Active Living

DEBRA B. DARVICK
Special to the Jewish News

nthony and Josephine repose on their
stands in Abe and Ruth Zitomer's dining
room, tangible proof that creativity and
inspiration can be tapped at any age.
Wintering in Palm Springs nearly two decades
ago, Southfield resident Abe Zitomer, then 75,
enrolled in a sculpting class "just to have something
to do," he recalls. Though involved in the creative
process his entire life (he has designed everything
from stage sets to aircraft to storm doors and win-
dows), Zitomer had never pursued sculpting.
The day of the class, he got cold feet and nearly
skipped. "Go," said his wife, Ruth. "If you hate it,
well, all you've lost is the money and a few hours."
So Abe went, and "Anthony" was born, the clay
planes of his face smooth and strong. Then came
"Josephine," proud and haughty
And in their wake came "Samson," "Moses" and
many other works of art that now grace the
Zitomer home cast in bronze, chiseled from
alabaster and sculpted from clay

An artist

turns to clay,

bronze and

alabaster as a

senior citizen.

12/29
2000

£5