Grandma Moses And U

Good question. I am in my early 50's and I would have to say now. I was always very artistic with bunches of talent but was a single mother raising two children all on my own so there was not much time to devote to art. I would sneak in a sketch and a few paintings here and there, mostly drawings because I could finish one in a few hours. The kiddos are all grown up and my creative juices are flowing full force. Whoohoo!

I was far more creative in my college years in the 70s, but sorely lacking in confidence. Now that I'm "old" (depending on who is reading this), I've gained a little more confidence, but my creativity has taken a beating. "Life" happened in between those years, and I guess it knocked the stars out of my eyes. In a perfect world, I would be young and confident and grabbing the world by the tail. Now, it's hard enough to get the housecleaning done, let alone come up with ideas and execute them. Just being jaded... I might feel differently tomorrow.

Love the work of Grandma Moses! For some, it's never too late.

I hope to get there by age 70. I'm 51 now and haven't been all that creative. I'm glad you found a spot where you feel creative and that you've learned not let age get in the way. I want to get myself into a little trouble with my canvas and paints and then see what I can produce. I'm hoping to find my more creative side down the path ahead somewhere in time.

Now. I'm 59.

I can't say now or some time in the past. I have been doing this for a long time and every time I get somewhere, new technologies or methods become available that opens up new developments and creative expressions. One part I like of being a photographer for the last 40 years or so (thanks for reminding me LOL) is that it is a continuation of learning and exploring no matter what experience level. That's probably why I do so many different aspects of photography. If I had to do one thing all the time (e.g. products or portraits) I would get bored out of my mind.

Hopefully I never get to a point where I am most creative.

48.5

The only bummer about being so creative at age 71 is that I am mostly an urban image photographer. This translates into lots of walking which I can no longer do for any length of time (like an hour and even then with rests in between). BUT, and this is a big butt, I have recently learned and relearned (I'd forgotten) that some of my favorite urban photographers did lots of image taking from the comfort of a car as they drove here and there.

And that is what I am now doing with good results!!! My urban images (lots of candid images of people) can be seen on Flickr. I don't put them up for sale here only because I don't think there is a market for them (and I really don't market my images to buyers anyway).

Next year if I am still among the living, one of my lady pals says she will buy me a Jeep wrangler (used) so that I don't have to have a conflict with my wife about who gets to use our one car. She works as a court advocate so I bow to her demands.

i'm on the down hill side of my seventies and it's only been one year since 1960... and i feel as creative now as i always have... It's tough to judge and pin point the best creative moment in time, because the best one is when it's happening... if i stop to evaluate it, it's gone... so i've never payed attention to when i'm doing something only how i'm doing it...

Phyllis and Patricia, there is a common thread here between 'us', me being the oldest at 76+, and that is....there really is a time when one cannot physically devote the energy to their development in Art.
From my experience, the 'confidence' issue was huge, when re-starting , regaining time , to develop. So, I worked quietly away, alone, finding my way....the journey has been totally fulfilling............
Like yourself, Robert, I'm now confined to quarters mostly - but for the assistance of our beloved granddaughter, who takes me 'out' occasionally.
And, Rudy.......I'm enthralled by new processes - the 'new' to me - and a rewarding answer to my still energetic creativity - mostly confined to the computer.....
I also have found, at this age, that once we left our big house/the studio, my inspiration was lost for a while - apt. living isn't the same as painting in one's studio in the garden...but....the studio has become the 'office' (bedroom 3), and now I'm inside looking out ! Such is life. I'm a Grandma too.......... but not famous, lol.

Good for you Vivian. There are so many ways someone can be creative. If I can't hold a camera anymore, I will find something else. I did say though Hopefully I never get to a point where I am most creative. Of course that doesn't mean it won't happen. I just hope it won't

Cheers, Rudy........for me, the need is undeniable, thus ensuring finding a 'way' for innate expression against the odds, for sure. One thing I have also found 'amusing'....because of brain damage from encephalitis in late-'70's and the aftermath and tremor/damage neurological..........I found a whole new 'line' when I got back to drawing...and I love it !!
You just can't predict from whence a 'new' way of being creative will present itself. Cheers ! The sun is shining here, 10.15 a.m., the wind is fierce during a big weather change, and I'm here !!!!!!!!!! Yeah !!

@Philip.......I , from my time-vantage point, took the question to mean at what time, or 'when', historically.........not whether, but, when........and 'most' to mean when 'most' not 'less'......the answer for me being........during the time 'when' I was 'less' distracted but no less creative, or, otherwise engaged, so to speak. Even at the 'least' creative times, one is still aware in a creative way, and for me, it meant storing up ideas to use when free-er from life's exigencies. Sh.t happens.! (tsk tsk, not very lady-like, lol) @8.30pm NYC-time 29/06

Another day in paradise!

I agree, Philip.
You are very good at semantics, must say, always giving food for deeper thought.
Perhaps 'block' is a positive energy, too - a test of one's survival instincts , in Art, especially. I have known the condition, indeed.

I started making my sculptures at age 49 and now I'm 54 and I think I am most creative now at my current age, and if you ask me again in 5 years, I will tell you then that it's now also. There is know time like the present to be the most creative, the past is gone, the future is not here, all I have is this moment!

Vivian you are a rock indeed, and it shows through your work.

in my 40s I was always thinking up new ideas for painting and drawing, then that dreaded menopause hit and sent my creativity out the window, but now in my mid 50s I am back!

Too funny Diane, is that why we all seem to blossom in our 50's!

I think we are so elated to have survived it is like being born again!

