Portraying Life at The Royal Academy of Arts

on
Daphne Selfe in a suit from Old Ladies Rebellion

This past weekend, I joined 83-year-old model Daphne Selfe, designer Fanny Karst, and Nigel Hartley from St. Christopher’s Hospice for a panel discussion at The Royal Academy of Arts in London. We had a very special conversation about the interplay between aging, illness, and physical appearance. Audience members joined in for a lively conversation reinforcing how creativity can positively influence one’s mood and outlook. I was especially struck by a point made by Mr. Hartley that we must find ways to engage with communities of seniors who are often overlooked and not as vibrant as the men and women that I tend to photograph. My goal has always been to make older people as a whole more visible and valued in our society, so this topic is one that I hope to continue to address more completely in the future.

Welcome to Sue Kreitzman’s Wild and Wonderfully Colorful World(VIDEO)

on

As promised here is a small video tour and some photos of Sue Kreitzman’s amazing home in London. For more on Sue and her incredible art work CLICK HERE. Please excuse the quality of the video, when I am on the go, I only have my little Flip camera with me.

Countess Marianne Bernadotte of Wisborg

on
Countess Marianne Bernadotte of Wisborg in an original coat by Pierre Balmain
While in Stockholm, I had the honor of meeting and presenting Countess Marianne Bernadotte of Wisborg with an award, celebrating a lifetime of style, from M-Magasin. After the award ceremony Countess Marianne asked if Joyce and I would like to join her for a coffee at her home in Stockholm. Joyce and I were thrilled to receive this wonderful invitation and we joined Countess Marianne at her home the next day. 
The Countess told me that she has loved fashion ever since she was a child. She explained that style is something that she feels one is born with and that, ” A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”(Keats) Now 88 years-old, she has acquired an incredible collection of couture items from friends like Pierre Balmain. Countess Marianne is in the process of lending some pieces from her collection, spanning over 50 years of couture, to a local museum, to be exhibited later this year. Joyce and will always remember our time in Stockholm and we can’t wait to return to catch Countess Marianne’s upcoming show.

How To Live To 100

on

I met Lena  and Sybil during my visit to Forest Trace, and was instantly struck by their incredible energy. I was amazed to learn that they are both in their 100s and was curious to know what the  secret to their vitality was. Lena told me that in order to make it to 100 you have to be strong. She said” You have to be in love with life. Some people think that life may be coming to an end, but for me I am having so much fun. This is just the beginning.” Sybil concurred and added, “Yes you have to have fun and never stop having fun.”