Writer and activist Betty Friedan once said, “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” At 74, self-taught artist Donald Billinkoff seized that opportunity by showcasing his first solo art show. The once-established architect has now pivoted to being a full-time artist later in his life.
Billinkoff took some time to join host Lois Reitzes on “City Lights” to discuss his first solo show and journey from architect to artist this week.
Early on, Billinkoff made a conscious decision to pursue architecture, “I actually think that the artist part of me was there before the architecture,” he said, “however, looking at it from a pragmatic point of view — being an architect seems to be a much more stable way of life.”
As he got older and art began to interest him once more, he resolved to continue challenging himself, even as he tried to live each day to its fullest.
“I wasn’t going to give up just enjoying myself making art and spending free time with grandkids and with friends, but I still wanted to have a challenge and this show really became a focus, and [while] I can’t say it came about without any stress, I was trying very hard to recognize that I’m 74 years old,” he said. “I’m in good health. I should be enjoying life.”
