2016 Awardee: Isabel (Izzy) Stott

"Now that I have received funding to study, I really feel like my life will completely change for the better. I cannot thank you enough. This is not just money in the bank - this is a gateway to a whole new world of opportunity."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://izzystott.wordpress.com/
EMAIL:izzystott@googlemail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/IsabelStott

Biography

Izzy Stott is a gifted, ambitious and skilful theatre performer. Having trained in contemporary and physical theatre, Izzy was inpired to create performance that is challenging both physically and intellectually, as well as being innovative and honest.

Growing up in a Stirlingshire village, Izzy studied a Diploma in Physical Theatre Practice at Fife College.  She excelled in clown, mask, physical storytelling and devised theatre. From there, she was offered a chance to study on a prestigious, one of a kind physical theatre course at Ecole Philippe Gaulier in France.

Through her ongoing theatre practice, Izzy hopes to communicate ideas with audiences, start social discussions and make people think about the world that surrounds them. She sees art as a beautiful way to connect people and expose issues, acting as a mirror to society in all its beauty and hardships. She believes that it is essential for human understanding, fuelling her dedication to her artistic practice.

In the future. Izzy hopes to set up a theatre company or arts collective that deals with social issues, with the aim to make people’s lives better through performance and art.

How the Award Helped

Izzy’s Award enabled her to study in France under the tutelage of leading physical theatre practitioner Philippe Gaulier.

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"Now that I have received funding to study, I really feel like my life will completely change for the better. I cannot thank you enough. This is not just money in the bank - this is a gateway to a whole new world of opportunity."

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2016 Awardee: Ethan Skuodas

"I feel very privileged to receive this award. The opportunity this award has given me to push myself to become an even better musician I am extremely grateful for."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ethan began playing percussion and the timpani at the age of 10, and through hard work and talent became a promising young musician with a will to succeed.

After studying at the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for two years and performing with the likes of The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the West of Scotland School’s Symphony Orchestra, Ethan chose to continue his studies at the Royal Academy of Music. His teachers include Simon Carrington for timpani and Andrew Barclay for percussion.

Ethan loves to perform, especially in an orchestral setting. He is also keen to encourage others into music and has tutored younger students, instilling his own passions with patience, talent and enthusiasm. On completion of his studies, Ethan is determined to become a principal timpanist on a worldwide stage.

How the Award Helped

Ethan’s Award supported him in his studies at the Royal Academy of Music, helping him fulfil his long-term ambition to become a professional timpanist.

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"I feel very privileged to receive this award. The opportunity this award has given me to push myself to become an even better musician I am extremely grateful for."

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2016 Awardee: Emily Martin

"Without the Dewar Arts Award I wouldn’t have been able to begin studying my MFA in Textiles this year, thus not having access to the necessary space and equipment to develop my skills and ideas. I will always be grateful for this support."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Emily Martin was born and raised in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.  From there she moved to Edinburgh to commence her undergraduate studies at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Proving herself to be an exceptional student, Emily graduated in 2013 with a First Class Honours Degree in Textiles.  She received the John L Paterson Award for Best Graduating Degree Show, as well as the Worshipful Company of Dyers Prize.

After graduating, Emily stayed in Edinburgh.  She worked for Walker Slater, a local tweed clothing retailer, and for Artlink, an arts and disability organisation. This provided much inspiration and learning for her developing practice.

Emily is a screen-printer at heart, who considers the environmental impact of the process. In 2016 she was accepted onto a two-year MFA course at ECA, enabling her to fully explore the possibilities of natural dyes in textile printmaking.  Her aim is to develop these into sustainable contemporary clothing that will appeal to a wider audience, and also incorporating hand embroidery.  This is Emily’s hand craft of choice and she is passionate about keeping the skill alive and relevant today.

How the Award Helped

Emily received an Award to support her MFA studies at the Edinburgh College of Art.

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"Without the Dewar Arts Award I wouldn’t have been able to begin studying my MFA in Textiles this year, thus not having access to the necessary space and equipment to develop my skills and ideas. I will always be grateful for this support."

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2016 Awardee: JD Stewart

“To be given assistance by The Dewar Arts Award is a tremendous honor and validation of all the hard work I have done over the last year. It has also enabled me to complete my studies at Tisch and for that, I am eternally thankful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/jdizzlestewart

Biography

Born in Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, JD Stewart discovered his love of theatre at the Edinburgh Acting School. He went on to develop his passion for the craft alongside his writing skills by completing a BA/Hons in English Studies at Stirling University, specialising in Creative Writing.

After graduating, JD worked in a number of locations throughout England, before moving to South Korea where he taught English for three and a half years. While there, his plays were produced by the Daegu Theatre Company and his stories assisted students learning English in China.

