Saturday, October 8, 2011

Girl in the Woods


Every time I look at this image, it grows on me. There's something about the way the girl is standing in the forest, so alone and small beneath the ancient trees.  I wonder, why has she gone into these woods? What is she considering, as she stands there on the forest floor, a world of fallen leaves beneath her feet? She's holding on to something. It appears to be a solitary brush and a palette.  Has she gone into the forest to paint? Is she somehow lost? Is the world confusing, or has she found solace there?

The light coming through the trees, a gray-blue sky in the distance, a path winding its way between ... What was van Gogh trying to tell us? What did he see, what did he feel, when he painted her there, standing in the forest?  Again and again I return to the brushstrokes of green on the tree behind her. I think of him, in that moment when he moved his brush across his palette, then, reaching out, left those four small strokes of color.  It's been almost a hundred and thirty years, and they still make all the difference.



I felt like lying down by the side of the trail and remembering it all. The woods do that to you, they always look familiar, long lost, like the face of a long dead relative, like an old dream, like a piece of forgotten song drifting across the water, most of all like golden eternities of past childhood, past manhood and all the living and dying and the heartbreak that went on a million years ago and the clouds as they pass overhead seem to testify (by their own lonesome familiarity) to this feeling.

~ Jack Kerouac, Dharma Bums




Vincent van Gogh, "Girl in the Woods," 1882.

58 comments:

  1. This painting is one I have never seen before.

    The girl cannot be lost, there is light shining through the trees, she WILL find her way out. She is only a few steps away from the path, and yet . . .

    I find this painting haunting, as it is almost monochrome; the dark roots of the tree are threateningly close to the figure and I am a little afraid for her.

    Fanciful? Not at all.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a feeling of isolation, but good isolation--a chance to be with yourself in nature. This reminds me of Hokusai and other Japanese prints that depict humans as insignificant in nature, or the greater scheme of things.
    I love this painting. The white in the background seems to make it a safe place to be simply be.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm not sure what Van Gogh was trying to say, but he left a trail and a bit of color for her. Maybe he was saying that the path is always there and it is our choice to look for direction. We can choose to be lost... but we can also leave the trail to find new directions and looking into the forest of our fears gives us strength to make decisions about our lives.
    The pallet and paintbrush may just be Van Gogh's added piece of himself?...Or "she" could be him... and his inner turmoil about his sexuality... or part of his illness.
    Makes the mind wonder. That's what good art is about.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Friko really pinpointed the import of the painting. Like her, I'd never before seen it. Thank you, Teresa, for sharing it with us.

    Have you ever read the novels of Louise Penny? She's a Canadian writer who has won many prestigious awards. Reading her books in order, beginning with "Still Life," is probably the most gratifying because in each of her subsequent books in the series she deepens our understanding of the main characters.

    Her most recent book is entitled, if I'm remembering correctly, "A Trick of the Light." In it, Claire, an artist, has a gallery showing of her superb works and Penny write so well about these works of art.

    I think you, with your deep appreciate or art and fine writing, would fine that book and all the books in the series deeply satisfying.

    Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That reminds me of an old photo I saw of a small boy standing beneath one of the giant Sequoias. I've always wanted to see them!

    ReplyDelete
  6. She ran ahead and is waiting for the others.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So very interesting. It makes me think of Andrew Wyeth's work for some reason. Maybe it it the lone figure. But, there is no movement as is in most all of Andrew's work. I like it very much. I would make the figure an mature woman if the painting had not been named as it is. This is the first time I have seen this painting also.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Friko, It's the idea that the path is right there, but she still appears lost, metaphorically speaking, that I keep returning to.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Rubye Jack, Isolation seems to be a theme for you and me, does it not? Perhaps for many of us. It is a word that seems very appropriate here. Thanks for your insights.

    ReplyDelete
  10. "Looking into the forest of our fears gives us strength," yes, it certainly does. It might be nice to come out of the woods for a while, though. :)

    I was wondering about the sexual implications, too. Is it really van Gogh, expressing his own fears? Who knows, but it is an intriguing idea, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Farmlady, My last comment was intended for you, of course.



    Dee, This is fairly new for me, as well. I just came across it a few months ago and it has intrigued me since. I have not heard of Louise Penny, but will look into her books. It sounds like an interesting series. Thanks for telling me about it and thanks for the kind words about my writing. My middle name is Claire. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Li, I thought about the sequoias, too. Good to see you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Steve, I like your interpretation very much. Nice.

    ReplyDelete
  14. ME, I see what you mean, I can see Wyeth in this, too. Very much so.

