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Back to school at 62

Recovering from breast cancer surgery with its radiotherapy and chemotherapy I realised that if I had any unfulfilled ambitions I had better get on with it, says Margaret Pitt

This was very liberating since I had not really come to terms with losing my dear husband. All the plans we had made together for the future were made with two in mind.

So I was still at the stage of travelling to faraway places searching for an elusive purpose in life.

But, at 62, I applied to and was accepted for a four year degree course at The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Now this was a life changing experience. Here I was - a former Home Economics teacher - being put through my paces with a group of mostly 18-20 year olds by lecturers all of whom were very much younger than myself.

They were somewhat wary of this old bird who had invaded their nest. After all just how do you treat a woman old enough to be your granny who is standing up for her rights?

The young people had no such problems and just treated me like one of themselves.

I was invited to all the parties and saw the insides of clubs that I would have been very unlikely to visit with my contemporaries. Late in life I really learned how to party!

In 2003 I graduated with a 2:1 in Fine Art: Printmaking, which introduced me to a whole new body of knowledge and a completely new lifestyle.

I have learned, among other things, how to do copper- plate etching, screenprints, lithographs and, my favourite, woodcuts.

I have gained confidence to approach galleries and have had solo and group exhibitions in many galleries. My work has been purchased or leased by several businesses.

I produce mainly abstract woodcuts inspired by archaeological sites. Since the process I use is reductive most of my prints are ‘one-off’ although recently I have been making editions of about 6.

I now have my own studio complete with press purchased by the money earned from my work. It is nearing the point where I might manage a Saga holiday from my gains!

But better than that is the sense of purpose and satisfaction that I get from radically changing my lifestyle to become once more confident and self-sufficient.

In my four years the young people were inspiring. The hurdles they have to overcome to afford their education are much worse than when I was a student first time round.

In addition they are left with a large debt which will take years to pay off.

I, on the other hand, have the luxury of doing a job I love without the added need of actually earning a living.

I will always be grateful to my cancer for giving me the push towards a second bite at the apple.

1. Email Margaret
   

This article was created: 25 July 2006.
This article was last edited: 8 January 2007.

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