Need a Van Gogh Expert?

What makes Vincent Van Gogh's legacy so enduring? The sheer and simple magic of his paintings? His tragic, early death? The controversy surrounding his ear? March 30th is Van Gogh's 157th birthday and with the new discovery of one of his paintings celebrate the life and work of this cherished Dutch Impressionist in an insightful interview with a Van Gogh expert.

Van Gogh's work can be seen on display at the National Gallery of Art in D.C., The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and dozens of cities across the United States. The Royal Academy of Arts in London is currently hosting the exhibition "The Real Van Gogh," which uses Van Gogh's letters and writings to address the mystery behind the man. Our ongoing fascination with Van Gogh's legacy is always a hot media topic. Recent stories have run in the LA Times (http://bit.ly/cNwVqf), New Yorker (http://bit.ly/7wFKiX) and NYTimes.com (http://nyti.ms/6Xagzg).

Some of the topics our experts can elaborate on include:

*The newly authenticated Le Blute-Fin Mill: Where the opinion of art connoisseur meets scientific research.

*Potato Eaters: What is the real meaning behind his first major work The Potato Eaters?

*Synesthesia: What is synesthesia and how does it relate to Van Gogh's work?

*The Ear Myth: Is Paul Gauguin responsible for cutting off Van Gogh's ear?

*Illness: Was Van Gogh mad or an inspiring figure?

*Van Gogh's Struggle Success - during and after his life - and the birth of marketing

*Van Gogh's art as a status symbol.

*What separates Van Gogh from other impressionists?

*The lost Van Gogh paintings.

Our Van Gogh experts are:

Diederick Van Eck: This performer/producer is the first person to record an entire album based on Van Gogh's famous paintings. With the research assistance of the Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam, Van Eck crafted 12 songs for a musical and visual journey into the heart and soul of Dutch painter and volatile artistic genius Vincent Van Gogh. This CD/art book called 'Van Gogh by Van Eck' (available now) is a powerful and moving concept album that illustrates the tortured life and inspirational journey of one of the most recognized artists of all time.

Watch interview sound bites by Van Eck here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/PrivateSound

Dr. Fred Leeman: Dr. Fred Leeman is the Curator Emeritus of the Van Gogh Museum of Amsterdam and assisted Van Eck in his research for 'Van Gogh by Van Eck.' He is an art historian, former educator, and published author of numerous articles and books including Van Gogh's Table, New York 2001.

Pamela Philips Oland: Pamela is a GRAMMY nominated songwriter and author of the books The Art of Writing Great Lyrics and The Art of Writing Love Songs. She is the lyricists who worked with Van Eck on creating the album ‘Van Gogh by Van Eck.’

To book an interview with a Van Gogh expert, please contact Diana D'Angelo

at Shore Fire Media, 718.522.7171 or ddangelo@shorefire.com