Reporter's Notebook
by Marcie Sillman
More than a year ago I started working on a series of radio reports called "Old Masters." I was interested in the origins of creativity, how an artist first gets involved with a particular art form, and how living a creative life affects an artist as he or she ages. I was also curious about what maturity adds to the creative process.
Jini Dellaccio and Marcie Sillman photographed in Dellaccio's Seattle apartment by Sage Van Wing.
I discovered the answers to these questions are as varied as the artists who spoke with me. The first five reports were originally broadcast in April 2009. Dozens of people wrote me to talk about other older artists they thought I might like to meet and interview. So, as the saying goes, "Old Masters" is back by popular demand. The five artists I profiled this time around range in age from 62 to 94. They're all actively involved in their art forms, still inquisitive and passionate about what they do. In a society so focused on youth and the next latest thing, the stories of creativity and the experience that comes with age continue to inspire me.
