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Award for Norma: OCA was my prescription - The Open College of the Arts

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Award for Norma: OCA was my prescription thumb

Award for Norma: OCA was my prescription

OCA is proud of its ability to reach out and offer creative study to those who for one reason or other would find it impossible to study in a traditional college/university environment. Occasionally a student comes to our attention because of their remarkable attitude to study, and then turns our heads when we realise that the person in question is achieving against the odds. Norma Bellini is such a person. Because of people like Norma, we have set up a new award, for achievement in difficult circumstances, and Norma is the first recipient of this award. Norma’s story is remarkable because she has persisted in her photography studies for six years, despite her increasing levels of disability and illness. She is an inspiration to others, both in her family and in her community.

As a result of breaking her back in an accident at school in 1975, when she was 38 years old, she now has severe mobility difficulties. “I had to undergo a series of surgical procedures, including replacement hips, a replacement jaw, spinal surgery and a double mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. I developed a minor heart complaint and suffered three minor strokes.” Mobility restrictions mean that Norma has to rely almost constantly on the use of a wheelchair or electric scooter.
Norma said: “I was extremely surprised to be told I had won the award. I do not really consider myself to have done anything out of the ordinary. My advice to anyone is to never think that there is no more beyond retirement. Whilst one still has the capacity to learn, one should do so. Not only does it provide much needed mental stimulation, it provides a goal to work for and broadens one’s outlook. Regardless of age, disability in its wider terms should not be an excuse for doing nothing. The combination of age and disability, whilst making involvement more difficult, and limiting the type of activity, should not be stumbling blocks to learning. On the contrary, the learning process is an essential part of the coping mechanism. Yes, my age and disabilities restricted what I was able to do physically, and, inevitably, the degree of achievement reached, but at the same time the whole involvement was so mentally rewarding as to provide satisfaction and stimulation that could not otherwise have been obtained. If I have any regrets it is that I was not able to achieve a higher overall standard. The value of the learning does not stop with the taking of an examination or the completion of a course, it remains with one well beyond that, and enriches one’s life.”
Photography features strongly in Norma’s social life. “Photography has also been my route into writing articles for the journals of the Disabled Photographers’ Society and the Southport Photographic Society. I also give talks and demonstrations about photography.”
An impulse buy of a Kodak digital camera in 2004 – her first ever foray into photography – was the initial step in a transformation of her life and ambitions. Norma explains: “In September 2005, I joined a photography class at my local FE college, learning photography and darkroom work. Then I decided to work towards an A level in photography. At the beginning of November of that year, though, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had my first mastectomy the following month and the second in January.” She was awarded a grade A for her ‘A’ level in August 2006, passing with a 100 per cent mark.
“What will I do with the book vouchers I have received? I will eventually be using them on the purchase of books, either hard copy or for Kindle, in order to continue my interest in Photography and Art in general. As a result of my studies I have widened my interests considerably and am more than grateful to OCA for the opportunity to continue researching in these areas, even though I am no longer able to undertake a suitable course of study.”
Norma observes: I do feel that I achieved far more than just a degree out of the course. Instead of handing out prescriptions for medication I really do think that there is a strong case for some people to be given access to study courses instead, but that is another topic which is wide open to debate! Norma adds the advice not to give up hope, because without hope all is lost and age/disability are the winners, pointing out that she is a very stubborn Yorkshire woman.


Posted by author: Jane Parry

26 thoughts on “Award for Norma: OCA was my prescription

  • Many congratulations Norma. Your story is truly inspiring. OCA makes study at this level available to many of us who would not be able to access it otherwise and you are a wonderful example of what can be achieved.

  • Congratulations Norma, you are an inspiration to us all. I for one will now be evoking the phrase “If that stubborn Yorkshire woman can do it so can I/you!” when I need a dose of motivation.

  • It’s all too easy to hide behind excuses and Norma has more than most. She has not let them get in her way and that is so inspiring. We should never stop learning, as that is like stopping living.

