2015 Awardee: Blair McLaughlin

My commitment and focus to my work is 100%. [It] depicts my view of the world and is very personal to me.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.dewarawards.org/blairmclaughlinartist.co.uk/
EMAIL:blairmclaughlin1511@gmail.com
 

Biography

Ayrshire-born painter Blair McLaughlin is a committed artist with a distinctive style.

Whilst in his third year of a BA (Hons) at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Blair gained an ERASMUS award to study abroad for a semester in Nantes, France. His grades at the host university were so outstanding, he was offered the opportunity to continue his studies there for the whole year. After his graduation in 2014, Blair received significant recognition for his work, gaining a place on the long-list for the Saatchi New Sensations Award.

Since this time Blair has continued to develop his practice, and his work has proved popular with galleries and exhibitors. His paintings focus on the cultural differences in our consumption of violence and the aestheticization of violence in popular culture and media.

Blair has been accepted to study a Masters at Glasgow School of Art, and is expected to have a promising future ahead of him.

How the Award Helped

Blair received a Dewar Arts Award to fund his place on the Turps Banana Correspondence Course.  This provides a critical framework to support individual studio practice through an online mentoring scheme. This period will be one of the most important and influential in Blair’s career, offering not only support but access to a wider peer group that will put his excellent work into the national network that it deserves.

Since the Award

2014 – Long-listed for New Sensations Saatchi Award

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My commitment and focus to my work is 100%. [It] depicts my view of the world and is very personal to me.

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2015 Awardee: Klaudia Korzeniewska

This award has made my plans and dreams possible to achieve. I would not be able to continue my studies and certainly could not give my full potential and focus to singing if not for this generous award...Thank you for giving me your support and belief.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Klaudia begun her musical education at the National Music School in Poland studying flute. After moving to the Scotland she entered the Royal Conservatoire, studying voice with Helen Lawson. During her undergraduate studies she had the opportunity to collaborate with the Scottish Opera on projects that captured her imagination, including Janacek’s Cunning Little Vixen and Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea.

Klaudia’s childhood dream was to sing and act, and since discovering a love of opera she found this to be the perfect combination of her two passions. She set out to gain as much experience as possible in the operatic environment, and to study the profession at the highest level.

In 2014, Klaudia went on to gain a place on the Masters in Opera, under tutelage of Clare Shearer. Klaudia has played key roles in numerous high profile performances, and has finely developed her soprano voice. She was highly commended in the Frank Spedding Lieder competition; gained the Hugh S Roberton Prize for Scottish Singing, and won the Tony and Tania Webster Russian Song Competition 2015.

How the Award Helped

Klaudia received a Dewar Award to support her masters studies at the RCS, allowing her to pursue her love of opera and achieve her full potential as a soprano.

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This award has made my plans and dreams possible to achieve. I would not be able to continue my studies and certainly could not give my full potential and focus to singing if not for this generous award...Thank you for giving me your support and belief.

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2015 Awardee: Jamie King

Jamie has found his perfect instrument. He's very glad that he is able to play, meet likeminded people and aspire to be one of the best. (Jamie's mother)

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 11
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Jamie took up bassoon whilst at primary school in the southside of Glasgow, and very quickly showed a real aptitude for this complex wind instrument. Within a few short months he sat his grade 2 exam, passed with a high distinction and gained a place to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior School of Music.

Jamie has an impressive and ever-growing list of achievements. He secured seats with the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain (Under 12) as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (Junior Orchestra). At Glasgow Music Festival, he won the Hopkinson Award for most promising performer of primary school age, and won the regional trophy at the Robert Burns World Federation Schools Competition.

Jamie is a conscientious and focused learner, whose love of music and the bassoon will ensure his continued success.  He is developing his own sense of style on both the bassoon and the piano, and has ambitions to play in world class orchestras.

How the Award Helped

Jamie’s Dewar Award has enabled him to invest in an instrument and his studies.  This has allowed him to access a number of experiences that his family would not otherwise have been able to afford. He has participated in residential weeks, concert performances and additional studies, building up a repertoire that will stand him in good stead for the future.

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Jamie has found his perfect instrument. He's very glad that he is able to play, meet likeminded people and aspire to be one of the best. (Jamie's mother)

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2015 Awardee: Lily Caunt

"I am absolutely thrilled to have received a Dewar Arts Award, it will enable me to focus on what I love – playing the flute!"

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and brought up in the Scottish Borders, Lily began her musical life there before moving to St. Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh. She went on to study for a BA in Music at the University of Bristol, graduating with first class honours in July 2013.  Lily has been described as a powerful, dignified and sensitive performer who is destined for a truly wonderful career.

