To be seen, to be heard, and to be happy are basic human desires. As we put busy careers behind us and our families no longer depend on us the way they once did, many retirees are left struggling to find purpose, connections and relevance. It’s easy to feel invisible or no longer valued.
Victoria-based, multi-medium artist Gail White encourages seniors to engage in activities that give them joy and allow them to be seen as the real masterpieces they are. Which is exactly how Gail lives her life.
Born and raised in the US, Gail’s interest in the arts began when she started drawing portraits of her friends in high school. She says she felt visible and happy when she could see the joy her portraits brought to others.
“Creating is in my DNA,” says Gail. Her father, mother and two brothers all possessed a range of creative talent. Gail’s maternal grandfather, an American Indian from Oklahoma, also inspired a series of her paintings presenting a portrayal of the US Southwest.
“I always had the desire to create, but did not always have the time,” she says. Following her marriage at a young age and the subsequent births of her two children, life got busy. Gail was focused on family, not the pursuit of her creative passions. “I could often be found knitting and feeding one of my babies at the same time to fill my artistic craving.”
When Gail was 25, her mother died, at the age of 47. Prior to her death, she revealed she had not been happy and encouraged her daughter to seek a life different than hers. Her mom’s early death had a huge impact on Gail, and she vowed to passionately pursue the things that made her happy and brought her joy. Heeding her mother’s advice, at 30, with children aged seven and five, she left her unhappy marriage to build a new life that allowed her to exercise her creative talent and make a visible mark on the world.
Gail moved to Canada in 1970 and says she found happiness, purpose and visibility through the pursuit of her artistic passions.
She began by acquiring art supplies and joining art groups. Creating art allowed her to be her authentic self. Although she was busy with her career and young family, she was able to slowly evolve her skill in art.
Upon retirement in 2006 from a career in communications and corporate social responsibility, Gail delved fully into pursuing a broad range of creative talents, including painting, drawing, jewellery making, fabric art, gardening, knitting, macramé and cooking as an expression of art.
To maintain her motivation as she transitioned from career professional to artist, she says she needed to establish a routine. So, she set the alarm, got up early each morning, went to the gym and committed to creating something every day.
She revisited oil painting in 2011 after a 30-plus-year hiatus from it. In about 2015, she created a painting of two ewes. The painting was exhibited in a local art show and sold. This positive reaction to her work inspired her to paint another seven in her “Ewe” series and all have sold.
Her most unique creation is a collection of stunning button necklaces. While travelling in the US, Gail visited an art display and saw a beautiful button necklace. Images of her own button box came to mind and she knew she wanted to create necklaces. Upon returning home, she poured her buttons – and the memories they held – into a large aluminum pan. Sifting through the buttons from her mother’s favourite red coat, her father’s navy jacket, vintage buttons and buttons from her childhood, a new talent was born.
She taught herself how to string the buttons and, after some trial and error, she made two necklaces that sold quickly. Gail has gone on to create over 30 unique pieces, many of which were commissioned by people wanting something special from their own button memories. Her button necklaces sell for between $250 and $350.
Where does she draw inspiration from to create the necklaces? “People’s stories.” One piece was created from clothing worn by a friend’s mother who had passed away. Another was inspired by a trip to Spain.
Fabric art, including hand-painted tablecloths and aprons, is another unique and extraordinary creative outlet for Gail. One of the tablecloths she created was inspired by what you might find on her dining table. The hand-painted piece depicts plates, cutlery, napkins and food items she is likely to serve up.
Gail says she is grateful to be surrounded by people that support her. She and second husband, Dan, have been together for over 40 years. “He is my No. 1 fan. He makes me feel visible.” Together, the couple has four children and six grandchildren, which are another source of joy in her life.
Gail was further blessed to have the support of her mentor, Salt Spring Island artist Dennice Stambuck, who has generously shared her time, knowledge and talent. Gail is paying this kindness forward and has since become a mentor to several aspiring artists.
What advice would she give to other retirees seeking joy and purpose? “Stop saying you can’t and focus on what you can do. If something interests you, ask yourself if it’s something you can learn.” She adds, “Develop a schedule and a routine. Open up to people. Get to know one another, be curious about life and each other. Most important, choose to be visible and happy.”
The range and depth of Gail’s work is impressive. Her creations portray a contemplative, engaged, happy and visible life. Which is something she hopes we are all blessed to live.
To see Gail White’s work, visit the Saanich Peninsula Arts & Crafts show, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, in April 2021.
Photo Credit: Tracy Merkley
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