|
Published: June 03, 2008 01:59 pm
CHASING VAN GOGH: Niagara native on a mission
By Michele Deluca
E-mail Michele
If you want a sweet gig, you sometimes just have to create it yourself.
That’s the case for Niagara Falls native David Oliver, who recently was awarded a grant to travel to the south of France and Amsterdam to research the life of painter Vincent van Gogh.
Oliver, an actor who resides in Buffalo, received the David Fendrick Theater Award to produce and perform a one-man play about the prolific but deeply troubled painter.
Oliver took a few moments prior to leaving on his journey to talk with a questioner from Niagara Living who would have changed places with him in a New York minute.
QUESTION: So, we might as well start right in with the ear thing. Van Gogh cut off his own ear. What’s with that?
ANSWER: (Laughs) I’m sick of the ear. Which doesn’t mean I won’t portray that in my play. But it’s the No. 1 question I get. When I told my mother I was going to portray Vincent van Gogh, she asked me, Are you going to do the ear?”
Q: So why did he do it?
A: Over the years, there have been many theories. He was always a highly emotional man. He was driven by his need to create. Some people think he was in depression. He did drink a lot. I think it was a combination of things. He sent the piece of his ear to a favorite prostitute, Rachel, with the note: “Keep this object carefully.”
Q: You know you look just like him.
A: Yeah, I know I do.
Q: Is that why you chose to write about him?
A: I don’t know. There’s an emotional connection that goes back to my teens. I had a poster of his sunflowers in my room.
Q: Did you like that song that Don McLane wrote about him, “Starry Starry Nights?”
A: That’s the other thing I hate to talk about is that song. I think Don McLane wrote a terrific and heartfelt song. I just can’t listen to that damn song.
Q: I’m really jealous. You get to go to the south of France and to Amsterdam. What are you going to do there?
A: I was just thinking today that when I get there, I’ll probably have dinner at the cafe that was believed to be the “night cafe” that he painted. Then I’m going to meet the doctor who runs the asylum where van Gogh stayed, who does art therapy with his patients based on Vincent’s work. I’m also going to spend some time at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
A: He was a pretty tormented guy. Aren’t you kind of worried about immersing yourself in his life?
Q: A very dear friend of mine who is a wonderful aerial artist said to me, “Be careful of him.” (Laughs) That’s all I’m saying.
Contact editor Michele DeLuca
at 693-1000, ext. 157.
|
|
|
|
 |
Marriage Counselor
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position:
...>MORE
Used Car Lot Helper
USED CAR Lot Helper misc. duties, valid drivers license, great work environment. For details 731-2319 ask for Mr. Dan...>MORE
Recreational Aide
Recreational Aide - Full/part time. Performs hand on activities to include crafts, cooking, recreational and social acti...>MORE
Sale Interviews
SALES. Joe Cecconi's Chrysler Complex, 2380 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Joe Cecconi's offers: Excellent pay ...>MORE
Dietitian
Dietitian with duties to incl. cooking & ability to give direction in a health facility's dietary dept. Benefits incl. 4...>MORE
Private Investigator
Private Investigator
Proven ability and equipment to conduct surveillance, background inquires and searches. 1-5 ye...>MORE
Hospitality/Tourism Instructor
Hospitality/Tourism. NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE is seeking applications for part-time instructor to teach hospita...>MORE
Retail Manager
RETAIL Manager needed, exp needed, full time. Fax resumes to Hyde Park Laundry 285-8677....>MORE
Adult Residential Services Administrator
HUMAN SERVICES
Progressive Niagara County Agency serving adults with psychiatric disabilties seeks an Adult Reside...>MORE
FOREMAN & LABORERS
Basement Waterproofing co. needs a foreman & laborers for expanding business, exp. w/interior drain tile a plus, 471-723...>MORE
See all ads |
Ford 2001 Taurus
Ford 2001 Taurus Station wagon, well maintained, 112,000 miles Siver ext. 4 dr, auto, asking $2800/BO. 716-772-2454....>MORE
1996 Ford Escort
FORD 1996 Escort 4 cyl, 2 dr, exc cond in & out, no rust, 1 owner, only 61k orig mi, $2195. 523-7102...>MORE
Chevy 1995 Pickup
CHEVY 1995 Pickup truck, 4WD, 5 speed, must see, never had plow on it, $2800 bo, 804-5579...>MORE
1984 Cadillac Eldorado
CADILLAC Eldorado 1984, runs, inspected, $500. 283-3552....>MORE
Nissan 1993 4x4
NISSAN 1993 4x4, extended cab, bedliner cap, $1200 or best offer, 715-2450...>MORE
1999 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1999 Caravan, 33, V6, auto, A/C, 99k miles, good cond., runs great. $1950. 525-7796...>MORE
Dodge 1993 Dakota 4x4
FORD 1999 WIndstar, LX, fully loaded, 38k miles, $3850. Excellent condition 860-4747...>MORE
1996 Saturn Sport Coup
SATURN 1996 Sport coup, 4 cyl, auto, exc cond in & out, loaded, CD, no rust, 97k orig. mi, $2195. 523-7102....>MORE
Monte Carlo Z24 1998
MONTE CARLO Z24, 1998, runs good, average miles, excellent shape, $1800 , 990-2303...>MORE
Yamaha 1982, 750
YAMAHA 1982, 750, runs perfect,
low mileage, $895.
716-525-2889...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
