Interviews with the Artists: Shortlist 2015

Sarah Sharpe – Highly Commended Artist 2015

​‘It was such a rewarding experience.’

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 

​Gina Soden – Shortlisted Artist 2015

‘It helped me reach a new audience who had not seen my work before.’

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

Bob Aldous - Shortlisted Artist 2015

 ‘I looked at the calibre of the judges and decided that this was a competition worth entering.’

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

​ 
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