An old school approach
You’re never too old to learn, says John
A former Far North engineer who traded retirement for fulltime study is nearing the end of a creative industries degree. By the time Innisfail man John Kempster (right) graduates, he’ll be 78. But age is no barrier to the grandfather’s enthusiasm for seeing his freshly honed skills used to create works that are already being displayed around his community. “At 70 I retired and decided to take up visual arts. I’ve always loved art,” Mr Kempster said.
A FORMER Far North engineer who traded retirement for full-time study is nearing the end of a creative industries degree and says the art world is now his oyster.
By the time Innisfail man John Kempster graduates, he’ll be 78.
But age is no barrier to the grandfather’s enthusiasm for seeing his freshly honed skills used to create works that are already being displayed around his community.
“At 70 I retired and decided to take up visual arts. I’ve always loved art,” Mr Kempster said.
“I did a certificate four at TAFE and in a moment of madness I decided to do the degree.
“I’d spent my life doing a lot of engineering drawings so I’ve been trying to lose all that and draw like an artist.”
Mr Kempster drives from his Innisfail home at least three times a week to James Cook University’s Smithfield campus for classes.
He’s also treasurer of the Innisfail Arts Society and will have some of his paintings displayed in the town’s Feast of the Senses festival.
Mr Kempster said the travel time and workload were the least of his concerns when he first enrolled. Instead he was worried the other students might not want to talk to him because of his age.
“There are some just out of high school, but because we’ve all got the same interests, we all love art and talk about art,” Mr Kempster said.
“If you put people with the same interest as yourself together and talk the same language, it doesn't matter what age you are.”
Coincidentally, one of Mr Kempster’s grandsons is also a James Cook University student, studying veterinary science in Townsville.
Mr Kempster expects to complete his core subjects this year and five elective subjects next year to finish the degree.