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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2013 Awardee: Rebecca Wilcox

Participating in this residency will give me a much needed period to focus and develop my practice.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 28
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

After moving to Scotland to complete a BA(hons) in Sculpture and Environmental Art, Rebecca stayed on to complete an MRes (Master of Research in Creative Studies).  She has since continued to develop her practice as an artist and has been an active contributer to the arts in Glasgow.

Rebecca has organised and curated a number of exhibitions, including presentations at the Glasgow International Festival and the CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts.  She served for two years on the committee of Transmission Gallery and has worked for Art in Hospital, an organisation providing art programmes in a variety of healthcare settings.

Considered by the CCA to be “one of the most outstanding young artists working in Scotland today”, Rebecca’s work is described as intelligent and thoughtful with a consistent generosity towards her audience.

How the Award Helped

Rebecca received an award to support her in a prestigious six-week residency opportunity at the Banff Centre, Canada.

The residency is considered one of the best programmes internationally.  It was conceived by Will Holder, and has input from other esteemed artists, critics, curators and musicians including David Reinfurt (of Dexter Sinister) and Richard Birkett (of Artist\’s Space New York).

Through intensive workshops, discussion and studio time, the residency will allow Rebecca to investigate documentation, publishing, and improvisation as ways of approaching the creation of new works, as well as revisiting existing works.  This will provide an immense boost to Rebecca’s practice and enable her to interact with other artists and thinkers of the highest calibre.

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Participating in this residency will give me a much needed period to focus and develop my practice.

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2013 Awardee: Ross Brown

Gaining assistance from the Dewar Arts award will be a major factor in the realisation of this project, allowing me to make the most of this important opportunity to exhibit at a national level at this early stage in my career.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ross grew up in Clackmannanshire, in the Central Lowlands.  He moved to Dundee to study at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, where he received a first class BA(Hons) in Fine Art in 2008 and a Masters of Fine Art with Distinction in 2010.

Now living in Edinburgh, Ross is represented by the EB&Flow Gallery in London.  Over the past two years he has exhbited at a number of shows and has garnered praise from prestigious institutions such as the Royal Scottish Academy and Saatchi Gallery, as well as from private collectors.  He has earned a reputation as being a truly talented painter with a promising career ahead of him.

How the Award Helped

Ross has received a Dewar Arts Award to help him realise his ambitions for his first solo show.

Inspired by his work exploring the derelict St Peter’s Seminary in Glasgow, Ross will create a new series of 10 to 12 large scale paintings.  The solo show will take place at the EB&Flow Gallery in Shoreditch, London.

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Gaining assistance from the Dewar Arts award will be a major factor in the realisation of this project, allowing me to make the most of this important opportunity to exhibit at a national level at this early stage in my career.

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2013 Awardee: Sylvia Law

I am extremely grateful for receiving the Dewar Arts Awards’ support as it has enabled me to develop and pursue my artistic practice and fulfil all of my creative ambitions as a sound artist.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.sylvia-law.com/
EMAIL:sylviasounds@gmail.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/sylvy09

Biography

Born in Edinburgh to a Scottish father and Spanish mother, Sylvia describes herself as bilingual, with a rich cultural upbringing and strong sense of identity.

Whilst studying at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Sylvia was recognised as an artist of outstanding ambition, determination and ability, whose work demonstrated an unusual level of originality.  In 2012, she graduated with a BA(Hons) in Time Based Art & Digital Film and went on to gain the RSA John Kinross Scholarship to embark on a two-month residency in Florence. She spent this time exploring the relationship between sound and space in different architectural locations.  The resulting work was presented at the RSA New Contemporaries 2013 exhibition, which showcases the finest emerging artistic talent in Scotland.

To develop her practice further, Sylvia gained a place on the MA in Sound Arts at the London College of Communication.  Her work encompasses the mediums of sound, spatial installation and site-specific performance, working closely with the human voice to capture and interact with space.

Through her work overseas, Sylvia has proved herself to be a strong ambassador for Scottish arts who is confident and receptive to other cultures.

How the Award Helped

Sylvia received support to help her create ambitious new works for the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition, and for her masters studies.

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I am extremely grateful for receiving the Dewar Arts Awards’ support as it has enabled me to develop and pursue my artistic practice and fulfil all of my creative ambitions as a sound artist.

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2013 Awardee: Morwenna Darwell

I feel humbled by the support I have received from the Dewar Arts Awards. The grant has allowed me to take full advantage of my time at The Royal College of Art. Your support went way beyond my expectation, something I feel deeply grateful for.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://cargocollective.com/morwennadarwell
EMAIL:morwenna_darwell@hotmail.co.uk
 

Biography

Morwenna had an unusual childhood, growing up on a vibrant community farm in Dumfries & Galloway, where her family lived with and supported adults with learning difficulties.  Morwenna describes this as a busy and rich environment where she was able to roam freely around the farm and its many creative workshops.

