Bursaries for best two of 77 young artists
TWO budding artists were awarded the Art For Guernsey Royal Drawing School bursaries, as judged by visiting artist Dmitri Permiakov.
It is the second year the awards have been presented, giving the winners a chance to attend a two-week course in London next summer.
Applicants from the same pool were also given the opportunity to enter the wider Sovereign Art Prize, which is chosen in part by a public vote at the end of the year.
A ceremony at Space 10 in the Market, where Mr Permiakov is exhibiting his acclaimed work until today, was attended by artist David Ummels, founder of Art For Guernsey, and the Lt-Governor, Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder.
Oil painting specialist Mr Permiakov said the winners were chosen out of 77 applicants because they showed true potential as future artists.
‘The choice was difficult, so finally we decided to choose by the quality of the work. I was searching for the real true artists of the future and that’s what I saw in their work,’ he said.
One of the winners, Jana Shrigley, 16, from St Sampson’s High School, and now attending the Sixth Form Centre, found influence from her GCSE studies.
‘I used a mix of acrylics and oil overlaying a portrait, it puts across a message about gender stereotypes inspired by the artist Kwan Gho Shin.
‘I think this is a great opportunity to learn more and get into new techniques. My teacher at school already helped me to explore new techniques, I used to focus on pencil and Biro drawings,’ she said.
Blanchelande student Molly Le Pavoux, 15, took the other bursary for her colourful oil composition of fruit.
‘Art is something I like to practise, I love to capture a moment. I’d like to continue art as a career and I’m really excited to be in London. I’m interested in going abroad,’ she said.
In addition to their prize of a course with the tutors at the Royal Drawing School, Mr Permiakov, originally from Russia, invited the girls to join him when he returns to the island in December.
‘I’d like the girls to join me as I practise en plein air to learn my techniques,’ he said.
Sir Ian told him that to be able to welcome an artist of such calibre to Guernsey was a fantastic opportunity for the winners and the island as a whole.
‘It’s already clear that you are making an extraordinary impact on the international scene, I can see the empathy and the fondness that you have for your subjects. I’d also like to thank you for the time that you’ve spent training our young people, I could see the joy in their eyes when they were working with you,’ he said.
Mr Ummels said it was testament to the success of last year’s awards that they have continued for a second year.
‘I think because of access, students can’t get to London all of the time, so these awards are important but also being able to bring artists over to exhibit.
‘Next year we’re hoping to feature outdoor sculpture – public art is something I think we need to see more of on the island,’ he said.
