In May, I turned 65 years old. That officially makes me an old man. What better event to go to than one titled, The Art of Aging. I have no intention of slowing down as an artist and neither did any of the artists assembled on the Timucua Arts Foundation stage. The event was a thought-provoking panel discussion where artists shared how their relationship with art has transformed across different phases of life. Through personal stories and open conversation, the panelists explored how art shapes perspective, fuels resilience, and reflects the passage of time. The audience discovered how creativity continues to redefine itself at every age.
Leah Love acted as the host for the evening, by asking each artist in turn questions about their art and process.
Dr. Antonio Andrade is a musician and Ear Nose and Throat doctor in Altamonte Springs, who has over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He played a short musical composition to familiarize the audience with his work.
Terry Olson is an arts instigator and multifaceted arts enthusiast whose life has been defined by building spaces where the arts can thrive. Now, he draws from decades of leadership experience in creative roles to serve as Timucua’s President of the Board. Terry has been prolific in having exhibits of his photography work all around Orlando. I also often see him at the arts events I sketch so he is well entrenching in the arts scene.
Mimi Hwang is a contemporary abstract painter; Mimi’s work is shaped by her Asian heritage and Western birth. Her paintings are poetic landscapes where abstract modern expressionism is combined with elements of traditional Asian art. Mimi’s paintings were on display on the walls of the venue so she referred to several when discussing her work.