What do Man with a hoe, by Jean-François Millet and Starbucks have in common?
Being an avid follower of Van Gogh (who created a drawing inspired by Millet's Man with a Hoe), I recognized at once Starbuck's nod to these great artists. Brilliant.
Millet was a thoughtful artist who cared deeply about the dignity of the commoner. As I stood in line waiting for my pumpkin-spiced latte, I whipped out my phone to consider Millet's wisdom via Google and consider why in the world Starbucks would echo his painting (a painting that I've stood before on many a trip to the Getty). This is what I discovered:
This: "Sometimes, in places where the land is sterile, you see figures hoeing and digging." "From time to time one raises himself and straightens his back, …wiping his forehead with the back of his hand." 'Thou shalt eat thy bread in the sweat of thy brow.'"
And this: "Is this the jovial work some people would have us believe in?" "But nevertheless, to me it is true humanity and great poetry."
And this: "To tell the truth, the peasant subjects suit my temperament best; for I must confess, that the human side of art is what touches me most."
And then Van Gogh's voice chimed in: "I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."
And I thought: Persona Poem, yes, yes, yes!
Personae, in Latin, this form of poetry is a terrific opportunity for pretending on the page. Several years ago, when I was teaching the feudal system and medieval art, I had children pretend to be stationed in various social roles and to create persona poems to help them explore daily life in medieval times. The persona poems were brought to life in a collection of short films.
So, what do Man with a hoe, by Jean-François Millet and Starbucks have in common?
For me, two words come to mind: Important Work.
This year at the Guild our persona poems will be inspired by Millet, Van Gogh, and yes, by Starbucks.
Stay tuned.
-Kim