That’s Not My Age
Age is a funny thing. I spent my 39th year worrying about being forty and single, no kids, no house, no pension plan. I’d often pretend to be 35-years old, that was my showbiz age, and for a while I could get away with it. But then forty came along, and so did Mr That’s Not My Age and I realised it wasn’t such a big deal. I felt exactly the same on my 40th birthday as I did the day before, nothing had changed. So, before I get all sentimental, I’m going to tell you about Bob & Roberta Smith – bear with me, this is just one person – the artist Patrick Brill, 47, a man who doesn’t take himself or the ageing process too seriously.
This is his time machine. Which is wind-generated, and like HG Wells’ prototype is basically a chair (in the middle), with a rickety wooden windmill built around it. But don’t be fooled by its makeshift appearance, like Botox, the machine has the abilty to increase or decrease your age.
Bob & Roberta also plays in two bands, The Apathy Band and The Ken Ardley Playboys, and admits that this in itself can feel a bit like time travel, ‘When you’re in a band, on-stage, it can make you think you’re younger but people in the audience look at you and think you’re older.’ Mr Brill-Smith insists that the rock ‘n’ roll side of his work isn’t a mid-life crisis, after all he’s been playing for years and like The Rolling Stones is going to continue until well after he’s started collecting his pension,’ I’m quite keen to carry on. When the other band members die off, I’ll replace them with younger people – like George our drummer who’s thirty.’
So, does the ageing process bother B&R? ‘ Well, I’ve always felt a bit middle-aged,’ he says, ‘I suppose it’s all about potential talent. When you’re young you have it. When you’re in your forties, you don’t. You’re just talentless and old.’
The rocker with the Dr Who tendencies admits that he’s recently started playing the piano and drums so that he can sit down, it takes a lot of energy to maintain this level of creative output but, ‘Not as much energy as the audience need to sit through it!’
What age would you use the machine to travel to?
Bob & Roberta’s factory outlet is on at Beaconsfield gallery until 21 February – and there’s also a café, the Ragged Canteen which sells very nice coffee and cakes.
Discussion (12 Comments)
Beautifully50 – yes, the experience and wisdom that come with age make you feel more confident but it would be nice if the face and body stopped ageing at around 35.
Cashon – great quote, I love it.
Top Bird – step into the time machine!
Ondo Lady – so true. Thanks for your comment.
Oops! I thought that entire comment would be deleted. I made a nasty typo.
Very interesting post! I am 58 this year. I look and feel in my early 40s. (Does one follow the other, and if so, which is the follower?) Looking back on my life, I would like to be in my early 20s again, to make the decision to be a doctor. Aside from this, I am happy with what I've achieved, although it hasn't been much, as it has brought me to where I currently am. I honestly feel my life is just beginning. I have suddenly become confident in who I am and happy with how I look (since having a nose-job haha). I am definitely healthier than I have ever been and in better shape than ever. My only fear is that someone, somewhere will discover the secret of extending the middle years, but it will be too late for me to take advantage of this, and for my loved ones too. There is just so much I want to do and discover about the world and how I fit into it. I see most commenters are way younger than I, so you have lots to look forward to 🙂
I would so love to be in my forties again… 50 plus now seems like I am slipping down the slope the other side… I do try not to think like this but I find it hard at times and then I give myself a 'pep talk' and all seems ok for a while!
Rosina – wow, you certainly don't look your age, you are most definitely middle-ageless!
S-E – I am mid-forties now and I know what you mean, but I think the people around us (and blogging!) keep us young and a pep talk always works. Sometimes I give myself a little pat on the back too!
Sounds like a great excuse to visit Beaconsfield and also pop into the model village – made famous by Will Self in his short story (I think) 'Scale' – perhaps a good venue for a drunken party to celebrate my imminent 40th…
Susan – oh yes, art and music keep me feeling young (and sometimes old, depending on the gig!)
Ben – get yourself down to Beaconsfield, I'm sure they hire it out and it would be an excellent venue for your 40th birthday party. Send me an invite!
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I love the wisdom and freedom that comes with my mid-life mind, but I'd be happy if my face and body got a jolt back to, let's say, 35…and stayed there forever. Where did you find that time machine? very interesting!