 2.55 inches). I have to admit (with a little guilt) that I like the completely over-the-top look of this piece. If nothing else, it makes a grand statement that is the opposite of the Real Starry Night’s simply carved wood frame. A pure fantasy piece, I’m sure Vincent would be rolling over in his grave if he saw it.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Deluxe-Dollhouse-Art__W0QQ_armrsZ1

Unframed miniatures are available from some suppliers for those who want to attempt to create their own custom frame, although, a good photocopy would most likely suffice with those who have the determination.

BOOKS

At 1:12th scale, this book is just 2.9cm (1.14 inches) high and hand bound in blue linen with the photo dust jacket. This looks like - in part - Tamsin Pickeral’s Van Gogh: The world’s greatest art (2007), sans the sparse text. Sadly, this photo doesn’t show how beautiful this book really is. Where I could conceivably pull off making a frame for one of the paintings myself, I couldn’t dream of attempting this. It’s a work of art in itself.

If I didn’t already have all my favourite photos on my iPod Touch, I’d carry this around with me.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/Dateman-Books__W0QQ_armrsZ1

STARRY NIGHT NEWS #1: What the Dickens'

The Mail Tribune: South Oregon’s news source reported on December 12 that a new production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, performing at Oregon Stage Works until December 30, is a clean and warm reworking of the original. Special note was made of the scenic backdrops.

“...Scrooge's old school and Fezziwig's warehouse by having the ghosts simply whisk Scrooge around the OSW's nearly bare stage, which is essentially a thrust inside a black box, here dominated by Charles Couraud's amazing, giant painted backdrop of Dickensian London, about which, a word.

"Looks Chagall-ish," one theatergoer said, referring to the fantastical-joyous Yiddish-Russian artist (who did, incidentally, create murals for theaters). Couraud's impressionistic London is a panorama of buildings scattered pell-mell under a sky that looks like "Starry Night"-era Van Gogh.”

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091212/NEWS/912120314

VAN GOGH'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT #2: The Cupcake

THE STARRY NIGHT CUPCAKE

I found this a couple of weeks ago and was amazed that someone thought, and more importantly had the talent and patience to execute the painting… in icing… on cupcakes, but the “Love of Cupcakes” shop on Etsy has done just such a thing. The product listing states that 24 cupcakes are required for the full design and the cost is US$95 for the two dozen.

If there was some way to preserve this edible homage I’d add it to my collection in a heartbeat.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36013311
http://www.etsy.com/shop/loveofcupcakes

CUPCAKE UPDATE

I've been able to find a photo of the finished product... looks too good to eat!

VAN GOGH'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT #1: Starry Night Elephant

STARRY NIGHT ELEPHANT

Looks impressive, yes? Perhaps too impressive, because this beautiful work is actually an entry in an advanced Photoshop competition on the bizarrely delightful FreakingNews.com: a haven for the warped digital artists of the world. Digital art may be cutting edge, but Starry Night proves that a 120-year-old artwork can still be stunningly beautiful, particularly on the side of an elephant.

http://www.freakingnews.com/Elephant-Paint-Jobs-Pictures--1150.asp

MONEY

While Van Gogh’s likeness has appeared on many different forms of currency - from the Netherlands to France and now various values of the Euro, all either in circulatory editions of in silver and gold. Medallions have been produced by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and Van Gogh Preferred Banking claims to have a post-Impressionist philosophy to “maximise financial opportunities”.

The only currency I have been able to find with Starry Night is a rectangular silver dollar coin with zircon gemstones issued by Mennica Polska (Mint of Poland) for the Nuie Island Monetary Authority in 2007. Where is Nuie Island? Nuie is a raised atoll located in the Pacific Ocean approx. half way between Samoa and Tonga, three and a half hours north of New Zealand. It boasts of no crowds, no crime, whales, dolphins, underwater cathedrals and virgin rainforest.

Why should Mennica Polska issue a commemorative silver coin for a Polynesian Island? No idea. Mennica Polska issued a series of silver “Great Painters of the World” coins, including Renoir and Rembrandt for Andorra. While not rare (10,000 were issued), they can be scarce at times; the value depending on the price of silver and the enthusiasm of collectors. I picked up mine from eBay for $99, but I have seen them go for nearly $200 on auction. Some specialist coin retailers have asked for close to $300, so shop around.

http://www.mennica.com.pl/
http://www.niueisland.com/

ITALIAN CHARMS

I thought I’d start with something small and simple: Italian charms. Relatively affordable - between $1 and $10 - and wearable, these charms come in a variety of sizes and are compatible with most Italian charm formats.

Italian charm: photo in silver -
A faithful representation, the makers have managed to fit the painting into the charm dimensions without losing too much of the detail or scale.

Italian charm: photo in gold -
My favourite. Absolutely stunning. The gold lifts the colours right off the charm. I’d have an entire bracelet of Van Gogh gold Italian charms if they made 16 different paintings (currently only 12 exist). Don’t think I haven’t considered an entire bracelet of just this charm either.

Italian charm: glow in the dark in silver -
The glow-in-the-dark treatment has made the image a little fuzzy in real life, but it’s a decent if not novel reproduction.

Italian charm: Pugster with gold border -
The photo doesn’t do this charm justice, but there’s not a lot of justice to give. The charm itself is far clearer in person, however, Pugster have seen fit to cut the average 9mm length down to 8mm. One millimetre doesn’t sound like much of a muchness, but with the thick gold edge it cuts out the majority of the moon and one star to the left of the cypress.

Pugster are the undisputed kings of the Italian charm world, flooding the market with their over-priced trashy, nouveau-riche designs. Based in southern California, they follow any purchase with aggressive marketing, so be warned if considering any purchase.

Italian charm: mega link (18mm?) -
I am currently bidding on this charm on eBay and the description is a little unclear. According to the seller it can hold two 9mm links, though it does not say how and it doesn’t give the dimensions of the charm. I plan to report back if or when I receive it.

Italian charm: large square (13mm) in silver -
Designed for the larger Italian bracelet links, the makers have decided to square the charm and cut off a good portion of the picture. It’s like watching a widescreen movie in pan-scan.

Italian charm: cloisonné -
I know I said that I’d stick to faithful interpretations, but you have to admire the effort in reproducing such a complex painting in the 9mm x 4mm dimensions. The cloisonné wire is gold with traditional enamel on a stainless steel band.

As always, if anyoner reads this and knows of other designs, feel free to contact me.

BY WAY OF AN EXPLANATION: THE FIRST POST!

I have always been in love with Van Gogh’s Starry night. I don’t remember when I first saw the painting - it’s always been in my life and it’s always influenced me.

My collection started on my 21st birthday when my mother gave me a life-sized framed print. After that, I was in need of a mirror/compact and happened upon one with Starry Night on it. From then on it was a slippery slope. Now, as my collection is growing quickly, I find myself seeking out (and spending a considerable amount of money on) more and more unusual items. It seems a shame to have them all just sit on my Shrine to Starry Night, so I thought I’d launch them out into cyberspace as a resource for any others who may be similarly bent.

Enjoy.