In 2015, JD was one of 22 students worldwide to be accepted onto an MFA in Dramatic Writing at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He was a finalist for the Theatre Aspen Festival in 2016, and his plays have been workshopped and read throughout the city.

JD’s passion for writing extends to television and film, but his heart is in playwrighting. He hopes to continue this journey by exploring his cultural Scottish roots throughout his work.

How the Award Helped

After completing his first year at Tisch School of the Arts through assistance from his parents, JD was awarded with a Dewar Arts Award to help him continue and complete his studies in the Autumn of 2016 and Spring of 2017.

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“To be given assistance by The Dewar Arts Award is a tremendous honor and validation of all the hard work I have done over the last year. It has also enabled me to complete my studies at Tisch and for that, I am eternally thankful."

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2016 Awardee: Andrew Birse

"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Andrew is a highly dedicated violinist who strives for excellence, and whose dream has always been to become a professional musician of the highest calibre.

Born in Aberdeen, Andrew has played with many local orchestras including the Aberdeen Sinfonietta and the Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra, as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. He was the deputy leader of the Grampian Youth Orchestra and the principal 2nd violin for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, playing in the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms as part of their tour.

As well as playing in orchestras, Andrew has a great interest in chamber and choral music. He has been a chorister at St. Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen and was a member of the Aberdeen Bach Choir. He has played in various quartets and ensembles, including the Scottish Ensemble on their “Concerts by Candlelight” tour around Scotland.

Andrew gained a place to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.  This provided him with the opportunity to hone his skills and take the next steps towards achieving his dream.

How the Award Helped

Andrew received an Award to support him in his studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. This enabled him to develop his skills as a musician, as well as share his ‘fire’ and passion for music with others.

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"I am extremely grateful to the Dewar Awards for helping me to fulfil my dream of studying violin at a prestigious conservatoire. I am passionate about music and will work hard towards achieving a career in violin performance."

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2016 Awardee: Harvey Littlefield

"I am extremely grateful to the trustees and all those who have believed in me. Without this award I may not have been able to continue to explore and develop to become the dancer I dream of being. I shall strive to work hard and embrace every moment."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 15
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Glasgow, with both parents working in the arts, Harvey was never under any illusions about the dedication needed to pursue a career in ballet. He knew it could be brutal and exhausting, requiring total commitment and focus, but also how fantastic and rewarding this profession could potentially be.

At age 10, Harvey joined Scottish Ballet Junior Associates, where he was first inspired to focus on ballet. He then moved to the Dance School of Scotland, where he graduated in 2016 receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award.

In 2015, Harvey was one of around 200 young people throughout the world to apply to The English National Ballet School. He attended the summer school, and was offered a final audition without having to complete the preliminary stage. He successfully gained a place and became one of only two British boys in his year.

Harvey and his family are incredibly proud of his achievements to date, and feel he could not have done this without the support and commitment from his initial teachers in Scotland.  His ambition is to become a principle dancer in a ballet company, performing the well-loved classical ballets as well as new and exciting works.

How the Award Helped

Harvey’s Award assisted him in his further training, enabling him to build on the opportunities he received in Glasgow, and take him closer to achieving his dream.

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"I am extremely grateful to the trustees and all those who have believed in me. Without this award I may not have been able to continue to explore and develop to become the dancer I dream of being. I shall strive to work hard and embrace every moment."

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2016 Awardee: Robyn Casey

"Without the great help from Dewar Arts Awards I would not have the immense pleasure of being able to pursue this course. When I am at the pinnacle of my career I will be proud to be able to say that Dewar Arts Awards helped me get there.”

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Hailing from Alexandria, Robyn began studying jazz, tap and ballet dancing at just two years of age. Her dream became to perform in one of her favourite musical theatre shows in the West End.

At the age of 17, Robyn joined Anniesland College to study an HND in Dance. This opened her eyes to other styles of dance as well as choreography.  She went on to audition for the BA Hons in Theatre Dance at London Studio Centre, and was successful in gaining a place.

In order to fundraise for her studies, Robyn taught regular classes in jazz and contemporary dance whilst in Glasgow.  She then supported herself through her first year by working in a local pub. This proved challenging, as she would finish college, work until 2am and then be up at 6:30am for her first class the next day.  The second year was set to be even more physically demanding, and so Robyn applied to the Dewar Arts Awards for financial assistance.

How the Award Helped

Robyn’s Dewar Award enabled her to continue her studies without financial pressure, allowing her to fully apply herself to achieving her ambitions.

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"Without the great help from Dewar Arts Awards I would not have the immense pleasure of being able to pursue this course. When I am at the pinnacle of my career I will be proud to be able to say that Dewar Arts Awards helped me get there.”