I started creating at the age of 36, just self-taught. Maybe my creative hormones exploded at year Y2K, and crazily decided to quit his 2 jobs and became a full time artist. And imagine my chosen medium is papier mache. But anyway never regretted that decision. Now almost 50( Turning 50 this July 18) still very creative and loving it. Happy creating guys.

Otil,
I just looked at your art. WOW...I can see why you decided to be a full time artist.

I take a humble bow Robert, I just have one crazy imaginations I guess lol. Thanks and much appreciation for liking my art. And as I always say "Happy Creating" Robert.

I guess it's my turn,

Now in my 80th year (just turned 79), I can't remember when I wasn't involved in "creative" pursuit.

From designing the bulk of my high school year book,in the1950's, at a school that specialized in Art (High School of Music & Art NYC)...All the other kids were concerned more about what college they will attend

To:..

In the1960's, creatively keeping my boss happy, the architect Wallace K. Harrison, in the design and construction of the box faces for the Metropolitan Opera House.....And also, coming up with the most expensive sculptured stairs that lead to a locked door ever built ,not just one but a pair of stairs,( Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY)

In the early 1970's, I invented a new shoe box, that became the hit of the Shoe Show, I believe in 1971 or 2..It was such a hit it was on the cover of the "SHOE NEWS" magazine ..The only problem with the concept was that the retailers hated it.

In the mid 1970's I started sticking crab claws into mussel shells,in earnest, and been doing the same ever since...That was the start of vulture sculpturing..Since then I added other subjects ...Rats,..Bats,....Roaches....and a few pretty things.

All throughout this period, I loved to draw in ink, especially Life Drawings... About 5 years ago I started making ink drawings on a subject I'm an expert in..Old COOTS.
I'm still struggling to get all the hundred or so, drawings into a printable book....A book, everyone would want on their coffee table.

At this same time, about 5 years ago, while in my mid 70's, I faced head on this "Cyber Thing"......Couldn't ignore it anymore, so I decided to jump right in, without a clue of what the hell I was going to do.....Frustrated at times, but most of the time I enjoy the challenges to my creativity it presents.

I've even challenged others here on FAA , particularly those talented and skillful in Digital Art, to create images using the free program "Scribbler Too"...A very few took the challenge...I must say my good friend and fellow septuagenarian, Vivian Anderson was one of that few that took it.....I think I'll ask Abbie, for one of the weekly theme slots to reinstate that challenge.

So it goes..Now playing around with pixels and seeing where it all may lead., while still sticking crab claws into mussel shells....I've got a show coming up, and I've got to make a couple of bucks to pay the rent... .

I've been creative most of my life - starting when I was a small kid. Drawing and doodling mostly - but a few paintings over the years. About 1980 to 1996 were my most creative years in watercolor - and I sort of just got out of art - except for drawing and doodling again - until about 2010 or so - I don't really consider my photography much more that taking photographs of what I see - and there's not a lot of creativity in that - but that led to my digital abstracts - and I suppose this year and last have been my most creative there. I mostly now worry about the edge wearing off - getting bored with all of it. I'd like to get back to my drawing and doodling - and maybe a few watercolors are still inside me somewhere.

I don't really know that I'm more creative now - just older and have more time for it - before there wasn't the opportunity or the time to devote to art.

Great post, Robert! Like Roy, above, I've been drawn to the creative side of life since I was a small child. Started playing piano by ear. Drawing came next, then writing [mainly poetry] painting and, finally, photography. Did some sculpting, acting, singing & design along the way as well. I go through ups 'n downs re the creative process. For a while I was able to go back 'n forth rather freely between any or all of my passions. But, now, it seems one takes precedence over the others and I must follow through to the end. Right now, it's photography. I have a slew of paintings near completion, sitting about my studio, but no desire or energy to finish them at this point. I've tried, but I've got to FEEL it...or forget about it. Same with music. My piano is just a few feet from where I'm sitting and I almost don't notice it. When the time is right! Btw, if I'm not actually hands-on creating something, I'm thinking about it! I hope it doesn't take until I'm Grandma Moses' age to 'come into my own', but, if that's the way things are supposed to be, I can deal with that.

Brooks, I just peeked at your pastels and I must say that I think you should truly consider searching for your inspiration again somehow... You are very talented.

Wow, Phyllis, thanks so much for the encouraging words! I have actually been 'thinking' about doing some pastel work again. Appreciate your thoughtful comments. Have a wonderful evening.

Brooks,
Seems that many artists have more than one artistic talent. I started as a short story writer, even had one published, but then just lost interest in writing. Next I tried pastels and loved it but lost interest in about one year. Then I picked up a camera some 40 years ago and haven't put it down since.

My friend's husband is a rock musician (pretty famous in his own way) but he has also graduated from culinary school. I have a few more artist pals who have more than just one artistic talent.

It's true, Frank, so many talents, so little time! Like you, I have lost interest in one or more, then it's on to something else...or back to one I miss. Photography seems to have gotten the best of me, lately. I also love fiddling around w/images, to create something completely new. The fun never ends. However, I would love to be disciplined [yes, I said it!] enough to finish those darn paintings around the studio & get them sold. I actually love them, but am lacking the energy & drive to continue in that vein.
Yes, the art of food preparation...and the list goes on & on. Creative types just keep on creating...and thankfully so. Love that you can't put down that camera!

50. I found a fantastic painting teacher while I was unemployed.
I also started doing a long of diy projects at home.. self taught using youtube..
everything from how to mud & tape walls, replace toilets to car repair- which I count as creative.
I once saw a show of Grandma Moses paintings in Seattle and enjoyed it immensely- enough to read her autobiography.