Carol Berry and her husband met and befriended Henri Nouwen when she sat in his course on compassion at Yale Divinity School in the 1970s. At the request of Henri Nouwen's literary estate, she has written this book, which includes unpublished material recorded from Nouwen's lectures. As an art educator, Berry is uniquely situated to develop Nouwen's work on Vincent van Gogh and to add her own research. She fills in background on the much misunderstood spiritual context of van Gogh's work, and reinterprets van Gogh's art (presented here in full color) in light of Nouwen's lectures. Berry also brings in her own experience in ministry, sharing how Nouwen and van Gogh, each in his own way, led her to the richness and beauty of the compassionate life.
"Carol Berry interweaves her own stories with Henri Nouwen's and with those of the artist who inspired them both, Vincent van Gogh. Her deep insights into struggle, solidarity with people, and the nature of creativity are powerful and universal. With careful research and thoughtful reflections, Berry clearly shows the reader the interconnections of their journeys and the threads of beauty they sha
John August Swanson, artist and printmaker
"From the faithful and artistic genius of Vincent van Gogh to the passionate and insightful teachings of Henri Nouwen, this light-filled book is a must-read for everyone. A personal glimpse into the author's shining examples of living the compassionate life gives intimate and amazing insight into loving our neighbors as ourselves. A colorful and brilliant work about love and genuine concern that bring van Gogh and Nouwen to life as servant leaders to humanity."
Jane A. LoBrutto, licensed minister and administrator
