A new Chapter…

This week I started on a new chapter of my life. I officially retired from thirty-odd years of primary school teaching.

Part of my legacy to the school- a mural depicting its history.

The first question I am asked when I mention my retirement is “What will you do now that you have all that free time?” I don’t even know where to start with my answer! Already the garden is looking more cared for than it has for years. I have met friends and family for coffees and chats and spent quality time with people I care for. While I have still found reasons to postpone dusting and vacuuming, I have managed to do some clearing and decluttering. As I settle into a new routine, I envisage more walks with the dog, spontaneous outings to new and familiar places, and quiet times with a book and a snack.

“Work in Progress”, oil on canvas.

In the final decade of my teaching career I had the joy of teaching Visual Art to primary school children. I painted this impression of a typical art session from a number of photos while working from home and missing hands-on teaching during the 2020 lockdowns.

Last year some of my grade two students asked me if I had always wanted to be a teacher. I told them that, at their age, I had wanted to be an artist when I grew up, or to write and illustrate books.

“But you’re already an artist!” they said. I had often told them that they didn’t need to wait until they were grown up to become artists; they were making art, so they were already artists! So I explained that my vision as a child had been to be a professional artist, who makes art for a living.

One little boy said, “Mrs Stark, you always tell us that we should follow our dreams. I think it’s about time that you should stop teaching and start following your own dreams!”

So here I am, following the career advice of an eight year old! (He wasn’t to know that my decision to retire had already been made!)

You’re invited to follow along as I publish my first book, set up my online art store and continue to learn new skills.