Last updated 15:43, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

MATURE student Yvonne Sinclair has finally realised her dream at the age of 60 and had her art work exhibited.

• View more pictures...

Yvonne Sinclair: ‘My advice to anyone wanting to change their direction in later life is to just do it, or you will always regret it’

Yvonne is studying a fine arts course at the University of Cumbria and her portfolio is on display to the public at Carlisle’s Hoopers Restaurant until next year.

The former VAT manager at one of the town’s chartered accountants retired in 2005 and decided then was the time to pursue her dream.

“I was always interested in art at school and won art prizes at school for my artwork,” she said.

“In 1961, when I was leaving school, I had to find paid employment. We all brought home our weekly wage in cash and placed our contribution towards our living costs onto the kitchen table every Thursday night. I don’t feel any resentment about this situation, it was just accepted.

“I always promised myself the reward of an art education when I was in a position where I no longer needed to earn a living. I now had my retirement pension to provide for my financial upkeep and I was free to take up the reward I’d promised myself.”

She started an access to higher education course at Cumbria Institute of the Arts, which is now part of the University of Cumbria, the year she retired.

After completing it, she moved onto the two-year foundation degree in drawing and is now enrolled on the third year of the BA (Hons) fine art degree.

She said: “I find that at my age I appreciate the opportunity of being offered a place on these courses more than I would have appreciated the opportunity at a younger age. I find that my years of life experience give me a great advantage in my artwork and doing something I love has given me a real zest for life.”

After waiting so long for the chance to study and enjoying the experience so much, she has inspiring advice for anyone who’d like to follow her path.

She said: “My advice to anyone wanting to change their direction in later life is to just do it, or you will always regret not making the most of your life.”