Can you briefly describe your work? 
I am a painter and printmaker. 

What attracted you to the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize?
The opportunity to exhibit in London.

How did you find the entry process? 
I found it very easy. It was one of the most supportive competitions I have entered. 

What advice would you give on the submission process? 
Take your time. Answer honestly and from your heart! I found answering the questions thought provoking as it made me deeply question why I make the type of art that I do.

How has your career progressed since entering the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize? 
I am still painting and printmaking, but I have been focusing more on my painting. I have been exhibiting locally in Sheffield and in the Peak District where my last exhibition was held at the Chatsworth Estate during their Art Out Loud event.

Last year I was selected to take part in the National Open Art Exhibition at the Royal College of Art and I also won the Harley Gallery's Harley Foundation Prize. This year I was selected for the ‘Small Print International’ exhibition which is touring this year and next, and I was recently awarded third prize in a Poetry into Art competition which was part of the publication of a book called Millstone Grit.

I am presently working on a project called Analysis of the Woods with fellow artist Kay Aitch. This is a year-long project where we use our local ancient woods as a studio to see how they inform our work on an emotional and physical level.

What is the best advice you have for emerging artists? 
Be true to yourself and create work that comes from within you, or that truly resonates with you.

Is there anything you would like to add about the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize?
It was such a rewarding experience. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to write about my work as the piece that I entered was a very deep personal piece for me. I had been grappling with the relationship that I have with my disabled child and yearned to express it visually, so being Highly Commended was very emotionally fulfilling. 

You can find out more about Sarah Sharpe’s online at www.sarahsharpe-art.co.uk 

Can you briefly describe your work? 
I photograph beautiful abandoned spaces all around the world with a symmetrical painterly view and present them as framed artworks.

What attracted you to the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize?
I was keen to get my work seen by a new audience and had been successful in other competitions, so thought I’d try my luck!

What advice would you give on the submission process? 
Be a great editor. Don’t necessarily upload several pieces of work because they fit together, think of each piece of work as a single entry. Also, try to detach yourself from it and think about why you are entering in the first place, that will help to guide your choices.

How has your career progressed since entering the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize? 
I have been published in House & Garden, Aesthetica Magazine and the British Journal of Photography. I've been chosen as a contestant in the Sky Arts Master of Photography show, I won second prize in the Lacey Contemporary Summer Arts Prize and won first prize in the Secret Art Prize. I've also shown my work at the Moniker Art Fair and at the Other Art Fair twice.

My proudest moment was when my work was exhibited at Photo London by Eleven Gallery. I also had a show in Paris and I will be exhibiting at FotoFever in Paris next week.

Did the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize help your career as an artist? If yes, how so?
It helped me reach a new audience who had not seen my work before.

What is the best advice you have for emerging artists?
Don’t be shy to market yourself and if you are, hire someone to do it for you! Support other artists. Don’t say yes to every opportunity as it may end up costing you more than it’s worth, and be a great editor of your work. 

Also, meet as many people as possible. Go to art fairs and private viewings as you never know who you might meet, and always carry business cards!

You can view Gina's work on her website: www.ginasoden.co.uk

Can you briefly describe your work?
I am predominantly a painter but I also use poetry, performance and installation work as part of my practice. The paintings are executed on silk using ink and acrylic.
 
What attracted you to the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize?
I looked at the caliber of the judges and decided that this was a competition worth entering. I was also impressed by the series of lectures that were facilitated by the prize.
 
What advice would you give on the submission process?
Submit more than one piece of work and make sure that your work is well photographed.
 
How did the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize benefit you?
It helps with exposure. I exhibited in Canary Wharf and was then approached by Gray MCA after I was shortlisted and have subsequently been exhibiting with him.
 
How has your career progressed since entering the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize?
I have been exhibiting regularly with Gray MCA and I have undertaken other projects. I had a solo show at the Yahudi Menuhin Concert Hall in November and I will be exhibiting at the London Art Fair and Palm Beach Art Fair early next year.
 
What is the best advice you have for emerging artists?
Keep on going!
 
Is there anything you would like to add about the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize?
It is a good art prize with a high caliber of judges. The inclusion of the talks and feedback is designed to help artists.
 
Find out more about Bob's work online at www.bobaldous.com

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If you're an emerging artist who would like to enter the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2017, you can find full details about the prize, information on upcoming events and interviews with our judging panel on our website: www.artprize.co.uk

​Last week we announced our new prize the Ashurst Prize for Rich Mix as part of the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2017. With this exciting new East London focused prize we thought it would be a good time to answer some of the questions we’ve been asked to help you format your entry and understand what it’s all about.
 
Rich Mix is an independent arts venue based in East London which is a hub for the diverse range of creatives that surrounds them. They not only support the visual arts but run a full cinema programme, live music, dance and spoken word, the list continues! With the focus very much on supporting the community around them and presenting them to an ever widening international audience, we’re really pleased to be partnered with a platform that shares so many of our values for this new award.
 
Below we list some of the questions we’ve been asked by you and hopefully the answers to help.
 
Q. I’ve already entered the prize (before the announcement in November 2016), am I eligible for this new award?
Yes! Your work will automatically be considered for this prize as long as it or you are associated with East London.
 
