Friend, do you think is there such a thing as being ‘too old’ to take on a career as a professional artist?
A friend recently confided in me, having just celebrated her 60th birthday, she might have missed her window of opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist.
Despite her evident skill and the undeniable beauty of her paintings, I felt the frustration in her question.
So, is there an age limit for artists? The answer is a resounding, unequivocal no.
I am going to briefly tell you the inspiring story of Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses.
An embodiment of the adage ‘it’s never too late,’ Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until she was well into her seventies!
Before that, she was primarily focused on working on the farm and raising her children.
Her folk art paintings, which depicted rural American life, gained national recognition when she was in her 80s, leading to widespread acclaim and a lasting legacy in the art world.
Grandma Moses’s journey is a testament to the fact that art knows no age; it is an expression of the soul that remains timeless.
Dear friend, your artistic expression is not confined by the number of years you have lived but is fueled by experience, emotion, and a unique perspective on the world.
With age comes a wealth of life experiences that can enrich an artist’s work, adding layers of depth and meaning that are often unattainable in youth.
The maturity, wisdom, and patience that often accompany aging can be powerful assets in the creative process, allowing you to approach your work with a nuanced understanding and a refined hand.
Moreover, the art world is replete with stories of individuals who, like Grandma Moses, began or achieved significant artistic breakthroughs later in life. For example: Alfred Wallis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Wallis
Carmen Herrera https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/13/arts/design/carmen-herrera-dead.html
These stories underscore the reality that the pursuit of art is not bound by age but is a lifelong journey of exploration, learning, and expression.
Whether one is picking up a paintbrush for the first time at 60 or returning to a long-abandoned passion for painting, every moment is the right moment to embrace creativity.
Take me as another example— I was an artistic child. However art was not considered a preferable career in Asan culture when I grew up. So I didn’t touch a pencil for 20 years!
Later on, with dedication and hard work, now I became a professional artist selling my work all over the world!
So to my friend, and to anyone who wonders if they are ‘too old’ to become a professional artist, let Grandma Moses’s legacy be a beacon of inspiration.
Your talent, passion, and the beauty of your work are not diminished by the years but are perhaps made all the more profound.
There is no expiration date on creativity, and the canvas of your life is waiting for the unique masterpiece only you can create.
Age, as it turns out, is not a barrier but a bridge to deeper, more meaningful art.
So, pick up your brush, your pen, your clay, or your instrument, and let the world see the beauty of your years.
As I often said: the best time to make art is when you are six. The second best time is NOW!
Please share with me your thoughts by replying to this post.
