Are Artists Always Young?

Under my high school yearbook picture, an unknown editor wrote, “Artists are always young.” At that time, I couldn’t imagine being old or even consider myself an artist. In my last post, I shared how long it took me to claim to the world—and to myself—that I was worthy of being labeled an artist. In recent years, I’ve begun to see some truth in that saying. As working artists, we are never finished; there are always the next painting to create, more techniques to explore, and so much more to experience in the realm of art. As the years of my life accumulate, I often hear, “You are an inspiration.” This always makes me pause and reflect, “Why?” I used to feel a twinge of resentment, thinking, “Why? Just because of my age? Just because I get out of bed every morning and have been for many years? Are you surprised that I can still function, take care of myself, drive, create, teach, and embrace life with joy?” Lately, I’ve come to understand that I am being perceived as an old woman. Could it be because I am? Are we so programmed to believe that someone over 70 is only capable of taking up space? I am here to prove that, whether an artist or not, living a long, full life is a gift filled with wonderful and heartbreaking experiences, joy and pain, light and dark. Aging has given me the opportunity to realize that all we have is this day, this moment to live and see each occurrence in life as a chapter in my earthly story. The lifetime of memories are just that, memories. More and more, I ask myself, “What did I learn from each experience?” I am playing my part in this play and may I play it well, lovingly, kindly and always learning. My mother often said, “Learn something new every day.” In this fast-paced world, the longer I live, the more I learn—much more than just one thing each day. I manage all my social media, my blog, website, Facebook postings, online galleries, as well as posting my meanderings on Substack. I take time everyday to find peace and joy in my meditations and prayer. And gratitude! Living in Mexico allows me to afford healthcare, which is crucial as I finally recognize and accept the cellular decay my body is experiencing. Fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful. I have been a vegetarian for almost 50 years and the only drawback I experience is that I have to shop more often. Just this morning, as I drove back from my monthly acupuncture appointment, I felt happy and blessed to have a wonderful doctor who knows me and takes the time for deep conversations. We talked about color healing, Qi gong and the details about opening all the channels in the body that can be blocked…And I can afford the charge. When I choose to see ​allopathic doctors, I am impressed with the treatment and care. Through offering my encaustic workshops, I meet the most wonderful people who choose to experience encaustic painting under my guidance. I am invigorated by sharing all that I know about painting with fire and hot wax. Each person brings their own questions and energy. In the most resent private class the participant admitted that she had challenges with color, so I could focus on expanding her adventure with color balance and composition. This not only enriches my life but also contributes to my income, allowing me to live comfortably in my little flower-covered casita with a separate studio. 2 1/2 years ago I moved from a large home that I shared with another artist. It had 2 studios, my viewing room, big kitchen - lots of inside space and grounds to a perfect small sunny cottage. Living alone, my time is my own. I eat dinner at 4:30 most days, have hours of quiet and the studio is just a few steps from my front door. This post does not include a portion of my memoir about my big move to Mexico 21 years ago. This is about my life here now. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow in understanding of life in a different culture and of myself as an artist and and peaceful, happy woman. What is an artist’s lifespan in actual years on earth? There is no expiration date on creativity unless we decide to stop creating. I know more about my artistic progression, style, and voice than ever before. Looking back on more than 65 years of work, I find it interesting and sometimes surprising. The different styles, techniques, stories - I always have a story for each painting, I realize that a whole lifetime may not be enough to explore everything I want to discover. Ultimately, the quality of an artist’s work depends on dedication, openness to fresh ideas, and being true to our personal expression—not our age. Sometimes, it takes a lifetime. Another reminder: Someday is now. The recent photo is of me with my new great grand daughter and my grandson.