Robbie has worked hard to bring this project to fruition. Her twitter account has over 13,000 followers and now is funding her project through Indie gogo. Make a donation if you want to support her work and help bring her series to fruition.
As many baby boomers age, rituals from their mothers and grandmothers fade. Beauty & Wisdom documents a fast-disappearing part of Americana and the diminishing population of mature women who have been going regularly to the beauty parlor once a week-not as a luxury but as a necessity-for most of their adult years. This project explores the grace and courage in which these women age in a society so heavily focused on the beauty of youth. Ironically, these are the women who opened doors for future generations of women to walk through, yet they are now part of an invisible generation.
The women, 70 and above, from Beauty & Wisdom live in a culture where the beauty of youth is hugely valued but the beauty of age is often ignored. In the beauty parlors across America, this fading generation of women share their humor and wisdom, as I learned in New Orleans when Mrs. Guste, 88, who lost every piece of her jewelry when her house was looted during Hurricane Katrina, reminded me, "everything is borrowed and when it goes away, it's time to give it back."
The Beauty & Wisdom project provided insight into my own future. As I photographed these golden ladies and listened in on their conversations with their hairdressers and looked into their eyes, I saw the kind of courage that comes from embracing life fully without expectations, except to be happy and connected to people. There was not an ounce of shame present - maybe shyness, but no shame. Their "take me as I am" attitude has given me, a woman who just turned 50, permission to age fearlessly with no regrets and reasons to look forward to my own aging process. These women may be invisible to many, but they are quite visible to me.
6 comments:
I reiterate, Robbie Kaye, that your work is priceless. I myself am a 55 year old woman, and am attracted to what you are doing with this project. You are bringing attention to a foundational aspect of our society that is real, strong and full of wisdom and courage...all too much ignored and forgotten. I keep my focus on you and support you all the way.
This is really a fundamental project to assemble the wise of people that helped the society with thier large initiatives and have still colaborate to develoveping our mind society with their rich information for us!!
Robbie contrgulations for this fantastic action!!
Thank you for showcasing Robbie Kaye and her soulful efforts to preserve this generation of women and all their Beauty and Wisdom! I just feel so good that there are people doing projects like this and creating awareness and enthusiasm for aging! YES! Yes! Yes!
I support this all the way and the photos are simply mesmerizing!
I was thrilled to see this post showcasing Robbie's project! I believe this work is life changing as we raise awareness on our perceptions of beauty and ageing.
My mother is one of these beautiful ladies that makes that weekly trip to the beauty salon. She has gone as long as I can remember, and it was the only time I remember her taking for herself.
She recognized the value in that "me time" and came back refreshed, rejuventated, and ready to resume her role as the family's foundation.
There are countless stories to be told about these beautiful women and their strength and wisdom.
I'm so glad that Robbie had that eye to capture their beauty, and the insight to recognize that we need their stories to guide our own journey into our Golden Years.
I hope that your reader's support Robbie's efforts and understand that all women will benefit from an increased awareness of our definition of what is truly beautiful.
Thank you Aline, for such an amazing representation of my project and this opportunity to share it. Savina, Fernando, Rita and Debbie, your support keeps me going and helps to raise the consciousness about beauty and age and our very honorable elders, thank you with all my heart. Robbie
What an amazing shift in perception you are creating. Gorgeous work about gorgeous people created by a gorgeous spirit. Thank you, Robbie!
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