BLOOM

Canadian artist and art teacher Steeves presents an exploration of art and aging.

Creating art and entering one’s later years are often each portrayed as debilitating struggles. The tortured artist is a common stereotype, and seniors are frequently portrayed in terms of their changing appearance and failing health. But in her debut book, Steeves upends this narrative, asserting that art and old age, though both challenging, can be very positive experiences. The book counters ageism by portraying the last phase of life as a time when people are well-positioned to become artists because they often have fewer responsibilities and more time to develop patience. They also have a wealth of experience to draw upon from a long life. One of Steeves’ friends, she says, became an author at the age of 100, and again at 102. Surrender and acceptance of imperfection are part of both art and aging, Steeves points out, and she makes a familiar reference to the Japanese art form of kintsugi to illustrate this principle, in which cracked bowls are mended with gold, drawing attention to flaws and making them shine. The author employs a balanced mix of sources that includes her own experiences and those of other artists, including responses of older, unknown artists that she received to a targeted social media post. It’s apparent that a love of art infuses Steeves’ life; before painting, she worked with clay for 15 years. This same love permeates her writing as she effectively notes that creating artworks can renew an elderly person’s sense of openness and play, offer emotional healing and a sense of community, and even lower cortisol levels. Although Steeves also covers obstacles older artists face from within (such as fear and self-doubt) and without (lack of space, negative opinions), her book’s main takeaway is a feeling of wonder and hope.

An inspiring call to creativity for readers of any age.