While at university, Lily embraced the wide range of musical activities on offer, studying the flute with Sarah Newbold, acting as Principal Flute of the University Symphony and Wind Orchestras, taking part in the New Music Ensemble and running the Music Society’s chamber music programme. During her final year, Lily spent a term at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance on an Erasmus programme.  She explored voice, dance and collaborations between the two.

Alongside her classical studies, Lily also has an interest in folk music, and received a scholarship to take part in the Boxwood Festival in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Lily has also had the opportunity to take part in masterclasses with Ian Clarke, Wissam Boustany, Ruth Morley, Alison Mitchell, Michael Cox, Kate Hill and Samuel Coles.

As a Resident Graduate Assistant and Practice Supervisor at the Purcell School for Young Musicians, Lily was able to nurture her love for teaching, which she hopes to continue alongside performance in her future career.

How the Award Helped

In 2015, Lily was delighted to gain a place on the Master of Music in Flute Performance course at the Royal Northern College of Music.  The Dewar Arts Awards supported her in accepting her place, offering her the opportunity to further develop her skills and pursue her ambition of becoming a professional flute performer and teacher.

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"I am absolutely thrilled to have received a Dewar Arts Award, it will enable me to focus on what I love – playing the flute!"

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2015 Awardee: Louis Alderson-Bythell

I couldn’t have done any of this without the amazing support of the [Dewar Arts Award] which allowed me to pursue my studies and take my work, craft and thinking to the next level.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:http://www.lvboratory.com
EMAIL:louis@lvboratory.com
 

Biography

Now based in London, Louis is an artist who is curious about the ways we relate to nature through scientific, social and spiritual lenses. Primarily working in Sculpture; biological intelligences, deep time and environmental elasticity are important references in their work. Louis works with materials drawn from the local environments the works are intended for, using living organisms and reclaimed materials and often involving local communities in the development of these works.

A graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal College of Art, Louis is dedicated and meticulous, with a passion and energy for developing his skills, collaborating with researchers from many fields such as Insect Behavioural Ecology, Lichenology and Artificial Intelligence develop the concepts within their work.

In 2015, Louis was offered a place to study on a masters course at the prestigious Royal College of Art.

www.lvboratory.com
www.instagram.com/__l.a.b__

How the Award Helped

Louis received a Dewar Arts Award to support his masters studies at the RCA. The creative context of the postgraduate course will help Louis to further develop his craft and grow as a designer.

Since the Award

September 2023
Since receiving his Award, Louis’ career has gone from strength to strength. He writes:

‘I graduated from the RCA in 2017, since then I have been involved in many exciting projects that have culminated in how I develop my own creative work now, drawing inspiration from ecology, the sciences and community groups. I was a founder of Copenhagen based creative Studio ‘Material Think Space’ as well as a starting founder of the pollina­tion technology company ‘Olombria’. These experiences have shaped my own independent practice between arts and ecology.’

A former resident of the Sarabande Foundation, established by Lee Alexander McQueen. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at ArtNight London, Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Vigeland Museum, Thorvaldens Museum, and Rotterdam Art Week. Their most recent work is a ‘Biochronological Clock’ in collaboration with Gothamie Weerakoon – curator of lichen at the Natural History Museum.

Louis is an Associate Lecturer at the RCA in the School of Design.

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I couldn’t have done any of this without the amazing support of the [Dewar Arts Award] which allowed me to pursue my studies and take my work, craft and thinking to the next level.

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2015 Awardee: Robbie Hamilton

The Dewar Award allowed me to create the elaborate idea I had for the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://robbiehamiltonart.tumblr.com
EMAIL:milesmark@hotmail.co.uk
 

Biography

An innovative contemporary artist, Robbie has lived in Scotland all his life, He studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, specialising in painting and sculpture, and gained a BA Honours in Fine Art and Media.

Robbie’s work explores contemporary art within traditional gallery settings, using urban-inspired sculptures in an interactive way.  His ambitious proposal for the RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition 2015 attracted much attention and was and offered a key position within the upper galleries.

https://cargocollective.com/robbiehamilton

Robbie has also exhibited at the And Collective gallery in Bridge of Allan, and has further developed his skills through working for a sculpture and design fabrication firm in Glasgow. He plans to volunteer with SkatePal in Palestine, a project that engages the community of the West Bank in positive activity through skateboarding and design.

How the Award Helped

Robbie’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to realise his ambitions plans for the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition.

