PAINTING FOR AN AUDIENCE

Having begun her artistic career painting in front of Poole Pottery visitors, Ringwood’s Lindsey Cole wasn’t intimidated by a national televised art competition

Imagine an apprenticeship with one of the country’s most familiar brands where, having learned the skills of the trade, you demonstrate traditional ceramic hand painting skills to the public. If that was your first job offer, would your reaction veer towards gratitude or trepidation? For Lindsey Cole this early performance opportunity set a trend which continues to influence both her professional and personal life.

“When I left school I didn’t have the qualifications to go to university but I was lucky to get a job with Poole Pottery,” says the 57-year-old. “I stayed on and off until 1996 while my own art was always there in the background. I also play double bass with a bluegrass band.”