Winners 2019
Winners 2019
The Emerging Artist Award public exhibition will be on show from 7th February - 9th March 2019 at Creates Gallery, Monmouth where you can see all of this years finalist.
1st Prize - Sue Ransley
The winning artist, Sue Ransley, is based in West Sussex. Her main medium is Oil and depicts people on her travels around the world. Sue submitted three pieces to this year’s emerging artist award exploring a variety of settings and themes. Sue’s pieces represent a strong theme throughout her body of work, creating a recognisable and distinctive presence. You will get a chance to view more of Sue’s work at the Creates Gallery throughout 2019.
“All the people I paint are everyday folk I've seen whilst out and about, camera and sketchbook in hand. I aim to capture our individuality and quirks, what makes us human, and create a sense of familiarity. You will hopefully recognise in my people someone you know, or perhaps, yourself! These aren't portraits, I'm only looking at the essence of the moment - what caught my eye, or made me smile - and look to capture that on canvas, often with humour, but always with warmth and affection! I 'draw' directly onto the canvas with paint - these lines forming part of the final image.”
The Seat of Wisdom
Oil on Canvas - 50cm x 40cm
Guilty Pleasures
Oil on Canvas - 90cm x 120cm
The Stowaway
Oil on Canvas - 40cm x 40cm
2nd Prize - Liz French
Second prize was awarded to Liz French based in the Highlands of Scotland. Liz is a glass artist and submitted one piece into this years Emerging Artist Award. The piece she submitted tilted “Withstanding”, and inspired by her partner battling prostate cancer. It is composed of thirteen panels of predominantly opaque black fused glass with trace elements of brightly coloured dichroic. The use of black gives the work a strong and definite outline while also being symbolic. Each panel is uniformly spaced apart and framed, which contrasts with the fluid lines and forms inside. They are arranged as a sequence to be viewed from both ends, creating layers of detail.
My work explores light, colour and form through fused glass panels and sculptural works. Upon firing I allow a certain amount of chance to create fluid and organic lines. The fluidity of the glass becoming almost painterly. Through precise cutting and experimental kiln firing, I aim to achieve a balance between structure and spontaneity, akin to forms found in nature.
Recently I have responded to architectural spaces, specifically the light through Paolozzi’s window at St. Mary’s Cathedral. I am beginning to apply my approach to making to a range of contexts, including the experience of living alongside my partner fighting prostate cancer, with led to the creation of ‘Withstanding’. This piece was a departure from my usual colour palette as I selected symbolic colours and opaque glass that created strong silhouettes.
Layering a number of glass panels or elements is an essential feature of my work and allows me to explore sculptural forms. I create spaces in amongst the coloured layers to allow for the light to move around and catch the reflective surfaces.
I collaborate with others to design appropriate structures to hold the work, using different materials such as stone, wood, wire, stainless steel or metal.
3rd Prize - Anna Cumming
Third prize is the “People’s Choice Award" and is judged by the members of the public visiting Creates Gallery, Monmouth. The deadline for voting is midday on Saturday 9th March 2019. The winner will be announced by 6pm on that day.
Highly Commended Awards
“Paris in 1530” by Zaza Lewis
Hand-cut Card, Fabrics and Multi Media
“Mugshot” by Neil Chard
Oil on Canvas
“A Moment in Time” by John Brooks
Photography on Archive Paper
Entries for The Emerging Artist Award 2020 will open in July 2019.