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The Dewar Award allowed me to create the elaborate idea I had for the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition

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2015 Awardee: Matthew Pang

I am very grateful to the trustees. The award will allow me to attend the MA painting course at the Royal College of Art where I hope to gain much knowledge which can be used to meet my ambition of making beautiful and innovative work.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Artist Matthew was born in Edinburgh and has spent most of his life in Scotland.  He studied at Gray’s School of Art from 2005-2009, and graduated with a first class honours degree in Fine Art and Printmaking.

After spending five years developing his practice back in Edinburgh, Matthew successully gained a place to study on MA Painting programme at the Royal College of Art. He is dedicated to specialising in painting as a medium, and aims to master his artform whilst also promoting public understanding of and engagement with visual art.

How the Award Helped

Matthew received an award to fund his studies at the RCA, enabling him to develop his skills and gain insight from leading practitioners.

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I am very grateful to the trustees. The award will allow me to attend the MA painting course at the Royal College of Art where I hope to gain much knowledge which can be used to meet my ambition of making beautiful and innovative work.

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2015 Awardee: Rachel Goldie

"Receiving the Dewar Award has allowed me to take up my place at the RCA. I am truly grateful as it has always been a dream of mine to study at this world renowned institution and I would not be here without this support."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.rachellouisegoldie.co.uk/
EMAIL:rachel.goldie@network.rca.ac.uk
 

Biography

Having lived in Scotland all her life, Rachel graduated in July 2014 from Gray’s School of Art with a first class honours degree in Textile and Surface Design.

Rachel creates work that is current, thought-provoking and pushes the potential of textile design. She explores new technologies; how these can enhance our experience of textiles and allow us to effectively represent our identity.

Her honours year project explored materiality and our relationship with the designed world, taking insight from philosophers, anthropologists and designers alike. Her final textile collection demonstrated a strong personal design narrative, exploring smart and sustainable textiles, and combining both aesthetic and functional considerations.

In 2014, Rachel was nominated for the BP Design Award and was highly commended. She subsequently worked to expand her portfolio, and went on a to gain a place on the prestigious MA Printed Textiles course at the Royal College of Art in London.

How the Award Helped

Rachel’s Dewar Arts Award enabled her to accept her place for postgraduate study at the RCA, providing a springboard for her future career as a designer.

“Being a part of this exciting creative community will give me the best possible start to pursue a career in this industry.”

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"Receiving the Dewar Award has allowed me to take up my place at the RCA. I am truly grateful as it has always been a dream of mine to study at this world renowned institution and I would not be here without this support."

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2015 Awardee: Thomas Henderson

The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:director@magneticopera.co.uk
 

Biography

Thomas is young Scottish opera stage director based in Edinburgh. He studied at St Mary’s Music School, and went on to find his inspiration for the art-form whilst directing for the Aberdeen University Opera as an undergraduate. He continued to develop his craft by studying at the Accedemia Europea di Firenze in Italy, focusing on Italian opera.

Thomas is a trained musician, singer and English teacher, who speaks Italian and French.  This rounded background provides the perfect combination of qualities for his chosen career.  He has a flair for communicating, and is able to elicit natural and fluent performances from his cast.

Thomas has directed productions for the Edinburgh Studio Opera and Magnetic Opera, and has showcased work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2012, Alongside this he has gained professional experience including a two month ‘observership’ with the Scottish Opera, and has ambitions to write and produce his own material.

How the Award Helped

Thomas’ Award enabled him to study a course in Opera Directing with Rudolfo Tomasi at the Accedemia Europea in Florence.

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The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

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2015 Awardee: Scot Baldie

The award that I received from the trust was invaluable in allowing me to commence with my training at the Central School of Ballet...I would like to take this opportunity to thank the trust for my award.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 15
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and brought up in Glasgow, Scot joined the Dance School of Scotland in 2011, having never had a dance lesson in his life.  Whilst there he performed in the Scottish Ballet’s staging of Hansel and Gretel as well as in venues such as the King’s Theatre, the Theatre Royal and the Royal Concert Hall.

After just three and a half years at the Dance School he audiitioned for the Central School of Ballet in London.  He was successful, and became the only member of his year group to gain a place at this prestigious institution.

Scot has natural movement, co-ordination and stamina, which has enabled him to develop an outstanding technique in a short time. Coupled with his dedicated work ethic, Scot demonstrates the qualities necessary to achieve at the highest level.

How the Award Helped

Scot’s Award enabled him to attend the Central School of Ballet and continue to develop his talents.

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The award that I received from the trust was invaluable in allowing me to commence with my training at the Central School of Ballet...I would like to take this opportunity to thank the trust for my award.

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