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
. 2010 - 2011
2006 - 2010
2004 - 2006
. 1998 - 2004
1995 - 1998
. 1991 - 1995
1988 - 1991
. 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)