I decided to study Graphic Design, against my tutors advice, he wanted me to go for 3D design, but I was accepted to my first choice Coventry Lanchester Polytechnic. I was born in Coventry so felt I was going to a place that meant something to me, and the course looked promising.
I was living on the top floor of the Priory Hall G block, one of three accommodation blocks. I had great views over Coventry and the swimming baths behind. we were right opposite the Coventry Cathedral ruins, Bombed during WW2, and the new Cathedral.
The next 3 years went in a flash. I made life long friends and learnt skills that I would use throughout my artistic career. I think perhaps a fine art degree would have been more suited to me, as I found graphics very rigidly structured and to me, claustrophobic. I didn’t always create typical “Graphic Design” projects and was not encouraged to colour out side of the lines as I thought outside of the box, as it were. I found a few of the tutors unhelpful in comparison to my foundation course, they were hard to please and to find having set the brief, then disappeared. By the end of my 3 years I felt rather lost and disillusioned. One thing it did do was teach me a myriad of drawing, illustration and technical skills. The course covered computer design but using punch cards. It was 1980, no computer involvement in the design process in those days. I didn’t do very well at that part of the course.
There was no quick way to print either.. we had to hand set our typefaces for printing, we had Typeface books with different size type face so we could trace words on to layouts. We learnt about using ems and ens, point sizes and spacing, plus hundreds of typefaces to think about. It wasn’t easy, but I remember a sense of achievement when you saw the printed page., until you noticed a letter the wrong way around….
I passed my 3 year course with a BA(hons) Unfortunately in 1983 jobs were scarce.
In 1985 I swapped career paths and started a State Registered Nurse training.
I dabbled with various art and crafts throughout the next few years, and emigrated to Australia as a Registered Nurse, with a good hobby.
Unfortunately my health meant I had to stop work, and art became my lifeline and my saviour.
I think my style now is best described as illustrative, and the skills I use today were definitely founded in those 5 years study at art college.
I now teach art to a small group of ladies, and do my commissions and workshops, If I had my time again I would have gone on to do my teaching degree, straight after my art degree, and looked to teach art at polytechnic or university.
I have the best hobby I could ever wish for. I found that animals were my best work, and I love peoples response to commissions I do for them.
My style has adapted over the years, it means I never get bored. I always have something I can do to fill my time. It may not always work as I want it to, but its fun and rewarding.
