The Art of Reinvention: Sue Kreitzman’s Colorful Rebellion Against the Ordinary
What if, at 58, you decided to throw away the rulebook and start over? Not just a career change, but a complete reinvention of self. That’s exactly what Sue Kreitzman did, and her story is a masterclass in defiance, creativity, and the power of living unapologetically. Personally, I think her journey challenges everything we assume about age, talent, and the paths we’re ‘supposed’ to follow.
From Cookbooks to Mermaids: The Birth of an Artist
Sue Kreitzman’s pivot from cookbook author to artist is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating midlife transformations I’ve ever encountered. What makes this particularly interesting is how it began—not with a grand plan, but with a spontaneous doodle of a mermaid. She says the mermaid ‘took over her life,’ and I find that phrase deeply symbolic. It’s as if her creativity, long suppressed, finally demanded to be seen.
What many people don’t realize is that late-blooming artists like Kreitzman often tap into a raw, unfiltered form of expression. Unlike those trained from a young age, they’re not bound by technique or expectations. Her art isn’t about perfection; it’s about liberation. This raises a deeper question: How many of us are stifling our true passions because we think we’re ‘too old’ or ‘not good enough’?
Living Inside a Masterpiece: The House as a Canvas
Kreitzman’s Mile End home isn’t just a house—it’s a living, breathing art installation. Every wall, table, and corridor is a testament to her obsession with color, texture, and storytelling. From my perspective, this isn’t just about decorating; it’s about creating a world where every object has a purpose, a history, and a soul.
One thing that immediately stands out is her relationship with her curator, Jaime Freestone. It’s not just a professional arrangement; it’s a friendship built on mentorship and mutual respect. Freestone describes the house as a ‘safe space,’ and I think that’s what Kreitzman’s art ultimately is—a refuge for those who feel out of place in the mainstream.
Neck Shrines and Goddess Phones: The Power of Personal Symbolism
Kreitzman’s neck shrines are more than accessories; they’re wearable narratives. Each one is a collage of personal meaning, crafted from objects that hold emotional weight. A detail that I find especially interesting is her use of real teeth and faux eyeballs—a blend of the macabre and the whimsical. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t have to be pretty; it just has to be honest.
Her ‘goddess phones,’ on the other hand, are a stroke of genius. The idea that you can call a goddess for help is both playful and profound. What this really suggests is that Kreitzman’s art isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about connection—to the past, to the mystical, and to others.
A Community of Misfits: The Ripple Effect of Her Creativity
Kreitzman’s home is a magnet for other artists, each as eccentric and colorful as she is. Take Elizabeth Joseph, with her crocheted everything, or Anne-Sophie Cochevelou, who cycles in gold platform shoes. These aren’t just friends; they’re a tribe of misfits who’ve found a leader in Kreitzman.
What’s striking is how she empowers others. Cochevelou credits Kreitzman with helping her believe in herself as an artist. If you take a step back and think about it, Kreitzman’s impact goes far beyond her own work. She’s creating a legacy of confidence and creativity, one person at a time.
The Rebellion Against ‘Growing Out of It’
Kreitzman’s lifelong love of color is, in many ways, a rebellion against conformity. Her mother’s dismissive comment—‘you’ll grow out of it’—is something so many of us have heard. But Kreitzman didn’t grow out of it. At 85, she’s still painting her world in technicolor, proving that some passions are too powerful to be extinguished.
In my opinion, this is the most inspiring part of her story. She’s not just an artist; she’s a living argument for staying true to yourself, no matter what society expects. Her life is a reminder that it’s never too late to start over, to be bold, to be unapologetically you.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Being Sue Kreitzman
Sue Kreitzman’s life is a testament to the idea that art isn’t just something you create—it’s something you become. Her home, her friendships, her very existence are all part of a larger masterpiece. Personally, I think her story challenges us to ask: What would our lives look like if we stopped trying to fit in and started embracing our own unique chaos?
Kreitzman’s journey isn’t just about art; it’s about freedom. And in a world that often feels monochrome, she’s a riot of color—a reminder that life is meant to be lived, not just observed. So, here’s to the obsessives, the bonkers, and the extremely colorful among us. May we all have the courage to be as unapologetically ourselves as Sue Kreitzman.
