My name is Cristina Barr, I am 62 years old, and I am a visual artist living in Paris, France. Unlike many artists, my journey into painting didn’t start in my youth.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I faced the usual choices when it came to university. Coming from a traditional family, I decided to pursue a career that felt more “appropriate” for them—I became an English teacher. Life then took its course.
I got married and had three children. Eventually, my family and I emigrated to France, where I put my teaching career aside to focus on helping my children adapt and succeed in a new country, with a new language—and they did!
As my children grew older, their need for my constant presence faded. My husband began working in Africa, and though he wanted me to join him, I chose to stay in Paris. Despite my love for him, I couldn’t face the thought of rearranging my life once again around others. Suddenly, I found myself almost alone. My children were at university, and I was left with an empty schedule, facing menopause, no close friends, and a looming sense of loneliness. I was at risk of slipping into a depression from the dreaded “empty nest” syndrome.
And then came art.
I decided to take up painting. At that point, art became not just a passion but a lifeline, a way to fill the emotional void. I threw myself into it with everything I had—taking courses in the morning, afternoon, and even at night. Painting became my world.
But being a full-time artist is far from easy, especially when you start at 50. Society isn’t exactly welcoming to those who embark on creative careers later in life. Even though the world is changing, the art industry—galleries, residencies, prizes—often favors youth. The belief is that younger artists have more time to develop their craft. My response? “I have time too!” I’ve been painting for 12 years now, which makes me a mid-career artist. I can continue painting well into my 80s and 90s. Sometimes, I feel discouraged by the obstacles, but something inside always pushes me to keep going.
The women I paint seem to whisper to me, “Cristina, don’t give up! Don’t let us disappear! Don’t let us die!” It’s as if I’m responsible for their existence, for giving life to their stories. But in reality, it’s about more than them—it’s about my own life. It’s about the message I want to send to my children, to other women: Don’t give up on your dreams. But remember, achieving them requires hard work.
My work focuses on women, though I’m not a realist painter. The women I paint exist in stories that live inside my mind. There’s the woman who turned 60 and wanted a full-body nude portrait (yes, that’s me!). There’s the one who dives into the sea for the first swim of August, the one whose boyfriend left her with his cat, the #MeToo advocate, and the one who’s proud of her body. Each painting tells a unique narrative, each woman is a reflection of the complexities, joys, and struggles that make us who we are.
Art, for me, is not just about creating something visually appealing; it’s about survival, resilience, and expression. It’s about telling stories that matter, not just for me, but for all the women whose voices may not always be heard.
At 62, I feel like I’m just getting started. My journey as an artist might have begun later than most, but that only makes it more meaningful.
Would you like to see more work from Cristina? Take a look at her personal instagram or her extra art account.
Photographer: Ana Alvarez Errecalde
No, there is no specific age limit for making a career switch. Many people successfully change careers in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even beyond. The key factors are your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to a new field.
Changing careers later in life may come with some challenges, such as acquiring new skills or competing in a younger job market. However, with determination and the right training, it’s very possible to make a successful transition. Networking and leveraging your existing experience can also be helpful.