  • Congratulations Norma, a very well deserved award.
    We have met only once but you made an immediate impression with your robust criticism of a show at the Open Eye in Liverpool (details here for those who are interested).
    Best wishes
    Gareth

  • Well done Norma, it is great to see someone rising above challenges that would stop most of us. I’ll keep you in mind, when grumbling about getting up early to go take photos in the snow…

  • I am delighted that Norma has been given this Award as she almost refuses to recognise how remarkable she is. She has been a real inspiration to me, a model of what can be achieved with absolute determination and has offered me a lot of personal support and encouragement.
    From one stubborn Yorkshire woman to another – “Many Congratulations Norma; firstly on achieving your Degree and now on this richly-earned Award.

  • WOW! To say that I am overwhelmed by all of this is putting it mildly and ‘thank you’ does not seem a sufficiently adequate word to express my gratitude.
    The Award has enabled me to purchase another book by Sir Simon Marsden of whose infrared work I am a fan, and a massive tome ‘Art, the Definitive Visual Guide’ of which the Consulting Editor is Andrew Graham Dixon.
    Since completing the OCA Course and embarking on another personal photography project, I have become aware of how much I actually learned during the Course and give my thanks to tutors and OCA staff for their support, guidance and encouragement.
    As I said in a recent email to Jane, I believe that instead of handing out prescriptions for medication there is a strong case for some people to be given access to study courses instead. As a ‘stubborn Yorkshire woman’ I have refused all medication except one hefty dose, and that was a three year course of study with OCA. I could not have asked for better medication.
    Age (I am 75) and disability are realities which one has to face and, if possible, strive to master. I have been sufficiently fortunate to be in a situation to do so, aided and abetted by friends and family. I consider that my achievement is small, but if I have inadvertently given encouragement and inspiration to others then that is reward in itself. and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to do so.
    Thank you to you all for your kind words.

  • I was feeling sorry for myself untill I read your story Norma. I am having a second lot of surgery to my left arm today. I thought I would have to give up my OCA course, but there are ways round disabilities as you have shown. The battle is in the head. Well done you!
    Jane

  • Good luck, Jane – and give no more thought to giving up your OCA Course. There are, indeed, ways round many things. If you have any queries I can help with, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. (norma.bellini@btinternet.com)

  • You have inspired me to take up photography, Norma. Previously, I had told myself that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I can see now that I was talking utter rubbish. Thank you so much!

  • Congratulations Norma, I’ve only met you once as well but I remember the study visit Gareth refers to and wish that we’d had more chance to debate and discuss photography.
    Lets no longer think of reasons not to or why we can’t. Lets find reasons why we can and we should, even if its just because we want to.

  • Congratulations on completing your degree, Norma and for the award. I’m pleased to hear you have been doing some teaching and sharing your experiences. It is interesting to hear your views on the therapeutic potential of studying art – it’s the kind of thing you hear anecdotally but it’s great to see it in practice.
    All the best for your future photography.

  • Congratulations Norma! You are really a great inspiration for me to pursue my dream and study photography against all odds. Thank you so much for it!
    My kindest regards and best wishes.

  • well done Norma, I’ll stop my moaning about the things that stop me getting on with it. Congratulations on your degree. There’s hope for all of us!

  • Thank you Norma. You have just given me push that I needed. I have had a really bad year which has made me lose motivation occasionally. But your story has inspired me and I will get back to “work” immediately.
    Congratulations Norma for your wonderful achievement!

  • Norma, I think you are inspiration in terms of a positive approach despite all that life can throw at you and it seems a lot has come your way…..on top of this, your success in the degree course is just fantastic. I’m still working my way through TAOP and I hope to be as successfull as you.
    Warren aka Fratton Freak

  • If you were around in Ireland I would ask you to come to talk to our local active retirement group and our dis-affected youth. I am a GP and will point all those who say “I can’t” to this article. Now where is my camera that I have been studiously avoiding as I have been too “busy” at work. Keep it up. Rob

  • I am very blessed to know this “stubborn Yorkshire woman” and indeed could add a few more epithets of my own to those given! Norma, you are indeed an inspiration but more than that you are compassionate, thoughtful and giving and I treasure our friendship.
    Congratulations
    Dave

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