It was only when I got to high school and was in the art program that my artistic talent was recognized. The art program was directed by a wonderful and a very important person in my life - Charlotte Ranger, who was referred to as Mrs. Ranger. She had been teaching in the school for many years.

There was a certain amount of discipline, I think; my parents wanted to be sure that I was not just sitting around doing nothing.

I think I was really naïve. I had no context to think about what I wanted to do. Each step was a next stage of exploration.

I got the letter about becoming a Sir in 2000, the same year that Pauline asked me if we could finally get married. My assistant, Colette, called up and it turned out both the wedding and the Buck House ceremony were happening on the same day. I was knighted at 11 and married at four. She became an instant Lady.

I was there [in school] the full time with one teacher, and the student body was never more than 10 or 12 students of all ages.

It was mainly a growing farm, although we did have chickens and a few animals, but I did help to some degree with that. I have to say that it was not my favorite association.I did what I was asked to do.

Upon graduation, in the yearbook I was voted "Most likely to succeed." which I know was credited to my artistic achievements.