If you’ve ever needed inspiration to pick up a hobby later on in life, look no further than 90-year-old grandma Anežka (Agnes) Kašpárková, from the Czech Republic. The former agricultural worker spends every spring and summer decorating the windows and door frames of the homes and chapel in Louka, her village in southern Moravia, with intricate cobalt blue patterns.
The artist picked up her new interest after watching other local women doing the same over the years. We’re not sure what is more impressive — the beautiful floral creations, or the way in which the nonagenarian is happy to climb a rickety old ladder onto scaffolding to complete the task.
There is no question Kašpárková has talent. Her attention to detail is incredible — most of us couldn’t attain this level of symmetry without a stencil, and even then! With a small brush in hand, she just lets her designs, based on traditional Morovian artwork, flow freely. The result is stunning. The white-painted homes have a new lease of life thanks to the vibrant motifs adorning their facades. Although the grandma has received widespread acclaim, she insists: “I am an artist,” adding “I just enjoy it and I want to help.”
As winter creeps in, Kašpárková takes the opportunity to get some well-earned rest, while probably thinking up some new patterns for the coming year. Of course, her story is a fine reminder that we’re never too old to start something new, but it is also a wonderful example for younger villagers to see how we should care for our surroundings, and even those of our neighbors, at any age.
Read more:
Why middle age is prime time for creativity
And today we celebrate...