I mention this as I identify completely with the centuries long struggle of the working classes and the obstacles that need to be overcome before considering art as a part of life. Art has felt like the domain of the wealthy, whether having the money to purchase art and the time to create and develop. So much has little to do with talent and everything to do with time, energy, resources, self promotion and networks. Oh yes and the need to work hard, which has travelled through my dna like a commandment. My family history has revealed generations of miners, labourers, domestic housekeepers, 'Thou shall only work for us and then you die' 'Don't get above your station' 'Born to work'
I narrowly avoided a factory which is all my comprehensive school was preparing me for or indeed menial work of any kind. Having a penchant for languages made them think that I may have an outside chance other than a factory. But art, art, there's no chance of a job, so just leave it there, my love for it meant nothing. Aspiration was eschewed from my kind which is interesting considering I grew up under Thatcher's rule. I suppose that is exactly my point, the destiny of the working classes is mostly decided by those in powerful positions. Like their pit pony comrades before them, the best that can often be hoped for by aspirational artists is an art class upon retirement when all passion and fight has been rinsed out of them in the coal face of life.
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