The Artistic Adventure of Aging: We Can Be Creative at Any Age

Photo Credit:  Tom Broughten

I want to pinch myself! I can’t believe this is happening! I am just finalizing the tasks for my first solo art exhibit, “Many Reflections, One Nature.” in Farwell, Minnesota. I am waking up, my head full with lists of things to do: hang the show, finish and launch my website, make sure the invites are sent, pick up posters, etc. And just below the anxious feeling that I won’t get everything done, is a hum of excitement.

Art has helped make me who I am and my gratitude is deeply felt. But I didn’t make a career of it. I chose a career in the medical field, set my clock to regular business hours, and took the road most traveled. I have made art almost all of my life. It has been an unceasing interest, a source of limitless joy, and a very needed comfort since I was a young girl. I never even considered pursuing it as a business Like most people, I regarded art as a nice activity, but something not serious enough to make a career. And I needed to make money.

Art was just something I couldn’t let go. I continued to make art through jobs, a marriage and babies. Through moves and houses and projects. Art always had something to say to me, to show me and to teach me.

When I retired I vowed to devote myself to developing my skills as an artist. I studied more broadly, worked harder and took on more artistic challenges. I joined groups and competitions (and even won a few). I started to give small workshops and classes. My pile of completed paintings grew substantially. I began to consider selling my art and promoting myself more actively.

Then I began to have disturbing doubts. They were accompanied by unanswerable questions. Although I was making good art, I was also getting “old” by society’s standards and that meant...what? Surely, I could never be very successful as a “real” artist now. Am I too old? And what did success mean anyway? I thought it meant that my opportunities to flourish as an artist would be very limited. Yes, I have the time now to devote to art, but how long will that last? And who will take me seriously as an artist if it is found I am “old” and just now marketing my art and knowledge in earnest?

I have turned my back on their nay saying chatter. After deep reflection I decided that art provided me more riches than I ever realized. And that I have a responsibility to return all the blessings I have reaped from my association with this amazing process we call “art”.

Here is what I have decided about being an “old” artist:

Coming to art as a person over 60 is a journey of immense joy and fulfillment. It is a reminder that it is never too late to find a creative passion that ignites the soul. The beauty of embracing art at this stage of life is the humility and courage that accompanies the willingness to learn. It takes bravery to step out of our comfort zones, to explore new techniques, and to experiment with different mediums. As we embark on this artistic adventure, we unwittingly become role models for our children and grandchildren. We inspire them to pursue their own passions fearlessly, regardless of age or societal expectations. Through our artistic endeavors, we not only give back to ourselves but also contribute to the enrichment of our family's lives. As we pass on the torch of creative inspiration, we create a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and age, encouraging future generations to embrace their own artistic journeys.

I may not be the new “Grandma Moses”. But what I can share in the time I have left may touch someone as much as one of her paintings. My paintings will likely not hang in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But I hope my paintings bring joy and the blessings of discovery wherever they hang. The quality of my art stands on it’s own regardless of my age. The information (dare I say wisdom) that I have gleaned through engaging in art is very much linked to the years I have spent with it. As I share with the world, only kindred souls of every age will recognize the truth in what I write and paint.

So here I am. Here is my art. Here are my thoughts. My intention in this blog is to explore how art and art making is a very human impulse and contributes to our well being in crucial and elemental ways. Art is not confined to paintings. Art encompasses many activities that bring us joy and inspire us to connect deeply with life and those around us. In that spirit, I hope you will share your thoughts and artful ways with me as well, by subscribing to my mailing list, reading my blog, commenting or visiting my website to see new work.

As your life's journey continues, what challenges have you come across as you age? Have there been any aspirations and dreams that you've put on hold, perhaps thinking it's too late to pursue them?

Thank you for being here.