Pen art proves big draw for Anglia Ruskin judges

The award, which comes with a cheque for £2,000, is open to all final year BA (Hons) Fine Art students and is presented to the best body of work on display at the annual Degree Show in Cambridge.

On winning the prize, Jane said: “I was so thrilled and surprised to receive the award from Dr Gazeley.  It means a huge amount in terms of being recognised for my work.

“Now the hard work really starts to maintain the momentum and continue with what has been a life-long ambition to study and become a professional artist.  I’m also thinking very seriously about applying for the MA in Printmaking in the future.”

Describing her art practice, Jane said: “Drawing tools such as pen on paper result in permanent marks that cannot be erased, and force me to work with ‘unintentional’ elements.  I have used the circle because it is a challenge to draw perfectly by hand.  Yet imperfections are hidden through repetition within a wider composition, creating the perception of a perfect circle. 

“I hope to ‘interrupt’ the flow of the circles by embedding another shape within the composition, thus creating a further element of confusion for the eye and mind to decipher.”

Benet Spencer, Pathway Leader for the BA (Hons) Fine Art course, said: “It is fantastic that Jane Bryant has been awarded the Dr Supanee Gazeley Award for Fine Art, she is a most deserving recipient.  Her work, although minimal in means, is also rooted in drawing and shows how an artist can create engaging images through the most simple of processes.

“Jane is both very talented and committed to her art.  Her hard work this year has paid off with a beautifully installed degree show, which impressed all the judges during the selection process.  I wish her every success in the future.”

Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences, Dr Andy Salmon, said: “Many thanks to Supanee for enabling this important prize. The quality of the work was outstanding, and judging difficult.

“Jayne’s work showed extraordinary balance and depth, control and sensitivity, and we were delighted to award the prize to such explorative work.  I think it is great credit to the members of staff that each of the works was remarkably individual.  This belies considerable care in tuition.”

Dr Gazeley, who is an internationally-renowned artist, graduated in 1962 from Cambridge College of Arts & Technology (CCAT), a forerunner of Anglia Ruskin.  Hong Kong-based Dr Gazeley was awarded with an honorary degree by Anglia Ruskin in 2007.

 
*******

For more press information please contact:

Jon Green on t: 0845 196 4717, e: jon.green@anglia.ac.uk

Andrea Hilliard on t: 0845 196 4727, e: andrea.hilliard@anglia.ac.uk
_______________________________________________