Amy Thompson
Visual Artist
Q: What does 50 feel like for you?
A: Fifty feels surprisingly different! While it has certainly had its ups and downs, one of the things I have noticed the most is how connected I feel to my childhood self. Perhaps it’s spending more time with my family or just having some time to reflect. It's that truly genuine part of me that wasn’t yet shaped by external factors. It really feels like getting my priorities straight, what that means in terms of letting things go, appreciating the all I have, and being at peace with who I have become.
Q: What’s the best part of being 50?
A: My 50th year was incredibly creative for me. It was also creativity under a fair amount of pressure, so I am very happy with the caliber of work that has come out of that, and letting myself have some fun and play to get there. This creativity felt like it was in the bank and I just had to tap into it. It’s the culmination of where I have been, the people I have known and worked with and all those that have helped, guided and inspired me over the years, as well as all of the knowledge and experiences I have amassed. It is truly remarkable how as you get older the more you make connections within your life and the knowledge of world around you. It made me so grateful that I am still filled with curiosity and awe.
Q: What’s your least favourite part of being 50?
A: Definitely the physical changes, they were more dramatic and unexpected!
Q: What words or adjectives would you use to describe 50?
A: Connected, fortunate, brimming, calm, vital.
Q: How is turning 50 different from turning 30 or 40?
A: There was definitely more significant physical changes at 50. Combined with the pandemic, at 50 I felt more preoccupied with my mental and physical health than usual.
Q: If you could magically go back to a younger version of yourself, would you?
A: I wouldn’t go back, I wouldn’t want to change what I have, but I would give her a lot of advice and a good reading list!
I once wrote a letter to my future self, which I got to open when I was 21 (and living in Italy). It would be more insightful to do the reverse!
Q: If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
A: Your instincts are RIGHT, just trust them!
Amy can be found online here.