Loughborough

News Report: Fine Art degree

18th June 2007

Self-portrait sculpture announced as runner-up in national competition.

Loughborough Student Wendy Mayer has been named as runner-up in the first-ever Grieve+Samaritans Art Prize 2007.

The competition, which is supported by Christie’s, has been developed to raise the profile of emotional health within the art world and raise funds for Samaritans. Artists were invited to submit works related to one of the following Samaritans’ themes – communication and openness; feelings and emotions; depression and recovery from depression; loneliness, distress or despair.

“My work – a sculpture titled ‘Self Portrait as a Rag Doll in a Corner’ – represents psychological withdrawal,” explains Wendy. “It was inspired by the work of French philosopher and poet Gaston Bachelard and a case study about a woman who wanted to be a doll.”

Wendy’s piece was one of just fifteen, selected from over 500 entries, to be shortlisted for the award. All finalists were invited to a reception at the House of Commons on 13 June to exhibit their work. The winning artist received £2,000, while two runners-up each received £1,000. All the shortlisted work was then auctioned off, with the proceeds split equally between the artist and Samaritans.

Wendy (42) was a maths teacher for eleven years, before embarking on a new career as a sculptor. She attended the Art Foundation course at Coleg Menai, Bangor, before continuing her studies at Loughborough. She is now in the second year of her Fine Art degree at the University’s School of Art and Design.

Of her award, she says "I was thrilled just to be shortlisted and to be at the House of Commons! To win one of the prizes is absolutely amazing."

Wendy hopes to study for a Masters degree when she completes her undergraduate course and would ultimately like to be a practising artist.

News report by R. Reed

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