This painting was completed in 2020. I visited the Calabria region of Italy several times, visiting a friend. I tried to capture the essence of Calabria; the food, the landscape, the architecture and the history.
After leaving school at 15yrs old with no real education or qualifications, I felt academically inept. I didn’t care at the time, all I wanted to do (and good at) was be an athlete; a sprinter.
On leaving school, being homeless for several months, my aspirations to be an athlete fell by the wayside. as did most things.
After finding my feet (no pun intended) at 19 yrs of age, I went to night school and studied Art and Psychology. I struggled, I had a lot to learn.
I gained a place in University to study Fine Art & Critical & Contextual Studies. I couldn’t believe it. I was terrified. I convinced myself they had made a mistake, they would soon find out, realise I shouldn’t be there.
On arrival, I felt so out of place. I felt like a fraud. I didn’t belong in academia, sit in lectures and take notes, write essays…F**K!
I kept a low profile, went to lectures, took copious notes, recorded every lecture, which I replayed numerous times; in case I missed anything.
I felt sure I wouldn’t last a month, if that. The months went by, and I was still there. After three years, I graduated with my degree and went straight into teaching Art & Art History.
I didn’t get to run in the Olympics, but I eventually got my education.
I really felt out of place in Uni, but so I’m so glad I persevered. 🤗🙏
Sara Allwright Fine Art 