Historically, the 40+ woman has been absent from pop culture, business, fashion, cinema and yes, the canvas. Faceless and voiceless. The mature man is distinguished with silver hair, ruggedly handsome with age and wise with his years. He is visible and accepted. The 40+ woman is perceived as old with grey hair, haggard with age and invisible with her years. This dichotomy is grotesque. For she is vibrant, intelligent, strong and beautiful. She matters. Increasing visibility of the 40+ woman will force an acknowledgment that she exists and she contributes. Her presence will provide role modeling and a support network for young women. This is key to fair treatment and the elimination of the marginalization of women. For as long as I can hold a paintbrush, I will celebrate inspirational 40+ women on canvas.
