‘Higher Self’ Art Show Inspires Seniors

Steffi Nicole and Kayla Alexander, two local artists, led their hearts and souls into encouraging seniors to attach to their “higher selves” by putting in months of work in creating pieces that would be on display at a collaborative art show called, “Higher Self,” at the Zaban Tower on Howell Mill Road.

Artist-in-Residence Nicole said, “What an incredible journey. From the very first class we shared, there was a sense of curiosity – a willingness to play, explore and step into something undefined together.”

Each woman moved at her own pace for more than six months to arrive at what Nicole described as “the result of freedom, not a performance, but presence, play, and self-respect.”

Photographer Kayla Alexander oversaw the photo shoot along with fashion designer, Elizabeth Cullen, and artist, Hannah Randall, to adorn the senior women from head to toe, “not to create characters, but to open space.”

Each woman created her own crown, choosing the “higher self” she wished to embody and brought personal elements to support her “look.” Alexander explained, “One by one the women met with me to share an intimate moment between me and my camera … capturing their beauty, their joy, their innate power, and magical white-haired wisdom that they have each so evidently earned. Some of them I had met before when I helped Steffi with a mural project there, and others I had never seen before. It was so special to meet these powerful women in such an intimate and vulnerable and personal way.” A separate room apart from these large photos displayed the seniors’ own varied artwork.

Over a buffet dinner, Jewish HomeLife Chief Development and Marketing Officer Stephanie Wyatt explained that the exhibition presented in the Ethel Ornstein Art Studio was dedicated by the Sunshine family.

“We believe that care [here] extends beyond physical needs by honoring the whole person, their story, their continued capacity for growth and self-expression. Creativity plays a meaningful role in how we support dignity, connection, and purpose at every stage of life, and our art program is that in action.”

Participant “Earth Goddess,” aka Ann W. Kaplan, 79, a retired graphic artist, said that she rediscovered art in Nicole’s class. “I only owned three items, my Mac, a design layout program, and an illustration program.”

After figuring out how to use these modern tools, she was overjoyed. “Professional procrastinator” Mimi Gould laughed, “I shoulda, coulda, woulda! It’s never too late. I firmly believe that all of us are blessed with some form of creativity.”

Phyllis Yasner, “Visitor from Another Planet,” felt the class helped her to open up. “Steffi led us step by step with love and encouragement, it just came together.”

Alexander concluded, “Beauty becomes more powerful with age. The wrinkles in the skin hold the story to everyone’s unique existence … I hope this project can help not only these women to embrace their inner goddess but also help all people to recognize the beauty in age for it is a destination that we all could be so lucky to share. I feel such deep honor having had the opportunity to capture a moment from each of these women’s lives so they can reflect on their beauty, inside and out. As a society, we turn away from women’s beauty after a certain age and discredit its very real existence. I believe beauty never fades. Even after someone is gone, their beauty continues to radiate through those whom they have loved.”

Nicole creates murals (some on display on the Beltline) and workshops combining art, healing, and spirituality. She teaches at Abernathy Arts Center and serves as artist-in-residence at The Berman Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She lived in Israel, participating in the MASA program and holds an MA in women’s spirituality. She also has an MA from SCAD in design management.