Q. If I submit information for this award will I still be eligible for the other awards like the Employees Choice, Sculpture Prize and Overall Winner in this year’s prize?
You certainly will. This is an additional award to the Ashurst Emerging Art Prize so your work will be considered for all of the awards on offer.
 
Q. I don’t live in East London, am I still eligible?
As long as your work is connected with East London it will be considered. Make sure to add it into your text where possible so the Judges can understand why the work is influenced by the area or state that you live within an E postcode.
 
Q. How do I make sure I’m considered for this award on my application?
See above! Clearly and succinctly write it in your text, and make sure you tick the box in the entry form at the bottom.
 
Q. What are the deadlines for this award?
The deadlines are all the same. 18 December 2016 if you would like feedback in your submission. 15 January for the overall deadline 2017.
 
Q. I live in another country, am I eligible for the Ashurst Prize for Rich Mix?
Yes! As long as you or your work is related to East London in some way. Remember to mention this in your artist statement or artwork commentary.
 
Q. Does it cost extra to be considered for the Rich Mix Prize?
No, your submission will be considered for all of the awards under the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize umbrella.
 
Q. What mediums are considered for the Ashurst Prize for Rich Mix?
As with the main prize the Ashurst Prize for Rich Mix will accept all mediums excluding performance, video and sound art. Works must be within 275cm x 275cm x 200cm.


We hope the above answers all your questions on this new, exciting prize but if you want further information please drop us an email on [email protected] or Tweet / comment on our social media! T: @theartprize, I: @theartprize, Facebook: Ashurst Emerging Artists

As our feedback deadline approaches for this year’s instalment of the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize we asked 2015 Highly Commended Artist Matt Alexander Ray to tell us about his experiences since entering the Art Prize, what he has been working on and what he found has been his significant milestones in the past couple of years.
 
In 2015 the Judges were bowled over by Matt’s technical skill and sensitive use of light. This coupled with Matt’s traditional style of painting, despite being a contemporary artist, proved to be a very unique and bold entry. On seeing Matt’s work ‘in the flesh’ it was decided that all of the works he had submitted would be exhibited in the Finalists show. During this time Matt took us up on the offer, which is open to all Shortlisted Artists, of sitting down with the people behind the prize. In this instance he met Caitlin Smyth, who works one-to-one with artists to guide them on career development, to discuss where he was at and what steps he could take to move his work into a more visible position. Matt has taken significant steps forward in recent years including gaining representation and exhibitions, he talks about how he’s achieved this and what the best bits of advice were for him.

Q1: Tell us a little bit about you and your practice
A1: I grew up in Abu Dhabi, Singapore and England, and am now based in London. I began my training in traditional drawing and painting methods in 2005, studying at a number of contemporary ateliers in the UK and Europe.
My subject matter covers still life, portraiture and landscape.  I’m influenced by traditional oil painting techniques, but look for compositions that feel fresh and contemporary.
 
Q2: What is the most successful bit of advice you have been given as an artist?
A2: Actually, I think the most important thing has been something I worked out myself, which has been to not rush things. I’d received compliments about my work for years, but I waited until I was really happy with what I was producing, and was able to articulate my objectives and discuss my technique clearly, before really starting to test out the market. And I was taken on by the first gallery I approached.
 
Q3: What was your experience as an entrant of the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize? 
A3: It was really different to any other prizes or competitions.  What set it apart was the focus on developing emerging artists’ careers, through the events and other advice I got once I knew I was a finalist. It was a great surprise and privilege to be a finalist, and then further to receive a highly commended award.

Q4: What do you feel have been important stepping stones in your career?
A4: I achieved gallery representation and my first sales in 2014.  Things really accelerated through 2015, following the Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize, with a number of group exhibitions and succeeding in national open exhibitions into 2016.  Once things start moving, it was easier to pick up momentum.
 
Q5: How much importance do you put on managing self-representing?
A5: My experience so far is that most of my achievements have come from pushing things on myself, rather than relying on anyone else.
 
Q6: Regarding self-representing what do you focus on to develop your career?  
A6: I’m still exploring a range of avenues, and with each I’m learning what strikes a chord with the audience. I’m often surprised at which paintings are most popular. So at the moment it’s about being adaptable and open to new things.  Even where I’ve found really successful subject matter I’ve moved on so as to avoid being typecast.
 
Q7: What is the most important event to you in the art calendar?
A7: Whatever else is on, my wife and I will always go to the BP Portrait Award.  It’s where we went on our first date, so for that reason it’s special. One day I hope to appear there!
 
Q8: If we want to see your work ‘in the flesh’ where should we go?
A8: I’m currently represented by the Joanne Parker Gallery, in Battersea, London
 
Q9: Which artists to you aspire to in some way?
A9: Walter Murch, for taking the still life genre to places it had never previously been. Isaak Levitan, for the atmosphere he created within uncompromisingly realist paintings.
 
Q10: What projects do you have coming up?
A10: Right now I’m working on a portrait of my daughter, who has just had her first birthday.  Sittings present something of a challenge!
 

Many thanks to Matt for what we feel is a great insight into working as an emerging artist! You can check out Matt’s website here: www.mattalexanderray.com 

​Watch our blog for more interviews, top tips and articles or ask us your questions on our social media pages!

Interview by Caitlin Smyth