Old In Art School: A Memoir of Starting Over
by artist and historian Nell Painter is an inspiring narrative on blazing new trails in the next phase of life. This book was an easy first pick since it spoke to both of my personal and professional passions: history and visual art. Painter shared tender stories of managing aging parents, navigating suburban commutes, and showing-up prepared and experienced (old) among millennial art students and teachers anxious to keep her placed in a particular box of expectations. I loved how she manifested herself at every encounter: deeply listening and reflecting on some tough lessons learned, and applying new insights gained from outside supporters. Her grit and determination was infectious, and exhausting at times as mounting responsibilities threatened to challenge her focus.
The most fun I had with this book was entrance into art school. What drew me into the narrative where the colors and forms of her experience. From sober grays to energetic greens of the natural landscapes, to the abstract fashions of budding and seasoned artists, Painter shared vivid details of the design of her art school life. I loved how she took us on shopping excursions to the West Orange art supply store, Jerry's, and how she described her relationship to the different art materials: paper types, paints, pencils and brushes. The book is well-illustrated with examples of her evolving oeuvre. She pairs the examples with commentary from peers, teachers, and her outside support network. Painter was also quite candid about feelings of doubt as she navigated art studies. Her village of family, friends, artists, scholars, and select peers and teachers really made the difference.
In reading Old in Art School, one also recognizes who is allowed to participate in "The Art World": what are the socio-economic and racial factors that have traditionally characterized an art school student? Who is an artist, and where do artists reside? How does one gain entrance into "The Art World?" Throughout the text, Painter discusses the issue of age, and ageism. Apart from the human insecurities one might expect with undertaking a tremendous shift in ones life, there is this agonizing no win situation of double-consciousness (1): this sense of viewing oneself through the social identities imposed by others. For this book, I read those identities in terms of age, gender, location, and race. You might feel differently after reading the book.
In summary, Old in Art School is a refreshing, sobering adventure book. It helped me to see how one might tackle a long-desired dream that will not rest. No matter the outcomes, you are called to realize your authentic self in the form that works best for you, loving yourself courageously and abundantly.
