Introducing a new column: “On then and now”
Since retiring, I’ve gone back to my first love — making art.
I’ve noticed that two things have changed since the last time I drew in public places, B.C. (Before Children).
I’ve become a ‘Woman of a Certain Age’ — which to many, makes me invisible. People are often so engrossed in their cell phones, that they don’t notice me looking at them.Becoming invisible is helping me with my art.Before I came to the University of Guelph for my first degree in 1982, I was a student at the Ontario College of Art — now OCAD University. I spent over 120 hours a year riding public transportation, and so I thought I’d make good use of my time by proposing to my art teachers that I draw people on the subway in exchange for an art credit. They went for it, and I had to produce a lot of quality drawings in record time. The problem was that people noticed me drawing them.
[media-credit name=”Barbara Salsberg Mathews” align=”alignnone” width=”1020″]
At the time, I was a shy 18-year-old with wild, curly hair. Some people tried to pick me up, while others gave me ‘dagger eyes,’ leaving me uncomfortable. In that state of mind, I had a difficult time capturing my subjects accurately. So I started wearing mirrored sunglasses to hide my eyes. This helped a bit, but I still found others noticed me more than I liked. I began wearing bland, loose clothing, which helped me to further blend into the crowd.
Nothing tops this stage of my life. I’m getting oldish and this helps me to become invisible — like a fly on the wall. Now, I’m better able to shift to a relaxed state and quickly sketch a face or someone’s body as they walk through the University Centre.My best work unfolds when I’m not thinking, when I shift from my linear left brain to my observing right brain. When I’m in the right brain zone, I feel more centred and have better success in capturing the essence of what makes my subjects unique. I let the drawing ‘speak to me,’ telling me what shape, what type of line to draw, and what medium to use.
Being retired allows me the time to savour the sights around me and to translate them into art. This stage of life also gives me more opportunity to reflect on and process life’s ups and downs, its twists and turns. With this in mind, I’ll be sharing some thoughts through The Ontarion in a new column called, “On then and now” — reflecting on how things have changed from when I was a U of G student in the early ’80s to my time here now as a mature student.
I’m fortunate to be able to slow down and notice the variety of people, buildings, and beauty around me. There’s so much to see around the University of Guelph, and I feel very lucky to be back in this royal city.
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Instagram: maddysmom_4u
Photo by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion
An excellent article. Well written. As a recent retiree, I too can identify with the feeling of “becoming invisible”. And, as Barbara implies in her article, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Heck, I’m now able to walk into a trendy woman’s clothing store without being pounced upon by every available sales associate. Barbara thoughts/reflections on the “then and now” are expressed so well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the article.
Thanks Roma.
Beautifully written. I have become invisible for years now. My husband and I often joke that I could rob a bank and no one would even notice. I look forward to reading more of your articles.
Thanks Sally.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the changing times and how you now enjoy a different zone in the environment.