I could not stop my empathetic tears from flowing as I listened to all accounts of his life. I too, was born into religious family, I too was an exile. I too am a professional artist. I too struggle with addiction (alcohol, drugs, sex). I too struggle with mental illness; I recently was diagnosed with PTSD and mild forms of disassociation to cope with neglect and abuse. Vincent’s life story brings comfort to me, and I have a new found respect and admiration for him always being true to his artistic nature.
I am about his age when he passed away and I feel stronger than ever to continue my art and seize an appreciation for life and the art of expressing ones true self. Thank you Vincent, you inspire millions.