I'm 71..I was diagnosed w/ a progressive, rare, little-known-about skeletal disease in '22.
I'm in screaming pain 24/7. I can no longer look down while sitting in a chair for over 60 sec. w/out it increasing the pain. It's also quite painful to type or peck on digital 'anything' - cell, d'top - remote.....+
I haven't collaged in about 4 yrs or more.
That's not my only pain-causing diagnosis.
I'm in a paper arts group & she's got a collage challenge w/ $25 prize. I'm working on my kitchen counters/island bc that's not as 'bad of a looking down' position as being in a chair.
I have 10 x 10" gallery wrapt canvas & am fiddling w/ ephemera placement b 4 it's glued down. IDK how the phys. process of standing & collaging is going 2 go, we shall see. I've been collaging since 1990 til about 4 years ago.
Heather, you have been & are my fave mentor over the years! TY 4 all you've done & are doing to teach & encourage us. I'm happy 4 u that u have more time now for things you love to do besides art.
Claudine Hellmuth is 1 of my mentors (been meaning 2 c what she's up to .. believe she stopt creating art? Anyone remember her??) Suzi Blu continues to be an influence.
Thank you for posting Liz and good to know that despite your physical constraints you continue to find ways to make art ! I applaud your courage and tenacity!
Hi Liz. I've been friends with Claudine since 2001. We taught in many of the same locations and big art events and were roommates many times. Yes, she did quilt the art world a while ago and works in DC.
Hi, Lesley! Claudine was sooo talented! I knew yrs ago she discontinued art & went to work in DC; just didn't know if she'd started her art back or not. I remember you, Lesley! Haven't you been published in SS mag? Even if not, I remember you. : )
I most certainly don’t have the same energy levels, that’s why I gave up exhibiting (and happy to do so.)☺️ I’ve been simplifying my life as an artist by slowing down the social media hustle that took up so much mental energy. For that same reason I enjoy Substack because I can sit and read the posts I enjoy at a time that suits me.🥰
I am a 59 year old artist who stumbled upon your name online in a roundabout way. Sometimes I google search terms I am interested in so I typed “moody watercolor” (because watercolor is a new medium I am adding to my choices)—-looked at an image of yours, then your site, and am now here so pleased!!!!! I have just begun this year to look at mixed media after years of working in a variety of creative formats (oil, acrylic, digital, photography, writing—-abstracts to figurative). I have the urge to bring them “all to the table”. There is so much more I can say, but will end for now with “I’m SO glad I discovered you here”!!
Hi , I do feel I am all of the above at times. Right now I feel very aged. But I know that is temporary. I am privileged and happy to have this passion to visit and where different hats, depending on the day.
Thank you for your article. I am 62 and I feel myself reflected in the things you say in your post which is so refreshing. I am enjoying experimenting with different media and discovering new techniques. I do have more time, although am somewhat unusual in that I still have 2 children under 21 at home and have sometimes worried that art isn’t all consuming for me. However it is the enjoyment of making art that is the most important as you have reminded me!
Hello Persephone..Thank you kindly for your comments. Its affirming for me when you mention that you feel yourself reflected in my words ..I think however and whenever you are able to make art is always preferable to the all consuming variety ;-) H
So happy to have found you and love your art and what you’re writing about. I just turned 64 and have been a full time artist for many years. I’m definitely feeling my age lol. I’ve had an Etsy shop since 2016 , selling my linocut prints there and have really enjoyed it and still do! I only exhibit at one market a year and may even stop that. So exhausting now with tent set up etc…We moved to a tiny mountain town and have really slowed our lifestyle down over the last couple of years . Enjoying life
I’m happy to find you here! I’ll be 67 next month and have worked as an artist, in some capacity, my entire life. I worked as a graphic designer while raising my kids, and have spent the past 6 years working as a live wedding painter.
I’m slowly exiting the hustle bus and contemplating how to get back to my own art. I’m also exploring new projects that include writing. I’m as inspired now as I ever have been, and look forward to seeing all of the ageless artist here.
