Topic: Other News
I just finished reading "The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles". by Martin Guyford. For the most part well written and researched. Both artist were ardent pipe smokers (the bohemian and proletarian alternative to the cigar.) Vincent short on sales, short on cash he still managed to buy tobacco from local merchant, Maria Ourtoul. Pipe smoking was a great solace for Vincent- he recommended it as a source of comfort and remedy for Melancholy. He unfortuneately also soothed himself with drink.
As you all know, when Vincent's mental state worsened, he cut off part of his ear. The next morning upon waking from his stupor, all bloody and bandaged, Vincent asked for: his comrade (Gauguin, his pipe, and his tobacco.) Weeks thereafter, at the beginning of July, he tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in the chest.
When he awoke from this ordeal, and before dying of the wound, again he asked for his pipe and smoked it calmly in his bed. Towards the end, he wrote his brother Theo and said, he wished he could pass away like this. Vincent Van Gogh died Tuesday, July 29, 1890.
Posted by thos.martin
at 7:20 PM EST
Updated: Tuesday, 27 February 2007 9:17 AM EST
Guess what Pipe 706 will be and win a free pouch of pipe tobacco!
This pipe is the opposite of my many creations. Usually I try to make a pipe first for sale, and if it isn't saleable but it is serviceable, it becomes MINE. This pipe I made for myself, and it is saleable... so its for sale. Its too nice to be wasted on me, I can make more...
Left to do:
Pipemaking 101- a willing and qualified woodworker goes home with a block ready for shaping. In effect, what he got was a pre-drilled block. But, he learned how to drill the holes the TM way, and fit the stem: Mortise & Tenon.To the student, it was worth cost of materials and gift of tobacco. It was a good day, and learning experience for me as well.
