To all of the ageless artists out there

In writing Ageless Artist I strive to reach an audience of artists “of my vintage “who make and sell their art. Although there are many writers and artists/illustrators on Substack and social media who are at earlier points of their creative life -I noticed a gap in offerings for so called “senior” artists. How would our life experience and place in time differ from younger artists? What sort of challenges and surprises would present themselves in this new world of technological changes and our advancing age? Would our navigation be altered or restricted from the old familiar. Changes in roles while exiting formal work seem also to have impact on our lives as we age. I hoped there would be opportunity for community and kindred spirits to commune over common terrain. I also hope that some of my own experiences will resonate with you

If I asked you who are you right now what might you answer?

Are you an artist? Are you a maker, A craftsperson, an illustrator? A dabbler?

Do you feel ageless..or Aged ?

When I started writing Ageless Artist it provided me with a forum to discuss my journey as a recently retired person. I was still an artist..but what else?I found myself reflecting on who I was , my new identity as person who now had more time to focus on art making and less time being tied to someone else’s clock.

Most people I know speculated that I would be enthusiastically growing my art business, offering workshops and dedicating myself full time to my most favourite activities.

Three years post retirement later I have learned that I have needed time to decompress from my hustling life; reassess my needs, and slow down. This time of life offers reflection.

Over the past 20 years I squeezed art deliberately into my free spaces .. working at my other job full time I made and sold art , conducted workshops, filmed classes, maintained a website and an etsy store, created art for gallery shows as well as other in person events. It was ridiculous how much energy I devoted to art (almost every weekend and a few evenings per week.)

Of course I thought that I could maintain this pace -but in a less harried fashion . I discovered when offered the time and space (much to my surprise!) that I did not wish to spend it consumed with art.! This has been a surprising revelation. I understand now that making art is essential to my lifeblood -but it needn’t take the form of obsessive making/marketing to work it’s magic.

I now feel more centred and conscious about what I make . I continue to feel the drive to make art - just not at the pace that was as hectic and harried as before.

I am free now to experiment and to try new media ..to create unfinished work..to fill sketchbooks -and to think more deeply about what I want to say. There is time to take in nature ,converse with friends over a coffee,to learn new skills and to share my knowledge. To be open to new experiences and stimuli! Excepting that this is all meaningful has been an important step for me.

A couple of weeks ago I took an in person class in printmaking with the gelli plate .It was so much fun-and opened up a new world of possibilities for me with mixed media! I have been working on this sketchbook of home studies with this new to me media !

We have history ..Creativity is a lifelong practise. If we are fortunate in retirement we might have time to consider our own wants and needs and to make our art making a priority. Some of you may be still working at other forms of employment - intentionally making space for that art that fills your cup.

Often though it gets relegated to the back burner - as other’s needs continue to surface and call upon us . An hour or two can melt away from time at the computer or phone. We can tire more easily. We can be distracted and feel crushed by world events, news .

I do hope that you find ways to continue making what you love !

For me there is time now to be here. To write and reach out to you .

I would love to hear how you are adjusting to this age and stage of life

and how it dovetails with your art making ..

Yours in Art

Heather

You can check out my art here if you like…my art shop

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