Welcome Dianne ! It seems like the place and time of your life dovetails with so many of our creative lives here.. if you are seeking further. Community please check out our artist Jetpack group ! Otherwise I invite you to join in as it suits you .. It’s an interesting time of life for an artist :-)
I appreciate this post a lot Heather. I live in Victoria BC, and I just discovered how many artists there are here in my part of town, a lot of them women over 60. Your description of how your relationship with your creative energy changed after retirement is very touching. There are so many of us alive right now, (elders) and the question of how we can continue to participate in life, in the world, and stay attuned to the natural rhythms of aging, feels like a collective inquiry. Thank you for walking with this question.
Hi Heather. It sounds like we have a lot in common. After 25+ years of "working" in the art world, teaching around the world, writing books, filming videos, organizing retreats, exhibiting, and all that all of that entails, at the age of 72, I officially retired from working for others, to creating for myself. I'm surprised we never met along the way....or did we? So YES, I'm all on board with the Ageless Artist. Check out my Further to Fly Substack.
Hi Lesley..Of course I remember you !-but also never had the pleasure of meeting you in person . You were one of the more interesting,successful artists I followed over the years !
I love that you have also made the decision to make for yourself now ! Hurrah!
I have subscribed to your newsletter too :-)So sorry for long delay in answering -I was overseas becoming a grandma to twins! :-) Cheers H
I've just turned 60 so still feeling reasonably ageless... but I can't imagine a time ever when making art won't 'fill my cup'. Though it's funny how patches of 'too much time' can stop that flow... always enjoy your diary drawings too Heather!
I'm 71..I was diagnosed w/ a progressive, rare, little-known-about skeletal disease in '22.
I'm in screaming pain 24/7. I can no longer look down while sitting in a chair for over 60 sec. w/out it increasing the pain. It's also quite painful to type or peck on digital 'anything' - cell, d'top - remote.....+
I haven't collaged in about 4 yrs or more.
That's not my only pain-causing diagnosis.
I'm in a paper arts group & she's got a collage challenge w/ $25 prize. I'm working on my kitchen counters/island bc that's not as 'bad of a looking down' position as being in a chair.
I have 10 x 10" gallery wrapt canvas & am fiddling w/ ephemera placement b 4 it's glued down. IDK how the phys. process of standing & collaging is going 2 go, we shall see. I've been collaging since 1990 til about 4 years ago.
Heather, you have been & are my fave mentor over the years! TY 4 all you've done & are doing to teach & encourage us. I'm happy 4 u that u have more time now for things you love to do besides art.
Claudine Hellmuth is 1 of my mentors (been meaning 2 c what she's up to .. believe she stopt creating art? Anyone remember her??) Suzi Blu continues to be an influence.
Everyone take care & Happy Creating : )
Thank you for posting Liz and good to know that despite your physical constraints you continue to find ways to make art ! I applaud your courage and tenacity!
ty so much, Heather! ; )
Hi Liz. I've been friends with Claudine since 2001. We taught in many of the same locations and big art events and were roommates many times. Yes, she did quilt the art world a while ago and works in DC.
Hi, Lesley! Claudine was sooo talented! I knew yrs ago she discontinued art & went to work in DC; just didn't know if she'd started her art back or not. I remember you, Lesley! Haven't you been published in SS mag? Even if not, I remember you. : )
Yes, SS, Cloth Paper Scissors, Quilting Arts and Art Quilting Studio. And 10 craft books, too!
I most certainly don’t have the same energy levels, that’s why I gave up exhibiting (and happy to do so.)☺️ I’ve been simplifying my life as an artist by slowing down the social media hustle that took up so much mental energy. For that same reason I enjoy Substack because I can sit and read the posts I enjoy at a time that suits me.🥰
I can see we are kindred spirits in time Jess ! Thank you for this comment and keep on appreciating the simpler life!
