The Art of Aging

The husband-and-wife artists celebrate the ageing process through painting, sculpture, and personal reflections in this award-winning book.

In this beautiful book, painter Alice Matzkin and her sculptor husband Richard Matzkin explore the experience of aging through their art, finding inspiration rather than despair. Both in their sixties, their ongoing collaboration has produced more than 60 works. They also share personal narratives examining various aspects of growing older—such as the progression of physical changes, sensuality and relationships, aging parents, spirituality, and death.

Their works feature well-known people such as feminist Betty Friedan and potter Beatrice Wood, as well as friends, neighbors, relatives, and themselves. 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.

Winner of the Independent Book Publisher Award and the Nautilus Award.