Signature Art Prize 2015

I received an email from an organiser at DegreeArt who advised me that the previous years winner Claire Anscomb whom was in her final year at Winchester School of Art while I was on the MA had suggested me as an entrant in this years Signature Art Prize.

I was extremely flattered that Claire would nominate me as she is herself an extremely talented artist specialising in graphite drawing. Her work is absolutely astounding and awe-inspiring. I researched the prize and saw how prestigious it was, the fact that Claire had nominated me meant that I could enter for free. With this in mind I decided to submit the WSA Window View Series that I made for my final MA exhibition.

I soon received an email declaring that I had been long listed for the prize which felt wonderful. I then got the email that said that I was one of five finalists in the Drawing and Printmaking category, I was ecstatic! Once I saw who my competition was I quickly thought there must have been a mistake as the other finalists work was so brilliant. One of the great aspects of the Signature Art Prize is that entrants who do not make the final have their work submitted in a public vote via Facebook. The work with the most likes also gets a place in the Peoples Choice Award, the quality of work was amazing and I found myself voting for at least four pieces as it was so hard to choose!

My drawings were sent to London and DegreeArt arranged the framing of them for me to better suit the exhibition space. All of the work from each category including Painting, Photography and Film, Sculpture and my category Drawing and Printmaking is then brought together in a gala event. During the gala judges view each work in person and the winners are announced.

I was extremely disappointed that I was unable to attend the gala as it coincided with my trip to Iceland but I kept up to date with the announcements via social media. The winner of my category was Gareth Bunting, ironically the winning piece was inspired by his trip to the Golden Circle sights in Iceland! I really wish I could have seen the winning piece in person as the high level of detail really looked mesmerising.

It was a huge confidence boost to be chosen to be included in the Signature Art Prize and a wonderful feeling knowing that my drawings were on display in London alongside such fantastic work.