Bloom: On Becoming An Artist Later in Life

by Janice Mason Steeves, Andrew Mason (Illustrator), Jen Mason (Editor)

BLOOM is a call to action for those individuals-not only in a later phase of life, but at any age-who feel the call to pursue a creative path in their lives.

The pressures of the modern world force many into utilitarian careers early on. Artistic impulses lie unfulfilled, dormant. For some, at a certain point, there comes an ache in the bones, a deep longing for creative expression-a simultaneous sense of emptiness and overflowing feeling.

This was the case for the author, Janice Mason Steeves, who left a career in psychology to pursue art in her forties. She went back to school, graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design, and went on to develop an international art career, an art consulting practice, and a highly sought after travel workshop business. Weaving together insights from her own art experience with the stories of 128 artists over the age of sixty, whom Janice surveyed for the book, Bloom offers guidance, inspiration, and support for the often difficult and misunderstood desire to change trajectory and take up a path of creativity and meaning.

Mason Steeves then takes these observations a step further, suggesting that not only is it possible to come to art later in life and be successful as an artist, but that the distillation of life experience and self-knowledge gleaned from the artist's path may enable older artists to step into an even larger that of a community elder. The elder role-acquired, in this case, through art but existing beyond art-is essential in our society, providing stability and depth, wisdom-keeping, space-holding, and care-taking, in Bill Plotkin's words, "for the very soul of the world."

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Kathy Stinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful mix of anecdotes about the author’s own personal journey as a visual artist, the stories of the men and women she interviewed, and her research into creativity and aging. An inspiring read for anyone thinking it’s too late to indulge their long-ignored creative impulses, as an artist any field.
(I read the book in hardcover but posted the Kindle edition which shows the beautiful cover and the hard and softcover versions are missing it.)

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book rich with wisdom for anyone craving a creative life.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bloom: On Becoming An Artist Later in Life” by Janice Mason Steeves, is a deep dive into the process of becoming an artist in your later years. Let’s say that you have an artistic talent, but for one reason or another, be it family, work, illness, or other obligations, you chose not to pursue art in the way you could have. But now that you’re older, you’re in a different frame of mind, and the idea seems quite possible, but you have questions: What do I do? Where do I go from here? Is there anyone who can help me? Why do I even want to do this?

The author answers those questions and more in this beautifully written work that will teach, inspire, and walk you through each phase of your artistic journey. This book is more than simple encouragement, although that would be fine if it were–it’s a plan that you can set in action. It cuts through the clutter of art theory and gets down to what’s important to you and your individual talents and tastes.

The good thing is that you don’t have to be an older person to learn from the points within these pages. Most humans are creative by nature, so this author tries to hone the talents and focus your attention on how to move through the jungle of confusion that awaits an aspiring artist. I was intrigued by the author’s personal journey, who returned to her art studies after becoming a psychologist. Other parts of the book include the challenges older artists face, and the benefits, along with the successes and regrets of over 100 older artists that the author surveyed. Just imagine the wisdom and experience you could bring to your artistic journey as an older artist.

The possibilities are there, and this book helps you define yourself as an artist so that you can get the most out of it. One of the main messages here is that with great risk comes great rewards, and it does take risks to become an artist, no matter the age. Hearing the stories of others is most encouraging because we learn so much from one another. If you like success stories, especially the success stories of artists, you will love “Bloom: On Becoming An Artist Later in Life” by Janice Mason Steeves.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author contacted many other artists such as herself who came to painting or sculpture in later life. The majority were woman between the ages of 63 to 69. Janice Mason Steeves writes about the work it takes, the determination and the rewards.

[Linda Ranson-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and found it to be highly relatable. I read it slowly, savouring each page. It is filled with so much beauty, on art, soulful purpose in life and aging. It is an important read at any age. It is a book I will return to over and over again.

[Ghislaine Cleiren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and all the information it provided on becoming an artist later in life.
I loved the encouragement, inspiration and motivation she offered. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Tracy Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Inspiring. Connecting. Wise.