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Do you think there was a jealousy there or a rivalry between Van Gogh and Gauguin?
Yes I think so, I think there definitely had to be. I think Gauguin expected it to be his own way all the time. He would be the tutor and Van Gogh would willingly listen. What he saw in Van Gogh is something I think that he hadn't seen before. Maybe he recognised that did not have to the same degree whatever it was Van Gogh had. I think what blew Gauguin's mind was he arrived in Arles, in a studio with a guy who could complete a canvas in 45 minutes which would take Gauguin anything up to a week and beyond. It was amazing.
Their own relationship wasn't always the healthiest but artistically it was hugely influential for both of them, wasn't it?
Yes absolutely, and there was tremendous respect there. They did love each other and they both admired what the other was doing and it was most productive period in all their lives. It was a stunning turning point for both of them. After that Gauguin left France himself forever.
Yes I think so, I think there definitely had to be. I think Gauguin expected it to be his own way all the time. He would be the tutor and Van Gogh would willingly listen. What he saw in Van Gogh is something I think that he hadn't seen before. Maybe he recognised that did not have to the same degree whatever it was Van Gogh had. I think what blew Gauguin's mind was he arrived in Arles, in a studio with a guy who could complete a canvas in 45 minutes which would take Gauguin anything up to a week and beyond. It was amazing.
Their own relationship wasn't always the healthiest but artistically it was hugely influential for both of them, wasn't it?
Yes absolutely, and there was tremendous respect there. They did love each other and they both admired what the other was doing and it was most productive period in all their lives. It was a stunning turning point for both of them. After that Gauguin left France himself forever.
And is their evidence that Gauguin was paid by Theo Van Gogh?
I think he was. He was good at self PR and getting himself looked after. Theo was his agent I think. It is blurry, but I think Theo worried about Vincent and wanted to help Gauguin a little bit to make his mind up.
And do you think that as a writer you understand the creative process they went through better than most?
I'm not sure about the creative process but I understand the length of time involved, and I understand the isolation. I think that's why both of them jumped at the chance of working together. Rattling around with something on your own in isolation is tough. Gauguin said in the film about having to leave everything, in order to be together and paint together. Two artists who admired each other enormously. Their hearts must of really hoped it would work you know.
I think he was. He was good at self PR and getting himself looked after. Theo was his agent I think. It is blurry, but I think Theo worried about Vincent and wanted to help Gauguin a little bit to make his mind up.
And do you think that as a writer you understand the creative process they went through better than most?
I'm not sure about the creative process but I understand the length of time involved, and I understand the isolation. I think that's why both of them jumped at the chance of working together. Rattling around with something on your own in isolation is tough. Gauguin said in the film about having to leave everything, in order to be together and paint together. Two artists who admired each other enormously. Their hearts must of really hoped it would work you know.
Do you think that Gauguin was heartbroken by what happened to Van Gogh? And do you think he felt responsible for it?
I think he was heartbroken and maybe felt responsible. But Gauguin was good at making the world bend to suit him. He was a tremendously flamboyant character. If he felt responsible he would never let anyone know. He really would have never shown vulnerability. But after the night Van Gogh cut off part of his ear, they never saw each other again. I think that Gauguin stopped it dead. Van Gogh wrote to him, and he didn't write back. He could recognise the madness and he had to look after himself. He was a master of that.
I think he was heartbroken and maybe felt responsible. But Gauguin was good at making the world bend to suit him. He was a tremendously flamboyant character. If he felt responsible he would never let anyone know. He really would have never shown vulnerability. But after the night Van Gogh cut off part of his ear, they never saw each other again. I think that Gauguin stopped it dead. Van Gogh wrote to him, and he didn't write back. He could recognise the madness and he had to look after himself. He was a master of that.
