Australians can be confident that when the time comes to leave the family home and move into aged care, they will be given the appropriate support.
Fresh research explains how a lifetime income product, combined with an allocated pension, could mean those on the cusp of retiring will require much smaller superannuation balances than ASFA’s recommended targets.
Exploring new art forms can be a creative use of time
Now that you’re retired, it’s time to start a new hobby. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete novice, exploring different art forms can be an incredibly rewarding new skill to learn and a wonderful way to discover a different side of yourself. Best of all, most art forms are surprisingly easy to begin.
The first rule is to understand what you want to achieve. Before diving into any specific art form, it’s essential to understand what drives your creative impulse. Are you looking to express emotions, tell a story or simply find a new hobby? Identifying your motivation can help guide your choices and keep you motivated.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to get creative. It’s a good idea to explore a couple of different art forms to see what resonates with you. Don’t worry about signing up for courses – you can always do that later if you want to obtain formal skills. In the first instance, just check out some free YouTube videos or check some books out of the library and teach yourself the basics.
Drawing and sketching: All you need is pencil and paper. Start with simple shapes and gradually move to more complex subjects. Online tutorials can be a great resource. Try different mediums such as charcoal, ink or pastels. In addition to attending local workshops, you can join online communities to share your work and get feedback.
Painting: First, choose your medium – water colours, acrylics or oils. Each has its unique properties and techniques. Start with basic colour theory and simple compositions and then slowly build up to more challenging subjects. You can then try mixing different mediums, attempt abstract styles or paint on unconventional surfaces such as wood or fabric. Participating in local art classes can provide hands-on experience and guidance.
Sculpting: Begin with clay. It’s easy to mould and forgiving for beginners, with basic tools and a workspace all you need. Once you are comfortable with clay, you can explore other materials such as wood, metal or even recycled objects. Sculpting classes can offer structured learning and access to specialised tools.
Photography: A smartphone camera is sufficient to begin with. Focus on composition, lighting and subject matter. Once you decide to take it up a notch you can try different genres such as portrait, landscape or street photography. Editing software can enhance your photos and allow for creative manipulation. At some point you will want to consider buying a SLR camera, at which point learning some basic photography techniques around exposure, lighting and composition is valuable.
Digital art: Software such as Adobe photoshop or free alternatives such as GIMP can be used to create digital art. A graphics tablet can make the process more intuitive. The next step is to combine digital and traditional techniques, create animations or explore 3D modelling. Online courses can provide in-depth tutorials and project ideas.
Writing: Start with a journal or short stories and focus on expressing your thoughts and ideas clearly. Other genres that might interest are poetry, fiction or non-fiction. Join writing groups or attend workshops to get feedback and to improve your skills.
Music: Learn a musical instrument – just pick whatever one inspires you the most. Alternatively, explore digital music production. Online tutorials and apps can be very helpful. You can compose your own music, collaborate with other musicians or experiment with different genres. Local music schools or community centres often offer beginner classes.
Crafts: Simple crafts such as knitting, crocheting or paper crafts can be a great way to get started. Kits are very readily available and will walk you through the process step-by-step, and online tutorials can guide you through the basics. Then you can combine different crafts, create your own patterns or use unconventional materials. Craft fairs and online communities can provide inspiration and support.
Many retirees pondering taking up a new hobby often encounter creative blocks. If this happens to you, there are some remedies. First, take a break. Sometimes stepping away from your work can provide new perspectives. Another option is to seek inspiration by visiting galleries, reading books or simply exploring nature. Inspiration can come from anywhere.
It’s worthwhile setting small goals by breaking your project into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. It also helps to join a likeminded community that can provide support, feedback and motivation.
Just remember that like any skill, creativity improves with practice. As the famous South African golfer Gary Player once quipped, “the more I practise the luckier I get”.
It’s no different with any creative pursuit. And, more than anything else, have fun with it. The entire point of the arts is to express yourself and feel liberated. Never let it become stressful, exhausting or become a chore – there’s no fun in that.
