It’s Never Too Late: 8 Lessons for Artists from My Father’s First Exhibition

Two weeks ago, after a long wait, I visited my parents again. And something happened that I can’t keep to myself—it left me inspired, moved, and reminded of truths I had almost forgotten.

My father is 82. He has always helped others, but his deepest love has been painting. For decades, he painted in silence, in stolen hours, never imagining he might share it with the world.

And then—after all these years—he was offered his first exhibition.

I flew over to help him prepare, and together we hung his paintings, polished details, and shared the kind of laughter only two artists—father and daughter—can. It felt like coming home, also artistically.

That week gave me 8 lessons I want to share with you, artist to artist, human to human. Maybe you’ll recognize yourself in them.
My father is an artist, always was. He went professionally a different way, and yet: Nothing was able to kill this passion, and this was my 1st lesson: 

1. Nothing Dies

Passion doesn’t go away. Even if it’s buried, it waits. My father’s love of painting lived quietly for decades. Mine did too. I once thought I’d closed the door on art forever—but I was wrong.

2. You’re Still an Artist in the Pauses

Output doesn’t equal identity. Even Luc Tuymans stopped painting for two years. Pauses don’t erase who you are.

3. You’re Never Just One Thing

We’re never either/or. You can be many things at once. That doesn’t dilute your art—it deepens it.

4. Detach From Outcome

When you stop chasing results or approval, something lighter appears: freedom.

5. It’s Never Too Late

My father’s first exhibition was at 82. Enough said.

6. Creativity Keeps You Alive

Curiosity and play don’t just make art—they keep the soul breathing, especially in dark times.

7. Art Needs to Be Seen

People need to be seen. Art needs to be seen. Hiding helps no one.

8. Nothing Is Ever Wasted

Every experience, every attempt, every pause adds up. Even what felt “lost” eventually finds its place.

On opening night, I saw people in their eighties and nineties light up when they spoke of their art. They reminded me: it’s not about youth or output or being “on time.” It’s about staying alive to what moves you.

As Morrissey sang: “There is a light that never goes out.”

That’s right.

With love,
Christine

A Note to Artists and Creatives

If you wrestle with self-doubt, shame, or the fear of being seen—I know how heavy that can be. And I also know how freeing it is when you begin to share your work.

If this speaks to you, get in touch. Let’s make sure your work and your light are seen.

Please follow my father on Instagram. I am posting his artwork there to support and love.

If you don't follow me on Instagram yet and would like to, you are welcome to join me HERE.

And here is a reminder for why creatives do what they do.