    I thought about the age of the figure, too, and a mature woman would be interesting, but I think, for me, this gave me a sense of often painful adolescence, as though Ophelia was in the woods. No water waiting, just woods instead. But, that's just me... :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I like the forest in daylight, but being alone in a wood like that is frightening. The trees are so huge and nature can be threatening in the dark, making the trees alive like lians trying to strangle you and a troll behind each tree! I don't know if the girl is afraid; she looks like frozen in time - but if she wants to she can go to the path and on to the light and the sea. She's got a choice but she is waiting. I hope she's not blind? I think it looks like knittings in her hand, but you know it is a brush, Teresa? Maybe he'll show us that when we are out in the powerful nature, then we are small and helpless and scared like a child. He could really make us wonder that van Gogh!
    cheers
    Grethe

    ReplyDelete
  16. Grethe, I had not considered knitting, but it's possible. I saw what I thought I saw, but do not know. You could be right! I like what you've said here, about the sometimes frightening power of nature, and how helpless we can seem to be. I think she appears frozen in time, too, which leads to more questions... :) Yes, the wonder of van Gogh.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm back! Just saw after I sent the comment that she's looking in the wrong direction. Why? And why is she wearing a white hat? White is a symbol of purity and innocence. Dark and light is good and evil.How many questions came up!! But it might be a coincidence that she's wearing black clothes and a white hat! And if it's a knitting in her hand then maybe this is "Ariadne's thread". You'll have to follow the thread to find your way.... I think I'll stop now. You have once again left me with a problem of insoluble dimensions!!! It is your own fault that I keep on commenting!!!
    Grethe `)

    ReplyDelete
  18. As always I think it is what we bring to the picture. Sitting outside tonight in the dark and very happy to be doing so, the colors appear different and much lighter, and also she is not far from a path--at all. I didn't even see the path before. Isn't that funny. Very much what we bring...

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm a very poor art critic, but it seems to me that van Gogh had a much different perception of a forest than I have. I would get that kind of feel from a city.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Grethe, You may comment as often as you wish or have something you'd like to add. I see all that you've offered here, and it does seem to lead to more questions. The hat and her dark clothes are interesting. re: van Gogh - most of his lady friends were prostitutes. Is he putting a white hat on such a friend and does he see her differently than others might? Is this really about his lady friend and her life? See? It goes on and on! And, maybe he was just painting a girl in the woods.... but I doubt it. I have a feeling he was a pretty complicated fellow. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Rubye Jack is back! :) It really is what we bring to it, no doubt, as it is in all of life, with all things. It is our perceptions which form our "reality" I believe, and these are often based on our emotional make-up and how we perceive our "personal histories." Sitting out in the dark can be very illuminating. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Montucky, One doesn't have to be an art critic to offer up a response to art. It's all so very personal. Even art critics are simply doing what I mentioned above. It's impossible to really get away from our own perceptions. We can attempt to maintain neutrality but I don't thing it's humanly possible.

    I agree. Despite the darkness of the forest and the sense of isolation, I would also find myself with similar feelings in a city. Your mountain hikes are filled with beauty and are a great counterpoint to this image.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I had never seen it before, either. It is haunting, so I can see why you keep thinking about it. I've been there, and it feels lonely without being threatening. Very interesting post, Teresa. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read this late last night and, being tired, I wanted to wait to respond until morning. Back I came to even more responses, Teresa. What a tribute to Van Gogh that all these years later a painting, one I, too, had never seen before, could evoke so many different responses. A tribute, as well, to your writing.

    There is the path, the light, the water beyond, and the dabs of green give a sense of direction - moss on the north side of a tree? It is also interesting that she is standing right at the tip of an exposed root. At first, I thought our girl to be all alone and confused, then, I wondered if it wasn't, instead, that she is contemplating taking a different route. Does she see something beyond? Something the viewer cannot see?
    Or, maybe, it is just Gretel, wondering where Hansel dropped the crumbs.
    Wouldn't it be wonderful to see the original painting? Ah, I'm but a dreamer.

    ReplyDelete
  25. DJan, It has brought yup more questions than are answered.... Thanks for stopping in and responding. I think one can feel isolated without feeling threatened or fearful, but it's a balancing act, isn't it?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Penny, It always raises this kind of thinking for me when I see great art, such as van Gogh. I wasn't sure if that was water or more gray-blue sky....

    I find it intriguing how she's looking away from the path and into the woods....

    van Gogh! Where are you? We need you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I've not seen that one before either. It is odd. I feel solace when I look at the picture- all seems peaceful.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is the second post today that I have seen of an unfamiliar Van Gogh. An unexpected and wonderful gift to me@

    ReplyDelete
  29. rumpydog, Welcome! I love your response. It gives the exclamation point to how it is all perception. You have a pretty good relationship with "the woods," it seems, and I like that.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Kate, It's so nice to see something we haven't seen before, isn't it?

    I hope you're having a good St. Paul Sunday morning!

    ReplyDelete
  31. very intriguing post! i love the combination of van gogh and kerouac that you've brought into being. i can't help but imagine what it would be like to be in the presence of van gogh and kerouac?!

    i gave you one of my weekly goddess awards for your sidebar if you are interested.

    in joy,
    elise

    ReplyDelete
  32. Elise, Thank you so Much! I appreciate the visit and the mention on your blog. I've never posted awards, but it is hard to resist the goddess award... :) I plan to mention your blog and provide a link back on my next post when it will reach people who have already visited this one.

