#1 Why The Incidental Artist, you ask?

Well, to be honest, I grew up dreaming of becoming a… wait for it… scientist. Yes, you read that right—a scientist! I got a microscope for my 11th birthday, and from that moment, I spent hours peering into the mysterious microscopic world.

Years later, I set out to make that dream come true. I started an Applied Science degree—twice—but dropped out both times. Still, I found my way into the pathology sector as a Laboratory Assistant. I wasn’t quite living my childhood dream, but I was working alongside real scientists. Yet, something was missing. I felt empty inside.

Then, by pure chance, I found myself at an open day at what was then the Northern Metropolitan Institute of TAFE (NMIT). My boyfriend at the time—now my husband—had asked me to pick up some course information for him. While browsing through leaflets, one caught my eye. It wasn’t flashy—just a simple design on plain blue card stock—but the title made my heart skip a beat: Advanced Certificate in Art and Design.

From that moment, the idea of studying art consumed me—something I had never seriously considered before. There was one huge problem: I needed a portfolio, and I didn’t have one. But I applied anyway. For the next few months, I frantically sketched anything I could find, framing each drawing with a makeshift paper rectangle.

On interview day, I eagerly presented my drawings and a jacket I’d made to the panel. The academics were welcoming but looked at my portfolio with curious eyes. I was so excited I could barely sit still. After the interview, I had no clue if I’d been accepted or not. I tried to put the thought aside and focused on my lab work.

Then, a few weeks later, a letter arrived. With trembling hands, I opened it.

"Your application for enrolment as a full-time student at this College during 1992 has been successful, and we are pleased to offer you a place to further your studies in the above course."

And that’s how my incidental art journey began!

Thank you for reading my blog. Until next time …

Jacqueline 🖤