elsie child

I am bestowed with the best,kindest,sweetest tutors I could ever wish for. At college, I received Angela, all warm heart and open hugs, whom we referred to as The Mammy. At uni, I have D and co. who come in unpaid to assist students, who dispense advice, who organise trips to galleries and shows, who promised me advice and support throughout the summer.D who knew I have some struggles at the mo, even presented me with an encouragement gift.I could have cried with happiness!

I recall my art teacher, who was so different; she had her favourites, who told my mother that there was no point my carrying on art to third level education and whom would rip up a pupil's work and fling it in the bin for not being exactly as she wanted it.In six years,she complimented my art twice.At the time I thought she was really talented, but now I can see that she never achieved anything; no exhibitions, no artwork, no published books- nothing.Maybe it was a mark on her as an artist, but I can see now that she was frustrated by being limited to the narrow confines of a classroom.She began her job in the 1980's when jobs were scarce, and even more so for art based work, which explains her unwilling landing in the classroom.But now, I look back and am grateful for my tutors and the irony is, not one of her favourites went on do art at uni. Two friends and I were the only people of the 40 in our art class to reach art university. Looking back at my sour art teacher,I am grateful for the tutors I have now.