Hokusai/Van Gogh

In Chapter 1 of Living With Art there are many incredible artists, and countless pieces of art to discuss. The stories and art of Vincent Van Gogh and Katsushika Hokusai were the first two that sparked my interest the most. Their skill being so advanced is impressive considering being artists in the 1800's. Van Gogh and Hokusai have completely different backgrounds and style of painting but are both self taught. 

Katsushika Hokusai lived from 1760 to 1849, almost reaching 90 years old, even though he wished to live past 100. He not only painted, Japanese style, but also carved wood as a designer. He was a disheveled artist and had to move frequently because he would not clean after himself. He created so many paintings that he never threw away; and instead scattered about the houses until they were unlivable. His paintings were most often scenery throughout Tokyo which was Edo when he was alive. Even though he was a very accomplished artist he did not see wealth in money. His fame led to live public demonstrations for different groups of people and fans where he would make different kinds of art for everyone. He had a sense of humor and faked being modest. He knew he had incredible talent.

Vincent Van Gogh appeared just years after Hokusai’s death. Van Gogh is easily described as a world famous oil painter that was a tormented soul and had an extremely short career. Dying at the young age of 37 he had only taken an interest in art when he was 27. Like Hokusai he was self taught and had a very particular style of painting. Unlike Hokusai, Van Gogh used a lot of light and color in his oil paintings. His most well known work was done in his last two to three years of life which were spent in an insane asylum where he continued to paint feverishly. He was devoted to art in the same obsessed way Hokusai was. He was quoted saying “...but rich because I have found in my work something to which i can devote my heart and soul, and which gives inspiration and significance to life”. 

Artists this devoted and passionate about creating art are much more likely to be estranged from real life. The love expressed through their paintings was worth moving moving once sometimes twice a year, or even prolonging a miserable existence because what was made was inspiring and beautiful. Hokusai and Van Gogh may not have been understood by most but are famously respected.