I am a 59 year old artist who stumbled upon your name online in a roundabout way. Sometimes I google search terms I am interested in so I typed “moody watercolor” (because watercolor is a new medium I am adding to my choices)—-looked at an image of yours, then your site, and am now here so pleased!!!!! I have just begun this year to look at mixed media after years of working in a variety of creative formats (oil, acrylic, digital, photography, writing—-abstracts to figurative). I have the urge to bring them “all to the table”. There is so much more I can say, but will end for now with “I’m SO glad I discovered you here”!!
Thank you for this lovely feedback ..and so great to hear that you are motivated to keeping creative fires burning!
Hi , I do feel I am all of the above at times. Right now I feel very aged. But I know that is temporary. I am privileged and happy to have this passion to visit and where different hats, depending on the day.
I do get the "aged " feeling which crops up ever so often! I also enjoy how you wear your hats!
Thank you for your article. I am 62 and I feel myself reflected in the things you say in your post which is so refreshing. I am enjoying experimenting with different media and discovering new techniques. I do have more time, although am somewhat unusual in that I still have 2 children under 21 at home and have sometimes worried that art isn’t all consuming for me. However it is the enjoyment of making art that is the most important as you have reminded me!
Hello Persephone..Thank you kindly for your comments. Its affirming for me when you mention that you feel yourself reflected in my words ..I think however and whenever you are able to make art is always preferable to the all consuming variety ;-) H
So happy to have found you and love your art and what you’re writing about. I just turned 64 and have been a full time artist for many years. I’m definitely feeling my age lol. I’ve had an Etsy shop since 2016 , selling my linocut prints there and have really enjoyed it and still do! I only exhibit at one market a year and may even stop that. So exhausting now with tent set up etc…We moved to a tiny mountain town and have really slowed our lifestyle down over the last couple of years . Enjoying life
I’m happy to find you here! I’ll be 67 next month and have worked as an artist, in some capacity, my entire life. I worked as a graphic designer while raising my kids, and have spent the past 6 years working as a live wedding painter.
I’m slowly exiting the hustle bus and contemplating how to get back to my own art. I’m also exploring new projects that include writing. I’m as inspired now as I ever have been, and look forward to seeing all of the ageless artist here.
Welcome Dianne ! It seems like the place and time of your life dovetails with so many of our creative lives here.. if you are seeking further. Community please check out our artist Jetpack group ! Otherwise I invite you to join in as it suits you .. It’s an interesting time of life for an artist :-)
I appreciate this post a lot Heather. I live in Victoria BC, and I just discovered how many artists there are here in my part of town, a lot of them women over 60. Your description of how your relationship with your creative energy changed after retirement is very touching. There are so many of us alive right now, (elders) and the question of how we can continue to participate in life, in the world, and stay attuned to the natural rhythms of aging, feels like a collective inquiry. Thank you for walking with this question.
Thank you so much Shayla ! I feel deeply invested in kindred spirits these days ! :-)
Hi Heather. It sounds like we have a lot in common. After 25+ years of "working" in the art world, teaching around the world, writing books, filming videos, organizing retreats, exhibiting, and all that all of that entails, at the age of 72, I officially retired from working for others, to creating for myself. I'm surprised we never met along the way....or did we? So YES, I'm all on board with the Ageless Artist. Check out my Further to Fly Substack.
Hi Lesley..Of course I remember you !-but also never had the pleasure of meeting you in person . You were one of the more interesting,successful artists I followed over the years !
I love that you have also made the decision to make for yourself now ! Hurrah!
I have subscribed to your newsletter too :-)So sorry for long delay in answering -I was overseas becoming a grandma to twins! :-) Cheers H
Congratulations on the twins. How exciting.
PS. I want to create as much as possible while my hands and body are still in good working order.
I've just turned 60 so still feeling reasonably ageless... but I can't imagine a time ever when making art won't 'fill my cup'. Though it's funny how patches of 'too much time' can stop that flow... always enjoy your diary drawings too Heather!
Thank you so much Jane ! I agree that our art making and life choices should continue to offer us pleasure ..lifelong!
Happy to learn you are here Meg! It sounds like you have much to contribute as you move through life as an artist