The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self [Paperback]

Alice & Richard Matzkin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2009

In this beautiful book, painter and sculptor Alice and Richard Matzkin explore the experience of aging through their art, finding inspiration rather than despair. Both in their sixties, they use their paintings and sculptures and personal narrative to examine aspects of growing older-the progression of physical changes, sensuality and relationships, aging parents, spirituality, and death. They feature well-known people such as feminist Betty Friedan and potter Beatrice Wood, as well as friends, neighbors, relatives, and themselves. They both explore the older nude body in some of their work. Drawing on their own experiences and the wisdom of older mentors, they demonstrate that the elder years can be a time of growth and wisdom rather than stagnation and loss. This wonderfully illustrated book is a feast for the eyes as well as nurturing to the spirit, and is a useful aid to learning the art of aging. It leads the Barbarato a greater appreciation of the miracle and blessing of life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In our modern world the old and the very old tend to be isolated from the younger generations. The Art of Aging by Alice and Richard Matzkin offers us a chance to redress this imbalance. Take this book and move slowly through it. Let the images work inside you and make room for the feelings and reflections they engender. We all can benefit from a sensual and emotional recognition of the whole human life cycle, no matter what stage of like we are in. I am deeply moved by the Matzkins' vision." --Richard Moss, MD., author of The Mandala of Being

"The Art of Aging is a beautiful book. The art work is sensitive and the content is meaningful. A must read for people of all ages." --Ken Dychtwald, PH.D., author of With Purpose

From the Publisher

The Art Of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self by Alice and Richard Matzkin challenges popular beliefs about the realities of growing older - in words, paint and clay.The book features 80 full-color plates and contains the Matzkin's personal reflections on acceptance of the physical changes of age, sensuality and mature relationships, aging parents, spirituality and death. Internationally acclaimed artists, Alice and Richard grew afraid as they entered middle age and began experiencing wrinkles, grey hair and expanding waistlines. Instead of a psychiatrist couch, they used paint and clay to work through their fear and negative attitudes about aging. For fifteen years Alice painted and interviewed inspiring older women, some famous and some without clothes, and Richard sculpted older men and couples, most without clothes. Together, they joined creative forces to present their groundbreaking work in this lavishly illustrated and highly inspirational book.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sentient Publications (June 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591810817
• ISBN-13: 978-1591810810
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful!, May 15, 2009

By 

Jeff Foster "pixelpainter.com" (Brea, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self (Paperback)

This project not only addresses the issues of aging self-acceptance, but shows how people can be comfortable in their skin regardless of their age or circumstances. Beautifully and lovingly written by this husband/wife team of artists. The artwork that's photographed and presented throughout the book is amazing. Both paintings and sculptures created from the heart.

Truly a gift for all of us baby-boomers and more!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, May 15, 2009

By 

Bob Pross (Thailand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self (Paperback)

I have seen most of the works depicted in this book, and I can tell you it is a must buy.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awsome!, May 18, 2009

By 

A. Shwam "Ashwam" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self (Paperback)

I have never seen a book so beautifully written on the subect of aging. This book not only delivers a positive message on aging, it also inspires through the amazing artwork of the Matzkins.