"Paintings With Personality"

Here is my dad at his 95th birthday party. He is pretty pleased about being kissed by his granddaughter.

My dad turned 95 this month. We had a big backyard party at my sister’s in California; with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren coming from Washington, New Jersey and Virginia. Dad had a great time making jokes, opening gifts and putting on a show for everyone. He loves an audience, is still active, lives at home, and takes care of himself and his two dogs. His driver’s license was renewed before his birthday, which added to his celebration. In order to get it, he had to take the written test and eye exam. He was worried about the written test, but it wasn’t a problem, he breezed right through it.

Many older people see themselves as useless and extinct. Perhaps they retired, sat down to watch TV for the rest of their lives, and stopped contributing to society. In the meantime, society moved on, leaving them behind. They now live on the periphery, feeling left out and abandoned.

Other adults retire, look around themselves and think, “What next.” They are still healthy and energetic, they travel, volunteer, get a hobby, or a part time job, take some classes, or another activity. Some take up an art form, dance, music, painting, sculpture, or something else. That decision is usually based on an earlier art interest.

Very few older artists, particularly painters, retire. They don’t think, “Okay, I’m 65, time to retire,” they keep working. A few older artists who had a little success and recognition in their earlier years fall back into repeating what worked for them before, that work is dull, boring and repetitive. The more daring and creative artists let their imaginations soar, making newer and more original art as they age. These artists want to produce more and more work, in new and different ways. Their decisions are based on a lifetime of experience. This sort of artist looks forward to what they can do, not back to what they have already done. They aren’t marking time, but working at what they can achieve, they have found a way of reinventing themselves and their careers. There is a great deal of wonderful work being done by these artists that deserves scrutiny.

   My dad worked as a mechanic, eventually opening his own repair shop. He worked hard until he retired at age 65. When they were in their 70’s, he and my mom were driving around the United States in their motorhome. When they weren’t traveling around the country, Dad was outside in his shed where he created clocks, western scenes and totems out of the wood he found while traveling. When he wasn’t working on wood, he was inventing new things. He and Mom walked 5 miles a day, until Mom could no longer do it, as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Now, at 95, Daddy goes to his garage to create and invent. In his spare time, he takes care of his garden and has the best tomatoes in town. I can’t feel old with my dad around calling me “kid or shorty.” I hope that means I will feel young for a very long time.

I hope people start to look at their lives as the most powerful, creative act they will ever offer this world. – Tom Shadya

What are you doing after retirement?  My Best to You All, Judy

www.judyballance.com