Blog Posts by Author

Bill Traylor, People’s Artist

March 11, 2016 By Victoria Robinson
I knew very little about Bill Traylor before I walked into the American Folk Art Museum in New York City to see an exhibition of his work. I knew he was a self-taught artist from the South—but that’s all I knew. When I learned from the gallery text that he didn’t start making art until he was in his mid-80s, I was awestruck. Embarking on anything in one’s 80s is rare. Ending up in a museum is radical.  Read more...

Joan Didion and the Crime of Getting Old

April 13, 2015 By Victoria Robinson
One day while doing research online, I came across an article in the Atlantic about author Joan Didion. Since my first love is literature, I immediately clicked the link. Gracing the piece was a black-and-white photograph of Didion in 1977, looking as cool and meticulous as her carefully crafted prose reads. The image evoked memories of that slightly hopeful, slightly anxious time and primed me for reflections on Didion’s life.  Read more...

Uncle Ralph

May 09, 2014 By Victoria Robinson
Late one cloudy October afternoon, my sister sent me an email with the two-word subject “Uncle Ralph.” I knew before opening it what the email would say. I knew it would say that Uncle Ralph had died.  Read more...

Trading Amber for Gold

January 14, 2014 By Victoria Robinson
When I left my hometown for college, I fell out of touch with everyone—except for one friend—who didn’t go on to college.  Read more...

Do Old Ladies Make World History?

February 02, 2013 By Victoria Robinson
Who influences history and how do we weigh that influence? Do we have biases about who qualifies as a “history maker”? When we read about historic events, for example, do we acknowledge the ages of the participants? Do some people count more than others?  Read more...

Senior Sprayers Make Their Mark

December 05, 2012 By Victoria Robinson
If we want to challenge negative attitudes about aging, we sometimes need to examine our own attitudes first. That’s what German seniors are doing, with the help of younger artists. This intergenerational exchange takes place in the streets rather than in museums, through spray paints rather than oil paints. Graffiti workshops and classes are popping up across the country, and they are surprisingly popular.  Read more...