Just go for it!

I started my degree in 2011 at the age of 54 - somewhat late in life, perhaps! But I can honestly say it's the best thing I've ever done. Up until then, I'd spent 36 years in the world of commerce: sales, recruitment, PR, marketing, event management... but I'd always harboured a desire to turn my love of all things creative into a full-time occupation. I finally "jumped ship" in 2010, and set about giving up the day job, in order to achieve my goal. My first year as a 'mature' art student was a real eye opener. Frankly, I don't think I've ever worked so hard.  We had lectures, workshops or practical sessions four and a half days a week, every week. When assessments loomed, we often found ourselves making pieces late into the evening and there always seemed to be some research, drawing or study task to occupy weekends as well. Living in rural Northumberland, in the North Tyne Valley, also means a daily round-trip journey of 88 miles. So, not exactly a breeze!

Looking back, it has all been an incredible, exciting challenge and I've really been stretched creatively. I may have been a frustrated artist for over half a century, but now I am starting to live the dream. Yes, it can be hard getting off that career treadmill, but I'd encourage anyone thinking of following a similar path back into education just to go for it. It's never too late to learn something new.

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2011 to date



2011 to date

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2010 - 2011


2006 - 2010


2004 - 2006

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1998 - 2004


1995 - 1998

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1991 - 1995




1988 - 1991

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1975 - 1988

Studies

Curriculum Vitae

Undergraduate, Level 2
(BA Hons in Glass & Ceramics)
University of Sunderland

Events Coordinator (part-time)
The Biscuit Factory (contemporary art gallery)

Marketing Officer
Northumberland National Park

Business Development Manager
Northumberland Tourism

Start-Up Business Adviser
Business Link, Hexham

Marketing Manager
NB Design & Marketing, Gateshead

Marketing Executive
The Reputation Managers, Milton Keynes

Sales & Marketing Manager
- Staverton Park Golf & Country Club
- West Park Golf & Country Club
- Beadlow Manor Golf & Country Club

Owner/Recruitment Consultant
Q-BIT Computing Ltd, London

even more sales, marketing & recruitment....!

A Level : Art, French, English (1975)
City & Guilds : Ceramics (1997)
NCFE : Stained Glass (2011)
BA (Hons) in Glass & Ceramics (due 2014)