The End Of An Era Print

I enjoyed five years of Art School, and thanks to the Postwar Labour Party, I even received a grant to do my studies... and so could dedicate myself to my art (and my poetry) without having to spend hours and hours working, just to insure I wasn't saddled with student load debt for the rest of my life, like the poor sods who entered the education system after the Thatcher government had dismantled this aid to people from working class backgrounds! I think the art world is poorer as a result, even if the collectors are richer! When I finished art school, my first job was in a fish factory. I was elbow deep in fish blood, guts and shit. It was a huge shock after enjoying five years living in a beautiful ivory tower. I did very little art at the time, as I was physically and mentally exhausted by the work. This drawing was done during a week of holiday in Tenerife. All I did during that holiday was draw. I quit working in the fish factory as soon as I could afford to. I will always feel for the poor bastards that have no other options!