It is good to love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is well done VVG.

I regard myself as an artist, but also as a student of the life experience. 

As far back as I can remember I have always been creative so it was only natural that when the Vincent Van Gogh Exhibition came to Manchester I would want to visit. Since really focussing on my creative side in the past few years I feel like I want to understand & soak up as much creative energy as I can. To learn more about one of the most famous artists to have lived is an opportunity not to be missed.

Art is to console those who are broken by life VVG.

Not having the traditional ‘artist’ background – college, university etc – my knowledge of the great artists isn’t very in depth. I tend to take in information better through images & quotes (small bullet points or paragraphs) rather than reading so I was really looking forward to the Van Gogh multi sensory Experience. 

On the day we was booked to go I wasn’t having a ‘good day’ & I was extremely anxious about going out. I took my medication before we went in to help ease with this & hope I could still enjoy it. I didn’t really know what to expect but i did expect it to be very busy – which added to my anxiety.

A great fire burns within me, but no one stops to warm themselves at it, and passers-by only see a wisp of smoke VVG.

We got there early & the staff was kind enough to let us in abit earlier even though it was clearly very busy.

On entrance you can see quotes & images on the wall from Vincent. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the set up of his famous Bedroom in Arles picture. This re-inactment was done extremely well & was also interactive – as you could sit on the bed or at the table & be part of the painting.

I took the opportunity to sit on the bed & pose with my phone in my hand – which is how I mostly create my artwork at home in my bedroom! I loved that I had the chance to get this photo of myself in what must be the most famous bedroom in art history – as I feel this is art in itself & has a real significance to me! The times he must of sat on that bed processing thoughts & feelings of the world & surroundings with his creative (& sometimes tortured) mind is definitely what I relate to.

After I had the photo I started to feel overwhelmed & anxiety started to get the better of me so had to stand to the side & take a moment & medication. My mind was rushing & my senses was very much heightened which isn’t great in a public area.

There is peace even in the storm VVG.

As we went into the next area this turned out to be what I can only describe as a living show. It was a large dark room which showed Van Goghs artwork all over the walls & floor, but the artwork was moving like it was alive. As well as the animated images there was also quotes which told his life’s story. The classic theatrical music only added to what I would say was an amazing experience.

Although I wasn’t feeling great & had to cut the visit short after experiencing the ‘Sunflowers’ room – which again was done beautifully (I also didn’t get to experience the full theatrical story in the main room as I had to leave) I did really feel the magic of the exhibition.

I would love to return & see it another time when I am in a better place to enjoy it fully.

The producers of this exhibition are obviously masters of what they do. This is a stunning tribute to such an Interesting artistic genius & I highly recommend it to anyone who gets the chance to visit.

Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it VVG.