I created this bust after my French friend, Aude, who, on turning 80, began reflecting on the meaning of life, as one’s death appears closer. Her repeated conclusion---and the title of this portrait---was: “La vie est un mystère”. Using slabs of earthenware clay, pre-cut according to a pattern, I assembled a hollow form, modeled from the inside and progressively built upon and refined. Working in this way, as I explore my initial idea of showing age, and the unique features and experiences that make a person, my vision transforms and I see only beauty. Age really does not matter, only beauty prevails.