Each of his pieces is a testament to his unyielding persistence and endless optimism. «Perhaps one day, I will be skilled enough to feel satisfaction,» said Straussman. His teacher, Rosalie Dornstein, from the community education program at Great Neck Free Union School, says he has succeeded in this challenge completely. «I am still not satisfied with what I do,» he adds. Everyone is always looking for the secret to a long, happy life, but in Straussman's case, the answer seems clear: he says that when he finally creates something he finds beautiful, it will be «a great feeling». Today, hundreds of rejected pieces are stored in his wooden cabinets and cardboard boxes. It represents a never-ending journey of self-improvement. His wife, Nancy, says that her husband brings home a new piece he doesn't like every week. Dornstein adds, «It's amazing that at 102 years old, he still wants to evolve and improve his performance». For Straussman, like many other artists at any skill level, creativity has become a spiritual commitment, a pursuit of deeper meaning and greater beauty. Few people reach the age of George Straussman from Great Neck, New York, in such good health and with such vitality. However, that is not the main story. At 102, this man still works four days a week in his family's construction business. According to CBS News, for the past 10 years, Straussman has been taking pottery classes. «I've always worked with my hands, it was enjoyable, and it included a challenge,» he said. While this is amazing, it is not the main story.
