Beyond the Prize: Stories of Community

How would you describe your work in the show?

The work I’ve included in this exhibition is a selection of oil paintings on paper primarily showing a variety of figures floating in space. I use this technique to explore the themes of feeling lost and un-grounded, in contrast with the relaxed position of the body itself. For example, my piece Sustenance depicts a young woman hungrily glued to her phone which is a reality that we are all subject to in today’s world.

Please describe your working progress. How has this changed over time?

My process can begin months in advance of creating a painting when an idea is sparked. Once I feel the concept is ready I start with a sitting. This can take lots of different forms, usually I do a few sketches and take photographs so that I can tweak the composition and colour back in my studio. I often draw a sketch first before going in with a dark black line which creates the framework of my final painting. Once that has dried after a few days, I go in with all of the colours in very thin layers and sometimes add pastels if I think it calls for it.

How has winning an award impacted you / your practice?

Winning runner up in the Winsor & Newton Young Artist Award at the end of last year during the ROI Annual Exhibition was such an honour. It’s impacted me greatly as it was so reassuring to have validation and faith from such a trusted board of judges. The art world can be very tough so it feels great to be a part of this wonderful community at Mall Galleries.

The exhibition opening is on World Art Day (15 April). What impact do you think art has on the world, now, and in the future?

I think that art has a huge impact on the world. It’s so important and I think it’s what our time on earth should be about enjoying. It’s an incredibly valuable form of expression and a universal language that anyone can participate in either through consuming or creating. I think that art has an ability to heal and challenge, and will continue to spark change in the future. I believe it will change a lot with the rise of AI and I’m sure there will be some very interesting movements to come in retaliation.

How would you describe your work in the show?

This painting was inspired by many 'lock-down' walks in Roslin Glen, when I moved out to the country for a year from a flat in Edinburgh. I spent a lot of time sketching, walking and bird watching in the glen. There was particularly heavy snow and this painting was inspired by a day when bright sunshine, glinting on the trees above the glen created rich ochres contrasting with the snow and birch trees below. I didn't embark on this painting for quite some time, but it had been on my mind and I completed it in 2024.

Please describe your working process. Has this changed over time?

I tend to sketch in situ. I'm one of those artists who like to have my things around me, so I'm very much a studio painter, but painting en plein air is something I would like to do more of in the future. 

I work from sketches, photos and also from memory. I work up sketches before embarking on painting, but I often stray from these as I progress. I previously only worked in oil but now often use acrylic. I have recently starting to use collage more frequently as I like the way it creates interest and shifting dynamics within my work. 

I am increasingly becoming known as a still life painter, but I really enjoy painting landscapes and am absolutely delighted that it was this landscape that was chosen for this exhibition.

How has winning an award impacted you / your practice?

I was absolutely thrilled to be given the award for the 'most innovative use of the medium' in the RI exhibition last year. The techniques I used when creating the winning painting have developed over the past few years, combining working on collaged papers with painting in acrylic. 

Winning the award meant a lot to me at the time and still does. Firstly, being an artist is very much a solitary pursuit, I sell most of my work through galleries, so don't have much access to feedback from buyers and collectors. Winning the award meant that I felt very valued as part of an artistic community - especially one as prestigious as the RI. It was very exciting to travel to London for the opening and to be presented with the award in such wonderful surroundings. I felt honoured to be in such good company with so many talented artists and wonderful works of art in the gallery. It has really spurred me on to enter other open exhibitions including this year's RI and has also given me the confidence to even think about perhaps putting in an application to join the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours next year!

The exhibition opening is on World Art Day (15 April). What impact do you think art has on the world, now, and in the future?

I think art can a powerful force for good and change. Being creative gives people so much pleasure; looking at art, visiting galleries and talking about art is such an enjoyable thing to do. 

At a personal level, I have seen at first hand the positive effect of giving children with dyslexia opportunities to be creative and how these experiences can make a real difference to wellbeing and self-esteem.  

How would you describe your work in the show?

My work in the show includes two portraits of my friend, both exploring themes of introspection and identity. The first piece shows her gazing into a bathroom mirror, capturing a raw, everyday moment where the mirror seems to question her sense of self. The second portrait has her lying on a couch, lost in thought while holding a book, with a softer, more contemplative mood. Both pieces use light and shadow to highlight the tension between how we see ourselves and how we are perceived, with small details, like the patterned tiles or the book, adding layers of personal meaning.

Please describe your working process. Has this changed over time?

I begin by placing my subject in a setting that feels authentic to them, like a bathroom or a cozy room, and experiment with different poses to find the angle that best matches my vision. I sketch the main composition using a mechanical pencil, then add depth and contrast with charcoal. In my paintings, I often use acrylic to bring in subdued colours that enhance the mood, and for this painting, I chose these muted tones to keep the atmosphere raw and intimate. I used to hurry through my sketches, but now I slow down to truly capture the emotion I want to convey.

How has winning an award impacted you / your practice?

Winning an award has been a huge boost for me. It has given me more confidence to trust my instincts and push my work further, especially in exploring deeper emotional themes. It has also opened doors, like being part of this exhibition, and made me feel more connected to the art community, which has been so encouraging for my growth as an artist.

The exhibition opening is on World Art Day (15 April). What impact do you think art has on the world, now, and in the future?

Art has always been a bridge for people to connect and think deeply, especially now with everything happening in the world. It is a way to work through feelings and tell stories that might not get heard otherwise. Looking ahead, I hope art keeps growing and bringing people closer, maybe through new technology that makes it easier for everyone to experience art, while still holding onto its heart and meaning.