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: Anna Orton

With such a hands-on course I know I will build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully develop my career in Theatre Design.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born in Edinburgh, Anna grew up in a small village in Midlothian. In 2003 she was accepted onto the Fine Art course at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and has lived in Dundee ever since.  She has supported herself throughout her studies by working multiple jobs, whilst always pushing herself to develop her own highly successful art practice.

Anna’s talents as an artist and educator were recognised by her university tutors, and she was invited to teach on the Contemporary Art Practice course at Perth College UHI.  During her time there she introduced many inspiring and innovative projects to the students she worked with, and demonstrated a natural ability to bring out the best in them. Her vast knowledge, understanding and experience of contemporary art techniques and concepts proved invaluable.

Anna has a passion for theatrical art, with strong skills in technical drawing, painting, large scale sculpture and small to-scale model making. Her ambition to explore her art in a theatrical context was fuelled by her work with the Dundee Rep, and in 2015 she applied for a Masters in Theatre Design at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She successfully gained a place – one of only four applicants to achieve this.

How the Award Helped

Anna’s Award enabled her to accept her place to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.  This specialist masters course offers the ideal opportunity to develop the necessary skills to pursue her chosen career path.

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With such a hands-on course I know I will build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to successfully develop my career in Theatre Design.

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2015 Awardee: Rhys McKenna

"The Dewar awards sent me on a great learning experience and I am extremely grateful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 21
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://rhysmckenna.wix.com/rhysmckenna
EMAIL:rhysjaypeter@gmail.com
 

Biography

Rhys McKenna is an exceptional talent in the field of fashion, whose enthusiasm and dedication has earned him exceptional opportunities to work internationally. He has gathered inspiration in Edinburgh, New York and Beijing, with projects and internships for major names such as Michael Kors, MacKintosh and H&M.

Born in Stirling, Scotland, Rhys developed a passion for fashion design from an early age.  Whilst Head Boy at Stirling High School he reinvented the house identities as a project, and also cites his 15 years of participation in Tae Kwon Do as an influence on his work.

In 2012, Rhys began studying fashion at the University of Edinburgh. Throughout his studies, he supported himself financially by selling paintings, working in Slaters Menswear and providing academic tuition. This strong work ethic is something that he also applies to his practice and development as a fashion designer.

Rhys specialises in menswear. His ambition is to pursue a career in outerwear and tailoring, with postgraduate studies in Menswear Design and Design Informatics.

How the Award Helped

Rhys’ Dewar Arts Award enabled him to undertake an internship in New York with the prestigious fashion company, Rochambeau.

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"The Dewar awards sent me on a great learning experience and I am extremely grateful."

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2015 Awardee: Luke Angus

"The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me the creative freedom to push my talents further and let me explore the depths of my ability. Without this award it would not have been financially viable for me to enrol in a Masters program and push my skillset to a more professional level. For that, I am truly grateful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and raised on the West Coast of Scotland, Luke Angus excelled at art during high school. He achieved one of the top grades in Scotland for his Higher Art piece, which was displayed at the Edinburgh Art Gallery’s ‘The Talent of Scotland’ exhibition. At the age of 19, Luke moved to Glasgow and enrolled on a degree course in 3D Animation at Glasgow Caledonian University.

A highly imaginative and creative individual, Luke found that working in the mediium of 3D animation came very naturally to him. He felt able to express himself and found it hugely rewarding to combine his artistic, literary and technical skills. As a student he outperformed himself every year, and delivered projects that set new benchmarks for students of the course.

Luke developed an exceptional skillset as a character animator and graduated from his degree course with a First Class Honours. Compelled to continue his studies to masters level, Luke required financial assistance to enable him to pursue his ambitions.

How the Award Helped

Luke received a Dewar Award to support him in his studies on the Masters in Animation at the University of South Wales. This provided him with the backing he needed at a crucial stage in his professional development.

Final Year Undergraduate Short Film

Final Third Year Short Film

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"The Dewar Arts Award has allowed me the creative freedom to push my talents further and let me explore the depths of my ability. Without this award it would not have been financially viable for me to enrol in a Masters program and push my skillset to a more professional level. For that, I am truly grateful."

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2015 Awardee: Colleen Leitch

"The Dewar Award has taken the pressure away from my design process and has given me freedom to experiment with new materials."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Colleen was just 10 years old when she decided she wanted to pursue a career in fashion.  Always passionate about drawing and design, she engaged in her art as a form of escapism.

Colleen has a strong personal connection with photography and the feeling that is evoked when capturing the effects of light. For her, they symbolise a purity of belief and sense of wonder. Through experimentation with materials and textiles, Colleen communicates the effects that light can have on the body.

Colleen graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art with a First Class degree, and went on to show her graduate collection at Graduate Fashion Week, 2014. It was here she achieved the David Band Textile Award and was subsequently nominated for the Scottish Fashion Awards, where she won the Fashion Graduate of the Year.

How the Award Helped

Colleen received a Dewar Arts Award to support her experimentation in design, whilst studying an MA in Womenswear Fashion at the Royal College of Art.

“I want to further explore capturing beauty and feeling of wonder through my designs, to create garments that represent me and my faith.”

Colleen Leitch – Light

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"The Dewar Award has taken the pressure away from my design process and has given me freedom to experiment with new materials."

