An unsatisfied energy
Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from The Hague, c. 11 April 1883
To tell you the truth, my purse is rather empty; it certainly isn't your fault, yet it isn't mine, either - no matter how I contrive, I can't save more, and I need more money than I have to execute some plans. If I started on those things, I should have to give them up in the middle. But it is a melancholy thing to have to say, "I could make such and such a thing if it weren't for the expense." Then an unsatisfied energy remains, which one should wish to use instead of stifle. But I don't want to complain - I am grateful that I can make progress - though not so vigorously as I should wish. But the English say, "Time is money," and sometimes I can't help thinking it is hard to see the time pass during which things might have been done if I had had the means.
Letter 279
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
To tell you the truth, my purse is rather empty; it certainly isn't your fault, yet it isn't mine, either - no matter how I contrive, I can't save more, and I need more money than I have to execute some plans. If I started on those things, I should have to give them up in the middle. But it is a melancholy thing to have to say, "I could make such and such a thing if it weren't for the expense." Then an unsatisfied energy remains, which one should wish to use instead of stifle. But I don't want to complain - I am grateful that I can make progress - though not so vigorously as I should wish. But the English say, "Time is money," and sometimes I can't help thinking it is hard to see the time pass during which things might have been done if I had had the means.
Letter 279
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what
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