My crazy entry into the art world.

It all started when I got kicked out of a psychiatric day centre art room. I was in there because everyone else was smoking and I couldn't stand the smell. 6 years ago now.

So what does a newly diagnosed bipolar do after he's been told he can no longer be a podiatrist his religious family and friends have disowned him and he is sat string out of the window of a psychiatric day centre art room?

He picks up a pencil to see if he can draw a stick man. I couldn't I banged my head on the table wept and thought I can't even do that right. Two weeks of all day practice I was an ace stick man drawer. Then it happened I got kicked out of the room because an art group was meeting there and it was closed!

I was incensed with rage the one thing I could actually do was taken from me, so upset I walked into the local college and asked if they had a free night school class, I swear I would have got on my knees if wanted. (I didn't even read the sign on the wall. ASHFORD COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN. I thought it was a regular community college.

I was told to return in 3 weeks time with 10 large A3 drawings and I would be interviewed by the head of the college. Which I thought was wierd for a night class.

I was accepted on the course but instead of a evening a week I was on a full time years course a foundation diploma in fine art and design!!

From then on I was an art student/artist. New friends new world.. never done drawing before never picked up a brush. I knew nothing!

1 member likes this

Comment

You need to be a member of Paint With Karen Ilari to add comments!

Join Paint With Karen Ilari

Comment by Wenda Spooner on March 28, 2016 at 4:57pm: I am glad you found the artist in you. wonderful!

Comment by KC Cooke on July 21, 2015 at 2:30pm: Such a touching story! Thank you for sharing it, Luke. Painting truly is a healing pass-time, isn't it?

Comment by LizJ on July 21, 2015 at 5:03am: Looks like you followed a path that was meant for you Luke, good on you and never be nervous about sharing, we are just one big family and we dont judge, we are all here to support each other on our artist journey.

Comment by Luke raftery on July 21, 2015 at 3:22am: Thank you so much for your comments I was rather nervous about revealing who I am. glad I did.

Comment by sharon on July 19, 2015 at 9:26am: Wonderful story luke, I aplore you.

Comment by Linda Wooding on July 18, 2015 at 11:53am: Great story Luke! So, so glad you found the college and were enrolled! Bravo!! Now the door is open and you're free to create all the wonderful things in your new world!

Comment by Lynda Dinneen on July 17, 2015 at 9:56pm: Quite a story is your Luke! Your talent is obvious! Glad you found us!

Comment by Charles Eisener on July 17, 2015 at 4:48pm: I'm glad you stuck to your guns! It is pretty hard to restrict a creative spirit that has discovered their wings.

Comment by Karen Ilari on July 17, 2015 at 4:21pm: Wow, what a great story Luke! Isn't the healing power of art a wonderful thing? Sometimes we stumble right where we should be :)