The Irina

Irina was born in Azerbaijan, a country situated on the Caspian Sea. She spent 30 years of her life in Siberia, where she worked in a scientific center as a physicist. Irina graduated from university with a degree in theoretical applied mechanics and went on to be a part of the team that worked on the Russian shuttle launch. In the year 2000, Irina moved to Brooklyn and eventually bought an apartment in the Brighton Beach area. She has two daughters, one of whom lives in Oregon and works in IT, while the other lives in Denmark.

After moving to New York, Irina worked as a programmer in the finance department for the city of New York for 17 years and retired four years ago. About three years ago, Irina started attending the JASA Senior Alliance Older Adult Center. 

“I needed something to do after retiring, and I missed having structure and people around me. I found a community at JASA, where I attend art classes and yoga, among other physical activities.”

Although she had never drawn before, Irina has always liked paintings and attending exhibitions. 

“I love color and the works of Matisse. I am amazed at how creative the people in my art class are and what they paint. I just try to keep up, and it feels great to be part of a community with a mutual love for painting.”

For anyone interested in painting or drawing, but is too scared to do so, Irina has a message:

“That’s me - I was scared to start painting, but I knew what I needed to paint. When you start, it’s amazing. Just do it. My friend used to send me weekly pictures of “everyone can paint.” I used to laugh at that, but then I realized that it is true, because you need to just try, to just do it.”

This sweater is handmade with love and care by JASA seniors. Treat yourself today and support older New Yorkers!