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2014 Awardee: Ian Forbes

I feel tremendously fortunate to be supported with a Dewar Arts Award. Receiving the award has allowed me fulfil my long-time dream, to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.ianforbes.co.uk/
EMAIL:i.w.l.forbes@gmail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/ian_forbes

Biography

Born and brought up in Scotland by an artistic family, Ian is a London-based cinematographer with a passion for image, story and collaboration.  Having studied for his BA Honours at art school in his hometown, Dundee, Ian graduated in 2010 with a 1st class honours.  Over the next two years he built up a portfolio of work across film, animation and a variety of commercial projects, and in 2012 was selected to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

Ian has had work screened at numerous festivals including Encounters, Aesthetica and the Glasgow Film Festival.  In 2011 he received an award at Shepparton Shorts Short Film Festival, Australia, and in 2012 was selected by Ideas Tap to make a new film with director Rose Hendry. He has gained a coveted BAFTA Scholarship to support his studies alongside his Dewar Award

How the Award Helped

Ian received a Dewar Award to enable him to continue studying at the prestigious NFTS.

Since the Award

Ian developed his skills and talents through his studies at NFTS. In 2015 was nominated for a New Talent Award by BAFTA Scotland for his Camera/Photography work on Seahorse – a story of a first love and a pregnant boy (see trailer below).

March 2015 – Nominated for a BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award: Camera/Photography, Seahorse

‘Seahorse’ Trailer – Ian Forbes (c) NFTS

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I feel tremendously fortunate to be supported with a Dewar Arts Award. Receiving the award has allowed me fulfil my long-time dream, to attend the MA in Cinematography at the National Film and Television School.

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2014 Awardee: Kari Robertson

The generosity of the trustees allowed me to accept a place on an amazing masters programme and continues to give me the space and support I need to develop my practice further.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://vimeo.com/user7339246/videos
 
 

Biography

Kari Robertson has repeatedly shown her excellence as an artist working in sculpture and video. Born and brought up in Edinburgh, Kari moved to Glasgow in 2007 to undertake a BA in Fine Art Painting and Printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art. She graduated with first class honours in 2011, and since then has participated in a number of solo and group exhibitions that demonstrate the depth of her practice.

Kari was one of the original founders of The Pipe Factory gallery and studios. She served two years on the committee at Transmission Gallery before being awarded an NU Graduate Residency and solo show at Flat Time House, London. She went on to undertake a residency at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath and was shortlisted for the Margaret Tait Award.

How the Award Helped

In 2014, Kari was offered a place to study a masters course in Fine Art at the prestigious Piet Zwart Institut in Rotterdam. Her Dewar Award enabled her to accept this opportunity.

Press Image Self Evident Truths Belong to Bourgeois Philosophy 2013
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The generosity of the trustees allowed me to accept a place on an amazing masters programme and continues to give me the space and support I need to develop my practice further.

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2014 Awardee: Jamie Kane

"The opportunity to take part in the programme at Rupert allowed me the time, space and support to realise a large body of new work, and marks a major development in my practice. I would not have been able to have this experience without the support of the Dewar Arts Awards."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.jamiekane.berta.me/
 
 

Biography

Born in Inverness, artist Jamie Kane moved to Glasgow in 2008.  After studying at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, he went on to gain a degree from the GSA’s Department of Sculpture & Environmental Art.

During his time in Glasgow, Jamie exhibited at the Glasgow Project Rooms, Transmission, Universal Studios, and at the Zentrum für Kunst und Urbanistik in Berlin.  In 2013 he was selected for a graduate residency at Hospitalfield House and in 2014 acted as a committee member for the Pipe Factory.

An extremely talented and motivated artist, Jamie has demonstrated clear ambition to engage in his professional development.

In 2014, he succesfully underwent a rigorous selection process and was offered a place on the Alternative Educational Programme at Rupert Arts & Education Centre, Lithuania. This dynamic centre provides the opportunity for young artists to pursue their self-directed practice, but with mentoring and support from an impressive selection of international artists, curators and critics working at the highest level.

https://vimeo.com/jamiekane

How the Award Helped

Jamie received a Dewar Arts Award to support him in developing his practice at the Rupert Arts & Education Centre.

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"The opportunity to take part in the programme at Rupert allowed me the time, space and support to realise a large body of new work, and marks a major development in my practice. I would not have been able to have this experience without the support of the Dewar Arts Awards."

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2013 Awardee: Marianne Wilson

I am passionate about art and design, and my life and work are orientated around my practice

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.m-w-x.com/
EMAIL:marianne@m-w-x.com
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Marianne_MWX

Biography

After growing up in Glasgow, Marianne moved to Aberdeen in 2009 to study at Gray’s School of Art.  She completed a BA (Hons) in Photographic and Electronic Media and achieved a first class degree.  After graduating, Marianne returned to Glasgow and set up practice as a self-employed visual artist.

To complement her development as a commercial artist, Marianne successfully applied for a masters course in Communication Design at the Glasgow School of Art. This offered the ideal combination of academic support, skills development and portfolio building necessary to take Marianne to the next stage of her career in the creative industries.

https://vimeo.com/user18290780

How the Award Helped

Marianne’s Award enabled her to accept her place on the Masters in Communication Design course at the Glasgow School of Art.

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I am passionate about art and design, and my life and work are orientated around my practice

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