you amazing thing...

Many people have inspired me. I love meeting artists, philosophers, fellow scientists, especially fellow 50ups. One of the people who stands out for me is Stanley Bleifeld, a figurative sculpture who was a family friend. He must have been in his 70s or early 80s when we met. He continued to work daily on his art up until his passing at 86.
Not only did I get to meet and speak with him at length, but I got to meet him in his studio.
One of his sculptures is a monument to the Civil Rights Movement, It Seemed like Reaching for the Moon located at the statehouse in Richmond, Virginia. He also created The Lone Sailor for the U.S. Navy in Washington D.C.
By going to his studio,  I got to learn from him. He explained the steps in his creation process including creating early models in wax. We saw rows of miniature creations that were precursors to his final monumental bronze sculptures. He worked in a massive barn-like building that must have been two stories high. He explained the height was needed for the cranes which had to be used to move around his massive art work. Tools for his art hung from racks around the wooden beam walls and winches from the ceiling.
Stanley was open and willing to share his passion for art, even with me, who last sculpted a lumpy bear in grade school, except for my cheating use of cookie cutters to make pottery leaves and stars for mobiles.
Stanley is symbolic of our L4 community. Someone moved to create. Someone who openly and humbly shares their passions. Someone who creates amazing things every day. Someone who is not defined by age, but by their dreams.
I invite you to join our community. Show us how you are Living Loud and Living Long....
I know you are...don't hide your light. Dream It. Live It. Love It.