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2016 Awardee: Matt Wilson

"I am delighted and deeply grateful to be given the Dewar Award. It will definitely allow me to expand my practise as an artist even further, at the Royal College of Art."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Matt Wilson is an innovative printmaker, whose practice investigates digital and analogue print methods through art and design methodologies.

Matt’s work explores the tension between two forces meeting in opposition, and how balance can exist within this tension. In his practice, these forces have manifested themselves as the relationship between the man-made and the natural, as social hostility, and as cultural conflict.

Matt graduated with a degree in Fine Art, from the University of Dundee, where he specialised in printmaking. During his degree, he was selected for the 2014 RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition, and was awarded the Walter Scott Global Investment Award and the Art in Healthcare Purchase Prize.

Matt has exhibited in galleries across the UK, including the Hatton Gallery (Newcastle) and The Fleming Collection (London).

How the Award Helped

Matt’s Award supported him in studying the MA Fine Art Print course at the Royal College of Art.

Since the Award

2014 Walter Scott Global Investment Award
2014 Art in Healthcare Purchase Prize
RSA New Contemporaries 2014: Selected Artist
2013 Frameworks Prize

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"I am delighted and deeply grateful to be given the Dewar Award. It will definitely allow me to expand my practise as an artist even further, at the Royal College of Art."

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2016 Awardee: Katie Schwab

"The Dewar Arts Award has contributed enormously to my time undertaking the MFA Graduate Fellowship at Glasgow Sculpture Studios."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.katieschwab.com/
 
 

Biography

Katie Schwab moved from London to Glasgow in 2013, to study an MFA at the Glasgow School of Art.  There she developed her impressive style of practice – making sophisticated use of materials and sculptural processes in a critically engaging way.

Katie was awarded the MFA Graduate Fellowship at Glasgow Sculpture Studios, based on her work presented at the MFA Degree Show. This prestigious annual award is presented to an artist who demonstrates artistic excellence and a commitment to maintaining a studio-based contemporary sculptural practice.

Exhibitions and projects include: Together in a Room, Collective, Edinburgh; Bloomberg New Contemporaries, Backlit, Nottingham and ICA, London; My love is like a red red rose. Art in Scotland from 18th to 21st Century, Musée du Château des ducs de Wurtemberg, Montbéliard; Fresh, British Ceramics Biennial, The Original Spode Factory Site, Stoke-on-Trent; The Grind, Voidoidarchive, Glasgow and Project Visible, Tate Modern. 2015 graduate residency at Hospitalfield, Arbroath.

How the Award Helped

Katie’s Award supported her work on the MFA Graduate Fellowship.  This enabled her to experiment across the GSS workshops, to work with new materials and to explore new forms of production and collaboration in the run-up to an exhibition.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has contributed enormously to my time undertaking the MFA Graduate Fellowship at Glasgow Sculpture Studios."

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2016 Awardee: Magnus Green

"I am profoundly grateful to The Dewar Arts Awards [for] this extraordinary opportunity to continue to realise my ambitions and keep progressing along this hugely exciting journey."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Brought up on a deer farm near Elgin, Magnus is a keen composer and a highly proficient multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, violin, and accordion. In 2016, he won a highly coveted place at the Royal Academy of Music to study Composition with Christopher Austin.

Magnus began learning the piano accordion and violin at the age of 6 and began teaching himself the piano around the same time, developing the skill of improvisation which ultimately lead to his interest in composition. Whilst at school he played violin with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, as well gigging regularly as a pianist. In tandem with his classical pursuits, he is also a keen Jazz musician, and performs regularly both as a solo pianist and as part of his jazz trio.

Magnus is very involved in traditional Scottish music, and appears regularly as an accordionist with his ceilidh band. Composition is his foremost passion, and it is his ambition to become a composer for film and television as well as for the concert stage.

Magnus says:

“For the last four years of my Grandpa’s life he struggled with severe dementia, and during this time, I discovered that through music I could communicate emotionally with him, even though he was otherwise unable to respond coherently. It is this potential for emotional communication which gives me an unbeatable thrill and is the primary factor driving me to compose. I love presenting my work to an audience and observing how they respond and interpret the music individually.

It is my ambition to become a composer for film and television, as well as the concert stage. For a young composer, I cannot possibly overstate what an extraordinary opportunity being able to study at the Academy is. The truly outstanding feature of my studies here is the vast array of performance opportunities offered to composers, providing second-to-none practical experience of writing for world-class musicians.“

How the Award Helped

Magnus’s Award supported his musical studies on the four year BMus (Hons) at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he gained one of only 4 places.

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"I am profoundly grateful to The Dewar Arts Awards [for] this extraordinary opportunity to continue to realise my ambitions and keep progressing along this hugely exciting journey."

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