Living in Velvet
“Life is like living in velvet—it is rich and lush,” says 105-year-old Leah. “Each day is a gift.”
This project began with Leah, Eleanor, Charlotte, and Bob—all thriving, seemingly unburdened by fear or desire, fully present in each moment. As I continue, I am photographing men and women over the age of 90, witnessing firsthand how one can flourish in old age.
Leah inspires me through her simple act of gratitude. Eleanor, the wife of photographer Harry Callahan, shared with me a tenderness and beauty that perhaps mirrored what she offered her husband decades ago. Yeats once wrote, “A terrible beauty is born.” I am drawn to that beauty—the depth and richness of a life well-lived.
I capture these images using a Holga, a plastic toy camera known for its unpredictability—light leaks, imperfect focus, and a grainy texture. This aesthetic lends itself beautifully to my vision, adding a raw, ethereal quality to the portraits.
Our world is aging. Today, there are approximately 830 million people over the age of 65. By 2054, that number is projected to reach 1.7 billion. In a culture that often fears aging, I want to share an alternative narrative—one that celebrates the richness of later life.
Lois, at 95, still practices therapy, sending her dog Crispy Cream to welcome patients. Janet began painting at 93. Leah, at 107, was eager to start a business trading stocks. These individuals embody resilience, wisdom, and joy. Through my photographs, I want viewers to see their light, and their profound vitality.
For the past few years, I have been steadily working on this project, and in 2024, I was honored to receive a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson to support this project. I also created images at MacDowell to work uninterrupted at a prestigious artist retrest.
