Although the Age of Aging often focuses on science, art has been a recurring theme. In Season 2, Episode 2, “Diet, Exercise, and... Doodling?”, we explored how creativity can support longevity. However, beyond art’s apparent health benefits, making and consuming art can also help us better understand the experience of aging. In many ways, the change and loss associated with aging are best understood through art.
Today’s episode of the Age of Aging looks once again at art creation in aging through the stories and work of three artists living with brain disease.
Joe Vanek, a stage designer for more than 40 years, experienced a stroke that changed how he viewed time and creativity.
Scott LaMascus left graduate school in poetry to care for his father with ALS, finding meaning through writing and reflection.
Neesa Becker-Procaccino, a professional illustrator, stopped working after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis but returned to art as a way to heal and connect.
Each artist faced disruption. Yet through art, each found a way to continue creating and redefining identity in the face of illness.
Resources available on the episode webpage linked below
-
Learn more about Joe Vanek
-
Read more of Joe Vanek’s story
-
Read “Dispatches from the Dark Side of the Moon” and “Hesitant Light”
-
Check out more of Joe Vanek’s illustrations
-
Follow Joe Vanek on Instagram
-
Learn more about Scott LaMascus ...
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!