"Être artiste ne commence pas parce que vous avez vingt et un ans, et cela ne s'arrĂȘte pas parce que vous en avez cinquante et un. Vous ĂȘtes qui vous ĂȘtes jusqu'au jour de votre mort."

You know, at its core, this quote is all about embracing your true self as an artist no matter what stage of life you're in. It's a reminder that creativity and passion don't have an expiration date. Whether you're just starting out or you've been at it for decades, your identity as an artist remains constant. It’s who you are and it sticks with you throughout your life.

This idea is really important when you consider the societal pressures around age. When we're young, we're often told that we have all the time in the world. But then, as we get older, there’s this unspoken rule that we should have “figured it all out” by now. It’s like there’s a timeline that we’re all supposed to follow. But this quote blows that notion out of the water. It tells us that our creative journey is ongoing, and it’s never too late to keep pushing boundaries and expressing ourselves.

Take Grandma Moses, for example. She started painting seriously in her seventies, after arthritis made it difficult for her to continue embroidering. Can you imagine that? While most people her age were settling into retirement, she was just getting started. By the time she passed away at 101, she'd created over 1,500 works of art. Her late start didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most beloved American folk artists. Her story is the perfect example of how creativity doesn’t have an age limit.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Well, first of all, don’t let your age define your capabilities. If you’ve always wanted to pick up a paintbrush, write a novel, or learn to play an instrument, go for it—whether you’re 21 or 81. The key is to stay curious and open to new experiences. And remember, it’s never too late to start, and it’s never too late to continue. Your creative spirit doesn’t have an expiration date.

Now, picture this: You’ve always loved writing, but life got in the way. Maybe you got a job that left you drained, or you started a family and time just slipped away. Fast forward a couple of decades, and now you’re in your early fifties. Your kids are grown, and you find yourself with more free time. Those stories you’ve been mulling over in the back of your mind? It’s time to write them down. Let’s say you join a local writers' group. You share your first piece hesitantly, feeling a bit out of place among the younger members. But then you see their faces light up as they listen. They’re moved by your words, and you realize that your age has given you a wealth of experiences to draw from. You’re not too late. You’re right on time.

In essence, this quote encourages you to honor your creative self, regardless of where you are in life. Your passion, your art—it’s an integral part of who you are. And that doesn’t change with age. So, don’t wait. Embrace your inner artist and let it flourish, because your creativity isn’t bound by the years—it’s bound by your spirit.