About the Artists
Jeanne Batalova, PhD, is a creative disruptor and writer whose work is at the crossroads of personal transformation, spirituality, happiness, and humor. During the day, she is an immigration researcher, sociologist, and data storyteller. Her Mom, Ludmila, is the AWE Project’s inspiration and Jeanne’s biggest cheerleader. Jeanne lives in Arlington, VA. Instagram: @AgingWithEdge.
Ben Amare, a Washington DC-based fashion and beauty photographer, has joined the project to bring to life the vivacious and spirited people behind the stereotypes of aging. Ben loves making people comfortable and catching them in those genuine moments. Instagram: @BenAmarePhoto.
Acknowledgements: Jeanne would like to thank photographer Diana Bodnarenco and stylist Lia Nichiforova who captured her Mom’s AgingWithEdge spirit in a photo shoot in Chisinau, Moldova. She also expresses her gratitude to the eleven participants in Washington DC who gave Jeanne the gift of their wisdom, and the many extraordinary people, old and new friends, who helped make this project a joyful and enriching experience for all involved.