Nick Potter Artist - Originals
Nick Potter artist "Draw me some jungle animals." said my infant school teacher. At the tender age of 6, Nick Potter was excused from assembly for a whole week in order to draw animals for her ambitious 'Jungle Frieze'. Nick Potter drew and drew and the results were impressive. The curious combination of lions, tigers, kangaroos, pandas and chimps plus many more assorted animals inhabiting the same jungle didn't seem to worry her as her frieze was fully populated.
I was born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire (of 'crooked spire' fame) in 1959 and have been told I could always draw. When I was young, I was lent a beautifully illustrated edition of 'The Jungle Book' by a neighbour. For months I religiously copied the exquisite pen and ink drawings of animals which adorned its pages. I made a portfolio from card and wrote 'NICK POTTER, ARTIST. KEEP OUT 'on the front. It seems all I have ever wanted to be was an artist. Unfortunately life doesn't always give you what you want, well not immediately anyway.
I enjoyed a comfortable and happy childhood. My father worked in a steel factory, my mother was a teacher. Both worked hard to provide for me and my two younger sisters. During my secondary education at Netherthorpe Grammar School I engaged in a wide variety of activities and sport. As a fairly strict school, blazers were to be worn at all times, except for sport and in the art room. I was very good at games and art. I was the only pupil in my year taking 'A' level Art. I therefore received one to one tuition from my art teacher Bob Widgery, a kind and talented Welshman who was a friend rather than a teacher. Our paths still cross. He was very encouraging and taught me to observe rather than see. My then girlfriend Gillian was a talented artist with a style of her own. She taught me lots including the art of watercolour. I sold my first painting to my headmistress for £10. She wryly suggested I might invest some of it in a razor!
Despite attaining an 'A' at A Level I was encouraged to go to University rather than Art School as this would give me 'proper qualifications' I went to Leicester University and read Archaeology. Although I continued my art most of my time was taken up with student type activities such as beer, girls and sport- oh, and of course study.
I enjoyed a comfortable and happy childhood. My father worked in a steel factory, my mother was a teacher. Both worked hard to provide for me and my two younger sisters. During my secondary education at Netherthorpe Grammar School I engaged in a wide variety of activities and sport. As a fairly strict school, blazers were to be worn at all times, except for sport and in the art room. I was very good at games and art. I was the only pupil in my year taking 'A' level Art. I therefore received one to one tuition from my art teacher Bob Widgery, a kind and talented Welshman who was a friend rather than a teacher. Our paths still cross. He was very encouraging and taught me to observe rather than see. My then girlfriend Gillian was a talented artist with a style of her own. She taught me lots including the art of watercolour. I sold my first painting to my headmistress for £10. She wryly suggested I might invest some of it in a razor!
Despite attaining an 'A' at A Level I was encouraged to go to University rather than Art School as this would give me 'proper qualifications' I went to Leicester University and read Archaeology. Although I continued my art most of my time was taken up with student type activities such as beer, girls and sport- oh, and of course study.