ALL my life I have been told or heard people say: “You won’t get a job in art.”

When I taught art, in a school, I occupied a spare classroom as an art room. It was only for a year, but I made sure it was a hive of fun and useful information. Every wall showcased not only the children`s wonderful pieces of art but encouraging comments and snippets of information.

One wall displayed a huge mind map. The central word was ART and then we thought of all the possible jobs and careers where art is used. For example, book illustration, architecture, theatre scenery, fabric, fashion, posters, film sets, photography, textile design, furniture, album covers, wallpaper. The list went on and on.

One of my students, Zenia, has recently had her painting accepted into a prestigious art gallery in Doncaster. Her family kindly invited me to the launch.

The artist and curator of the exhibition, Chinwe Russell, introduced a 15-year-old student to give a talk on his passion for woodwork and carpentry. Although a little nervous, and probably out of his comfort zone talking to an audience, his love of his craft soon took over and he explained all the techniques he used for the samples he had with him. He treasured the box of tools his family had bought him and a turning lathe received as a present from his grandparents.

This young man was encouraging the younger artists, in the room, to step away from computer screens and concentrate on their love of art whichever form it takes. What an applause he received.

Chinwe then spoke about painting not just being a painting on a wall. At last, I thought, someone encouraging young people not to be discouraged if someone tells them art cannot give them a serious future. Then my saying came into play. If you are passionate about something you can make it work. Just GO FOR IT. YES! YES! YES! I had found my soul mate.

Each young artist was encouraged to go out to the front to explain their art piece featured in the exhibition and receive their certificate. My, once nervous nine-year-old student now strode out with confidence and pride.

To give my students confidence and pride in their abilities I enter them in every exhibition possible, as well as showcasing them wherever I am able, whether it is in the T&A or a slot on the Big Screen in Bradford city centre.

I decided to touch on graphic art briefly with my school art club, to demonstrate the different ways their paintings could be used. On finding a ‘Create your Own’ wallpaper and fabric website, we printed out samples. The children were very excited to see all the possibilities. Here are some of them on this page.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Wallpaper designed by Aydi, aged eight Wallpaper designed by Aydi, aged eight (Image: Submitted)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Calendar image by Lydia, aged 17 Calendar image by Lydia, aged 17 (Image: Submitted)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pen and tissue artwork by Zenub, nine Pen and tissue artwork by Zenub, nine (Image: Submitted)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Pen and watercolour artwork by Zenia, nine Pen and watercolour artwork by Zenia, nine (Image: Submitted)

I am now asking children aged two to 18 to submit work for a 2023 calendar. The deadline is Friday, December 2. There will be a small prize for the 12 images chosen.

Please send to red4paint@yahoo.co.uk

* Lynne Dobson is a Bradford artist and retired art teacher.