On aging and other weird-word thoughts

Sometimes it seems as though it is just as satisfying to create with words as with pictures. Here is an example of the thought process that leads to messing around with the language that we call our own: I am aging. Everyone is from the moment we are born. Aging has a sense of ickiness, of something that should be fought, particularly in women. As I was putting stuff on my face that was almost but not quite guaranteed to protect it from aging (too late!), it came to me that perhaps I was saving my face from the ravages of the world. Then it occurred to me that perhaps I was saving the world from the ravages of my face! Then, I realized I don’t know what the word “ravages” actually means. Here is the definition: “severely damaging or destructive effects of something.”

And think about this: when you are young, “maturing” is a good word. It means growing up, learning, becoming less self-centered, more goal oriented, able to see the longer views, becoming more self-controlled. When you are “mature” and middle aged, it means you are starting to look weathered.

“Weathered” is sort of good in a man’s face. It is never good in a woman’s face. Women seldom like their pictures taken; men don’t mind as much. Have a look at the first portrait I ever painted in oil. A normal woman would have HATED this view of herself, but this man was overcome by emotion that I had chosen to paint him!

“Walk This Way” – 11×14″ – Private Collection