One aspect of art that feels like an ‘ace up the sleeve’ is the fact that it is truly a lifetime activity.
Clogs,1 ©2017 Elizabeth Fram, Pen & ink
While many pursuits are curtailed with the vagaries of age, the desire and ability to bring ideas into physical form can remain undaunted despite advancing years (e.g. Louise Bourgeois, Mary Delany, David Hockney, Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe) and even disability (Chuck Close, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse).
For inspiration on the subject, check out Paul Stankard’s op/ed “Artistic Risk and the Ticking Clock” from the latest issue of American Craft, in which he discusses the scary prospect of leaving his successful comfort zone for new horizons in his work. It is a wonderful testament to the longevity of artistic growth and the strength of the creative flame.
Clogs 2, ©2017 Elizabeth Fram, Pen & ink
Last February I recommended Stankard’s book Studio Craft as Career: A Guide to Achieving Excellence in Art Making. As in that book, this latest essay maintains the same unflinching acceptance of reality while accentuating Stankard’s propensity for mentorship as he reaches to pull others up alongside himself, encouraging an unflagging drive for achievement via the pushing of boundaries.
A quick search on the subject of the resilience of creativity into elder years unearthed this NPR interview with Nicholas Delbanco discussing his book Lastingness: The Creative Art of Growing Old which “examines artists who either maintained or advanced their work past the age of 70”. Despite the somewhat mixed reviews, I’m looking forward to borrowing a copy from my library.
Oboz, ©2017 Elizabeth Fram, Pen & ink
I have encountered numerous individuals whose creativity bolstered them in their later years, and I bet you have as well. It makes the future look bright, don’t you think?
On a Different Note______________________________________________________________________________
For a special treat, add the Shelburne Museum’s current exhibit Sweet Tooth: The Art of Dessert to your list of shows to see this winter. Clever and enticing, it’s a calorie-free confection that will leave you smiling. It remains on view through February 18, 2018.
Miniature Sugaring Scene, Artist and Origin Unknown This carved wooden sugaring scene is part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Miniature Sugaring Scene, I found its enchanting details irresistible. Note the dog’s posture, the sugar on snow to the right, and the squirrel climbing up the corner of the sugarhouse.
A Confection ©2014 Dirk Staschke, Ceramic “Tightly stacked like stones in a wall, the cakes and other baked goods featured in A Confection become metaphors for consumer excess”
Lemon Meringue Wedges, ©2017 Chris Campbell, Shoe Bakery, mixed media Shoe Bakery’s ready-to-wear lines of footwear are whimsical dessert-themed shoes described as “sweet treats for your feet”.
Thanks, Betsy! As always, I appreciate the interplay between your own experience and the larger world. I very much enjoyed reading the article by Paul Stankard. Happy for another Friday where you offer such wonderful food for thought.
Thanks so much for this comment! I am continually impressed by Stankard’s down-to-earth generosity and encouragement in sharing his knowledge. Glad to hear what he had to say resonated with you too!
Being in the midst of a non-creative phase at the moment due to a traumatic injury, it brings into focus how important my art making is to my life as I slip into “old age”. The practice of a life time has made creativity and working with fabric an integral part of my life. It would be difficult and depressing to imagine life without it. I have left behind the competitiveness and stress provoking parts of my creative life and can now enjoy just be creative for it’s own sake.
What a great point Judy! And I have no doubt that as you move through the healing process you will figure out ways to get back to work asap – with perhaps some clever adaptations to get you over the hump.
Beautiful imagery and thoughtful commentary again (nod to the shoes of the Shelburne exhibit gracefully flowing from your first step with the Danskos!). I really love this theme as I am passing through mid-life and imagining what might lie ahead. A lovely thought to ponder as the new season settles in; the winter of life can be as breathtakingly beautiful and rich in it’s stark quiet as spring is in it’s fevered pitch. Thank you for this….
I always enjoy your thoughtful responses Adrianna! Your ideas elevate my posts in a way that makes me most grateful!