    Again, Thank You!

    ReplyDelete
  33. I wanted to mention, Elise, I appreciate your making the van Gogh/Kerouac connection in your comments. My own response to this painting is found in the Kerouac quote.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I spent so much time wandering alone in a small piece of the prairie as a girl that it never occurred to me she'd be lost or afraid or lonely. She stands tall and sure. I thought she was holding a small branch, because I so often carried things I found along my way--and I often preferred to be off the beaten path, but not too far away. I guessed her to watching something--a squirrel, a fox, a rabbit, a crow...found the painting to be inviting.

    And Jack--he has a way of finding the ancient comfort in the present--wanting to just lie down in it--let it fill you up with the life of it all--ahhh! That is how I felt lying in the prairie grass watching the dragonflies.

    I loved both of these and they fit together quite perfectly. :):)

    ReplyDelete
  35. She Looks Like She Is Standing Guard.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Rita, I'm glad you responded. I appreciate your thoughts on this. That you saw it from a more peaceful perspective gives me even more food for thought.

    I love that quote by Jack, but its also one of my all-time favorite books. Your line about Jack finding "ancient comfort in the present...let it fill you up with the life of it all," really speaks to who he was/is.

    I'm glad you understood my connection of these two men who offer us so much.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tony, Ah, a forest guardian, or? Thanks, tony, for bringing another perspective!

    ReplyDelete
  38. When I do my daily 5-mile walk with Cody I step off the path too, when nature calls. :)

    Manzanita@Wannabuyaduck

    ReplyDelete
  39. Richard Pryor used to do a hilarious take on a white woman peeing in the woods. I've done so many times. Perhaps she's contemplating how far off the path she would have to go... :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. She's talking with her invisible friend, possibly her future self, who came to visit from beyond the trees in the land of light:)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Well, well, Will, A more metaphysical approach. I like it. "Beyond the trees in the land of light." Yeah. I can dig that.

    Good Lord, I just said, 'I can dig that.' But, I can! :)

    Thanks, Will.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I think this is a safe haven for this girl. She does not seem to be in fear. I think her mind and body are at peace. I think she wants to be here forever but knows she must take the return path. She also knows she can return to this safe haven again and again.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello Steven, I like your interpretation. It gives her strength and that's nice.
    Thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. LOVE the inspiration you feel from art and other art forms, like the poem. Like me. Also, I see that you're from Minnesota. Like me. And, we have a mutual blog friend. Kittie Howard. Glad to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi Mary, I'm happy to meet you, a fellow blogger from this area and not too many miles away. I look forward to visiting your site. Art is a mainstay of my life. I can't imagine life without it.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Like many of the others here I haven't seen this painting before and find it unusual and haunting. I think it's got a lot to do with the the figure being so small in this space and compared to the trees - the heightened scale conveys the emotions - lost or lonely, in awe...however we interpret them. I love your take on it and the Kerouac quote is just so fantastic I've had to copy it and store it up to read again.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Avril, It is a thought-provoking painting, isn't it? Glad you like the Kerouac quote, too. I've always loved his perspective on life.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi, Kitty sent me over. I have never seen this painting before, either - I confess, I am put in mind of a girl hiding and afraid, perhaps of some conflict in her village. I'm currently reading a rather sombre book of the Bosnian troubles, which I am sure must be influencing the way I interpret it.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Shrinky, I can certainly see why that would influence you and it's also an interesting perspective. There's something about her hat that lends credence to that view.
    Thanks so much for coming by.

    ReplyDelete
  50. It is indeed a wonderful picture - and thanks for bringing it to my attention as I am not sure I have seen it before. It is both the sense of relative scale and the fantastic colours.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Alan, I love the colors, too. It was fun to discover a van Gogh I hadn't seen before.

    ReplyDelete
  52. She looks like she is considering her position in the world. A human, pretty small. Still, pretty significant.

    Great JK quote. One of my favorites. This post was awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hey Bill, It does have a sense of that and I like that - small, but significant. It's such an intriguing image for me. I'm glad you like the JK quote, too - one woods lover to another.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  54. She looks like she's leaning back towards the tree as if the tree is drawing her near. Reminds me of the giant redwoods in California the sheer mass of them. My eye goes back and forth between the green on the tree and the girl, if the green wasn't there she'd be for focal. I was unfamiliar with this one and I like it.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi Linda, I continue to return to this painting. I cannot articulate its draw for me, but I love so much about it. The green and the girl, yes, together they have made this painting so very thought-provoking.

    ReplyDelete
  56. It's like she's torn between the lure of the deep woods and the predictable path through the woods. Possibly a statement of Vincent's own struggles to be free of his demons. Beautiful work.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Yeah. I like that. It dos seem to be that she's pausing to consider... and a great insight into Vincent's ongoing struggles. Thanks, Cletis.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I just found your site while looking for images of woods for photo manipulation which I like to do. The Van Gogh painting is haunting, I'm an artist and I never saw that one. You have a great site - the theme, images and quotes are right up my alley.

    ReplyDelete