Attracted by the glamour of fashion, Morwenna aspired to become a fashion designer from the age of 10.  She completed a foundation course at the Leith School of Art and then gained a First Class Honors in Fashion from the Edinburgh College of Art.

Morwenna has demonstrated an outstanding ability and talent through her studies and placements, and has won numerous awards for her work.  Her ambition is to become part of a design team at a design house, and ultimately to set up her own label.  She has been described as a ‘name to watch’ for the future of fashion.

How the Award Helped

Morwenna received a Dewar Arts Award to support her in undertaking a two year ‘Masters in Fashion Womenswear’ course at the Royal Collage of Art.

Since the Award

June 2013 – David Band Textile Award (2nd Prize)

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I feel humbled by the support I have received from the Dewar Arts Awards. The grant has allowed me to take full advantage of my time at The Royal College of Art. Your support went way beyond my expectation, something I feel deeply grateful for.

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2012 Awardee: Chris Dyson

I cannot begin to imagine the impact this opportunity will have on my practice and the formation of my research

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS: , , , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Originally from Pudsey in West Yorkshire, Chris moved to Scotland in 2001. He studied at The Glasgow School of Art where he explored his passion for sculpture and film. He has been described as a skilled maker with a uniquely creative eye.

Since graduating from GSA in 2005, Chris has been actively involved in many artist-run spaces and research groups in the city. He has also contributed to numerous exhibitions at home and abroad, including shows at the DCA and CCA. He has made a strong contribution to the dialogue surrounding contemporary Scottish art.

In 2010, Chris was awarded a Professional Development Grant from Creative Scotland. In 2011, he was selected for the Scottish Screen Archive.

How the Award Helped

Chris has been granted a prized scholarship to study an MFA at CalArts, California. His Dewar Award will provide financial support to enable him to benefit from this fantastic opportunity.

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I cannot begin to imagine the impact this opportunity will have on my practice and the formation of my research

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2012 Awardee: Lyndsey Gilmour

Without the generous support from Dewar Arts Awards I would have been unable to take my place on the MFA Painting course at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art. I am eternally grateful for their generosity and continued support.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

An especially skilled and talented painter, Lyndsey creates work on canvas and “crumbling sash windows”.

Orginally from Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, Lyndsey’s family moved several times before settling in Overtown, North Lanarkshire. In 2006, Lyndsey was offered a place to study at the prestigious Gray’s School of Art. Gaining insight in a wide range of areas including printmaking, sculpture, textiles and photography, Lyndsey chose to specialise in painting.

Whilst still a student, Lyndsey’s talent was recognised by the selectors of the RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition. Her fine handling of paint stood out and earned her a much sought after place in the 2011 Edinburgh show.  Lyndsey continued her independent practice in Glasgow-based artist studios and has now exhibited work in galleries across Britain, receiving special commendations.

In 2012, Lyndsey was accepted onto a world-class post-graduate course at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Alumni include Anthony Gormley, Stanley Spencer and Tactita Dean.  This offered an exceptional opportunity to develop her skills and profile as an artist.

Lyndsey aspires to exhibit her artwork internationally and to create exciting shows that inspire younger generations.  She is also keen to develop her teaching practice, encouraging other young artists to “find their artistic voice within the contemporary art field”.

How the Award Helped

Lyndsey’s Dewar Award enabled her to accept her place on the MFA course at the Slade School of Fine Art.

Since the Award

June 2010: Review in The Scotsman

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Without the generous support from Dewar Arts Awards I would have been unable to take my place on the MFA Painting course at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art. I am eternally grateful for their generosity and continued support.

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2012 Awardee: Greg Grant

The Dewar Award's contribution will provide vital financial assistance to complete the MFA course and allow me to realise the potential development and opportunity it offers. Without this valuable contribution I would have been unable to fully capitalise upon the knowledge and expertise I will gain here in Sweden.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 29
ARTFORMS:
WEBSITE:https://www.thenowmuseum.com/
 
 

Biography

Greg grew up in Glasgow, and in spite of considerable financial restrictions was determined to develop his passion for art and his skills as an artist.  Through hard work and dedication, Greg gained a first class honours degree in Art History & Theory from St Andrew’s University as well as a BA with distinction from the Glasgow School of Art.

