Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard & Alice Matzkin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Richard & Alice, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Book—ART OF AGING.: Celebrating The Authentic Aging Self. where Richard sculpted and Alice painted portraits of elders looking on the positive side and reality of aging. Richard has been writing books about love and relationships as well as with the purpose of serving younger generations.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As we grew older, we were disturbed and afraid of the aging process. Instead of a therapist’s couch, we used our art to explore our fear and curiosity about getting old.
Alice began painting portraits of inspiring elder women 70 years and older and, interviewing them, asking them what makes life worthwhile. She also painted a series of naked old women who were unafraid of displaying their old bodies. She also painted a series documenting the changes over a twelve year period, 85 to 97, of an aunt, from riding a horse, to riding a wheelchair, to laying in her deathbed.
Richard, after a varied career as a psychotherapist, jazz drummer, etc, began sculpting. He produced a series of sculptures of old men, showing the effects of aging on the body. Also, a series of sculptures of old couples in loving embrace.
People said we should write a book, so we did. ART OF AGING: Celebrating The Authentic Aging Self was accepted by the first publisher we sent it to and went on to win two book awards..
Alice, who has two portraits in the Smithsonian Institution, a portrait in the White House, and has been featured on Oprah, etc. was an established portrait artist. After Covid, and after a devastating fire that destroyed 30 years of her art, suddenly started doing abstracts a few years ago. Quite a 180 degree turn for an eighty five year old.
Richard got the writing bug and has written six books about love and relationships, aging and men.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Richard—I want to be of service to younger generations. My latest book, JOURNEY INTO ADULTHOOD, tries to help young adults in the difficult times after high school. The book I am writing now, A CALL TO WISE ELDERS, is an effort to inspire us senior citizens to wake up and share what we know, do what we can to make the world a better, safer place for ensuing generations.
Alice—I love creating art. At 85 years, I am a living example of an elder who exudes passion, purpose and aliveness through my art. I hope to inspire others.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Alice—The pure freedom and joy of creating. I go to my studio and I am in bliss. I am a kid and my studio is my playground.
Richard—Knowing my books may make a positive impact on people’s lives. The act of creating, in my case, writing, is not pleasant for me. It’s hard work. But I cannot stop. I am fully engaged. I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and grab my pencil and paper.
Contact Info:
- Website: The matzkins.com
