"I shall grow in the tempest"

Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh, from Drenthe, 17 November 1883

Well, I repeat, let us possess our souls in patience, let things decide themselves. . . .

I admit it is very difficult to know what one has to do. Money plays a brutal part in society, and I partially share your feelings in that respect. But then, I feel such a vivid hope that painting will set our real energy free, and yet keep us afloat, though the first years may be very difficult. If I have to perish, then I shall perish, is the only thing one can say. As to my saying, If you stay with Goupil for good, I shall be obliged to refuse your help, do not suppose I think too highly of my present work.

No, I am well aware it had no market value, but my idea is that I want to work without any more protection than others have, and I shall throw myself into it headlong, not because I think I have arrived, but because I believe: "I shall grow in the tempest."

Letter 341
Translation courtesy of Robert Harrison.
Back to The Way of Vincent: Making art no matter what