Sue Kreitzman, an 85-year-old artist from New York, has lived a life of creativity and self-expression. Her journey into the art world was unexpected, as she initially failed every art class she took, from elementary school to high school. However, at the age of 58, after a successful career as a teacher, cookbook author, and TV chef, Kreitzman discovered her true calling. While proofreading her latest cookbook, she picked up a marker and drew a mermaid, and from that moment on, her life changed forever.
Kreitzman's home in London's Mile End is a testament to her artistic vision. Every inch of her house is filled with her artwork, from the colorful walls to the tables and corridors. It's an art installation she lives in, and she has a curator, Jaime Freestone, who helps maintain the displays. Freestone, who became Kreitzman's curator after reaching out to her for advice, now considers her home a safe space for the LGBT community and those seeking mentorship.
One of Kreitzman's signature pieces is her neck shrines, personalized sculptures she wears around her neck. She has made hundreds, if not more than a thousand, of them. I had the opportunity to create my own neck shrine in her back garden workshop, where she provided me with a Masai beaded collar and various objects to customize it with. Kreitzman believes that each piece must have meaning to the wearer, and her creations are filled with symbolism.
Kreitzman describes herself as 'obsessive, bonkers, and extremely colorful.' She works outside the mainstream, with no formal training, and creates art on the fly. Her childhood was marked by a love of color, but her mother often criticized her unique style. Despite this, Kreitzman never lost her passion for art.
One of Kreitzman's unique ideas is the 'goddess phones' in her back garden. These bejeweled old-fashioned telephones allow people to call a goddess for help, connecting them to something mystical. She believes that each piece of art she creates has a soul and can talk to her, depending on her mood.
Kreitzman's home is a haven for artists and those seeking inspiration. She has mentored French artist Anne-Sophie Cochevelou, who credits Kreitzman with helping her believe in herself as an artist. Kreitzman's love of color and self-expression has inspired many, and her home is a testament to her unique vision and creativity. In my opinion, Kreitzman's story is a reminder that art can take many forms and that self-expression is a powerful force in our lives.
