Chris Fittock

My work is an exploration of self, about who I am.

The canvas acting like a mirror, a mirror that allows others to see what until recent times only I could see.

In oil paint, my secret world is revealed, no longer hidden.

In 2010 at the age of 52, I decided to enroll on a BA Fine Art Degree course at Blackburn College. Prior to this I had gone to life drawing classes at Burnley College, which had inspired me to go on to study at degree level.
As a mature student I wanted my degree to be meaningful, something with purpose, which might help me to understand who I was, and where I stood in this world.
Since the age of eight I had been secretly cross-dressing, something I had never managed to come to terms with, this had left me with bouts of depression, low self esteem and confusion as to why I would so desperately want to explore my feminine side, and wear woman's clothes.
Prior to starting the degree, I had sought counseling about this, and gradually, I became more accepting of who I was, a male with a distinct feminine side.
I came out to family and friends, and told them that I no longer wanted to hide this side of me. This was particularly difficult for my wife, who was suddenly confronted with the visible aspect...

2012
Achieved a 1st BA Hon Degree in Fine Art /Integrated Media
At Blackburn College. Blackburn, Lancashire.