'My foundation course in the early 60s was mainly taught by fine artists.'
So was there anything 'arty' in your career in the end, JB?
There were 4 subjects in my foundation course - fine art, surface pattern, ceramics and print. I loved them all (except surface pattern). The print wasn't commercial at all, it was etching and lino cut, I enjoyed doing that. Ceramics was just a lark - me on a pottery wheel - everything started as a vase but ended up as a floppy phallus. Fine art was fabulous, the tutor was one of those teachers you'll never forget. Can't remember his name now... But he taught me never to get precious about my work (that's crucial in my field, everyone's a critic and I'm my own worse) and to how to meditate.
That was certainly the best year of my education. I was permanently on heat, had my own car ('79 Peugeot 505) and there was always a sleepover at someone's house, somewhere - it felt like that, anyway. I got away with the minimum effort (just about) and at one point a very angry tutor said to me that if I would improve my marks and my attitude he'd take me out in his car. No, he wasn't a perve, he happened to drive a Morgan and I was always pestering him for a ride. I left with a Distinction and I did get that ride. Ashton to Rochdale and back, driving like a nutter. Think I wet myself a bit...
Proper education in those days.
|
