Photographers Jane Paradise and Norma Holt met while visiting the Schoolhouse Gallery in Provincetown, MA.

“We struck up a conversation that began a friendship, a photography project, and a journey for us both that continues to this day,” says Paradise.

Holt, at age 90-plus, remains a prominent New York and Provincetown, MA, photographer who actively pursues her art and enjoys all of what life brings her.

“Through Norma, I am telling the universal story about aging and how one person creates a meaningful life with deteriorating physical state,” says Paradise.

A series of her photographs of Holt, When I Was Young, I Was Considered Beautiful, is featured in The Griffin Museum at the Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham, MA, November 12 through January 13. It runs parallel to the theater’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

A reception with the artist is November 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

“This body of work is an intimate portrait of an independent creative spirit who also photographed artists,” says Paradise. “This portrait of Norma’s later life (from 89 years old on) is told both through words and photographs.

“The words are serendipitous ‘Norma Wisdom’ quotes, hopes, desires, and longings. Her words are interspersed amongst imagery depicting Norma herself: a consummate artist and fierce soul.”

Paula Tognarelli, executive director and curator of the Griffin Museum, says, “Holt allows Paradise to photograph in the privacy of her daily life unabashed by vulnerable circumstances. It is a rare gift to have such a willing and colorful subject.

“In her photographs, Paradise presents Holt as a strong and spirited woman with a continuing zest for life. She exudes a confidence and elegance that comes only from living a long life with purpose,” Tognarelli continues. “Holt retains the vibrancy of youth, yet her independent spirit is tempered by the frailties of her aging body.”

Holt said to Paradise one day, “When I was young, I was considered beautiful.”

“Holt is a beauty still; an aging beauty at ease and so much wiser than the girl of her youth,” says Tognarelli.

Paradise is a San Francisco and Cape Cod-based photographer. Her photographs are in the collection of the Southeast Museum of Photography and many private collections in the U.S. and Europe.

She shows regularly at Gallery Ehva in Privincetown, MA, and in group shows at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum.

Most of her work deals with people, their inner landscape, and how they are situated in their environments

A catalog of When I Was Young, I Was Considered Beautiful Is available in the museum shop and can be purchased on-line.