Customer Reviews

The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self

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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!

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

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.

Fantastic! A must-have for anyone over the age of 40 and for all libraries. It will change the way "we" think and feel about aging. Alice and Richard Matzkin are amazing artists, communicators and messengers. This book could change the world.

A glorious gathering of older beings, sculpted and painted, with and without clothing by an artist couple in the process of examining their own aging process. Not all of the figures are shown is a flattering light, rather, the realities of wrinkles and folds might make the viewer/reader more comfortable with his or her own aging body.

The Art of Aging is divided into several sections with beginning essays, most written by either Alice or Richard while sharing their art to illustrate their concerns. "Artists must love their creations into being... So it is with creating a beautiful old age. It takes vision, dedication and constant attention." Alice, who has portraits in the National Portrait Gallery, writes and portrays "Women of Age: Portraits of Wisdom, Beauty, & Strength" in which she shares not only wise women but those of unusual athletic ability as well. Alice paints women across a wide spectrum of life.

Richard follows with "Naked Old Men," an essay and photos of organic sculptures. Some are hard to view, just as the reality of becoming very old is hard to view. I especially responded to "Death Bed," in which the dead man is in the process of metamorphosis and becoming dust once more. Alice's "Naked Truth" follows with older, often large women often joyfully displaying their truth. Richard follows with sculptures of "Lovers," all older and all loving.

More art and essays with the theme of aging and dying follow, but this is an uplifting book. I especially enjoyed "Becoming Elders," written by both Alice and Richard. "The message is very clear...We are being called upon to turn within and focus more on our soul. Our final destination is spirit..." These artists/lovers have shared their art and their love for many years. Here they also share their fears and the beginning of their coming to terms with their changing bodies and relationship.

by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

No matter what age, every person should be exposed to this beautiful book and love story. It gives dignity and appreciation for the process of aging, helping a person see past the surface of things. It opens ones eyes and heart into the kind of loving relationship that inspired Alice and Richard to create art with such a deep message. Along with the impact of the images they have created, the words they use to share their personal journey with aging is very touching and can inspire others to see aging from a more beautiful vantage point. I just ordered several to give to friends and highly recommend it as a gift that will be very special.

The Art of Aging is truly a gift to anyone beginning to think about the aging process or deeply inside it, at any decade of one's life. The authors appear to have very consciously gone through this process of aging in a way that is so inspiring and uplifting. This is an honest accounting of their perspective, not sugar coated, but always smart and makes you rearrange your own thinking about your own aging process. And then there's the exquisite artwork that they so generously share with the reader. Both of them are obviously accomplished artists who have delved into aging through their creativity (painting and sculpture) as well as their own personal processes. Everyone will love this book!!

These guys make fabulous art! I'm only in my mid-twenties but I appreciate their art so much! It's beautiful, incredibly well done, and really pushes social attitudes about elderly love, sexuality, and beauty,

Aging is something many regret, but it is undeniably part of life. "The Art of Aging: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self" is an exploration through art for appreciating aging and coming to terms with one's own mortality. Covering mediums such as pencil, ink, paints, and sculpting, "The Art of Aging" delivers fine art and does much to give readers an appreciation for aging and the end of life. "The Art of Aging" is very much recommended for art collections and those intrigued with the senior mind.

This is a beautiful book for all stages of aging. The collaboration between partners Matzlin is exquisite with their writing, painting and sculpture. I ordered copies for my friends who flourish in their own unique personalities and talents.