I spent three years there. None of the treatments helped, but I enjoyed myself. I was the best student and athlete, and we were fed very well. At the age of 10, I returned to Riga and went to a normal high school. I was very disappointed to find that I was among the worst students there. By my graduation in 1991, however, my grades were normal. I was interested in history, so I entered the University of Latvia’s Faculty of History and Philosophy. After four years, I didn’t want to pursue a master’s degree, and there wasn’t much of a chance to find a job, because there is still aesthetic racism in Latvia. Who would offer a job that would be tempting to an ambitious 21-year-old? History was no longer of that much interest to me, and I didn’t think that it was the only possibility in life. The financial situation of my parents allowed me to continue my studies, and I chose to become a jeweller. Those were my first steps in the colourful world of art. I was truly excited by art. A girl told me that I should enter the Academy of Art. I made the choice and didn’t enter the academy. I had to go to preparatory classes to learn to draw. I met alcohol, nicotine and my future wife – Kristine Jansone. She’s had the greatest impression on my life and work. She’s always supported me, and she’s always believed in my talent even when no one else agreed.