Tracey Emin

21/05/2009

Turner prize winner tells us about her teenager years

Life when I was 16 was very very sad and depressing. I was homeless and spent part of my time sleeping anywhere I could in London until eventually I went back to Margate and lived in B&B. All my clothes were either hand made or second hand. I would dress in a cross between Christian Dior's New Look, 1960's mini-skirted beat girl, and very occasionally I would go completely crazy and do the total Goth.

If I saw my teenage self in the street today I’d probably cross the street to avoid her. Especially if she was at the height of her white-faced Goth look. Punk wasn't long over and there was still an attitude of rebellion. But if I got to know the younger me I would feel very sorry for her, I’d want to take her under my wing and try to help her. I’d tell my 16 year old self to use condoms. (Tracy had gonorrhoea as a teenager, and has had two abortions). And not to expect boyfriends to sort everything out - they can't. And I’d say, don't let your love life take over, concentrate on education.

I’d say to the younger Tracey, there is always an alternative way of doing things. When I was 17 I was told I would never be able to go to University because I didn't have O'levels, but I managed to get a portfolio together and I learnt to draw and every though I didn't have the qualifications my determination showed I had conviction in what I wanted to do. What might look like a mistake to others could turn out to be right for you.

I left school at 13, which could have had really negative effects, but I'm sure if I hadn't I wouldn't be as successful an artist as I am now. I feel sorry for teenagers that have to fill their minds up with so much exam work that they’re probably not interested in. It would be wonderful if you could just learn what you wanted to know. No exam is worth killing yourself over, ever, ever, ever.

I wish I could warn the young Tracey to make sure no one spikes her drink with acid, drives her 15 miles outside London in a van, and has sex virtually without her knowledge let alone her consent. I think that's the kind of thing you should avoid at all times being a teenager.

Interview: Jane Graham