Post-graduation, Greg went on to win The Arches in Glasgow’s first annual Black Box award. He also began to exhibit his work in solo and group shows nationally and internationally.  In 2008 he was included in the Edinburgh City Art Centre’s Travelling Gallery exhibition Re/Trato, alongside artists such as Kenny Hunter and Sean Gladwell.

Still retaining close contact with Glasgow, Greg began to undertake periods of research in other countries such as Cuba, France, Spain and the Netherlands where he completed a residency at Kaus Australis, an independently run art organisation in Rotterdam.

Whilst developing his practice, Greg found a growing commitment towards advancing social engagement through his art.  As a result of this focus as well as his “exceptional capacities as an artist that can benefit still from an educational context”, Greg was offered a place on the highly competitive MFA course at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

How the Award Helped

Greg’s award provided subsistence while he studied for the MFA in Sweden, which included a highly rewarding six month period working in Italy for American artist Mark Dion on an ERASMUS placement.  This course has a strong focus on social engagement, allowing him to further develop his talents and interests whilst studying at the highest level.

Since the Award

During his time as a postgraduate student, Greg has won recognition for his hard work by winning several grants and awards, including the Otto and Charlotte Mannheimer stipedium.  He was also selected by a jury of prominent Swedish artists and academics for inclusion in the Akademiska Hus exhibition of publically engaged art, ‘Art of Change’ in September 2013.  Titled ‘Forspel’ (Prelude) the piece worked with local Roma street musicians to explore the politics of public space (see below).

September 2008

The Scotsman: Idolon review (at Arches Live! Festival)

The Scotsman: Over Arching Principle feature

The Sunday Herald: From The Far Side feature

The List: Only the Brave interview (for The Human Image project)

Prelude – Postgraduate work selected for inclusion in the Art of Change exhibition

Where a Singular Will Provokes Collective Action – realised at Kaus Australis, Rotterdam

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The Dewar Award's contribution will provide vital financial assistance to complete the MFA course and allow me to realise the potential development and opportunity it offers. Without this valuable contribution I would have been unable to fully capitalise upon the knowledge and expertise I will gain here in Sweden.

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2012 Awardee: Steven Ferguson

I have the chance of a lifetime to study on the National Film and Television School's MA Cinematography. From my teenage years I have dreamed of studying at the course and through a lot of hard work I have reached the point where I have been offered a place!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:http://vimeo.com/stevencferguson
 
 

Biography

Growing up in Cumbernauld, Steven was encouraged from an early age to follow his dreams.  He was instilled with a great sense of ambition and a belief that with hard work and passion you can achieve anything, whatever your background.  Steven’s passion turned out to be film, and he set out to carve himself a career in cinematography.

Supported by a student bursary, Steven completed a BA(Hons) in Digital Film and Television at what was then the RSAMD (now the RCS).  His graduation film, Ghost Story (see below), was screened at the Glasgow Film Festival and received much attention, being nominated for a Royal Television Society Scotland Award and winning ‘Best Fiction’ at the Creative Loop Awards. Steven graduated with a first class degree and has returned to the RCS frequently to support other students as a mentor.  He has also worked freelance as a lighting camera operator.

Steven shows immense capacity for cinematography, making work that is both visually beautiful and thematically sophisticated.  He is an imaginative storyteller who communicates with unique vision, and has been hailed as “a real Scottish talent with unlimited potential”.

As well as honing his craft in film, Steven intends to continue sharing skills and knowledge with up and coming talent.  He says: “I have seen first hand how being taught and passed on knowledge by others with passion for their craft can have a transformative effect – it is through the inspiration and encouragement from my tutors/lecturers that has led to many of my successes so far and put me on the right path.”

How the Award Helped

Steven had always dreamed of studying at the National Film and Television School, and in 2011 he was offered a coveted place on the MA in Cinematography. This presented a fantastic opportunity for Steven to develop his technique in areas such as lighting, composition and writing, and would take him to the next stage of his burgeoning career. The Dewar Arts Awards supported him in taking up the two year course in London.

Since the Award

Steven went from strength to strength at the NFTS. His graduation film earned him a BAFTA Scotland 2015 New Talent Award nomination for Camera/Photography. Entitled Sick, the film tells the story of a lonely, isolated mother (see trailer below).

May 2014 – Article in Variety: Film North nominated for a Student Oscar

April 2015 – BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award Winner 2015: Steven wins Camera/Photography Award and Best New Talent Award for film Sick

Steven’s graduate film Ghost Story from RCS on Vimeo.

Double win at BAFTA Scotland New Talent Awards 2015

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I have the chance of a lifetime to study on the National Film and Television School's MA Cinematography. From my teenage years I have dreamed of studying at the course and through a lot of hard work I have reached the point where I have been offered a place!

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