Creative Partnership Fuels Artist’s Talent.
22nd November 2006
University of Ulster Student Fin Clements has been announced as the winner of this year's 'Energy In Art' competition, a unique initiative between Phoenix Natural Gas and the University of Ulster.
Now in its second year, the 2006 'Energy in Art' initiative challenged students from the School of Art and Design to create an original piece of art to 'celebrate the benefits that natural gas has delivered locally in the last 10 years'.
The winning artist received a four-figure cash prize as well as having her work on permanent display in the public entrance of Phoenix's Belfast headquarters.
The winning piece, entitled 'Now I Am Ten', was chosen by a panel of independent judges who had viewed the work of over 40 students.
Fin, a mature first year art student at the University competed against some of the best final year art students to win the prestigious commission and have her work on permanent display. The winning piece is a large-scale oil painting of Fin's daughter Georgia, who this year also celebrates her 10th birthday.
The energy and vibrancy of the painting depicts both the power and the cleanliness of the natural environment, and the art was unveiled at a celebration ceremony yesterday (Tuesday 21 November) at Phoenix's Head Office in Belfast.
Fin said: “Painting portraits has always been a love of mine, and to win this competition with a painting of my daughter makes it extra special”.
Mark Ainsworth, Lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Ulster, helped guide Fin through the challenging process of taking a concept to the finished piece.
“Fin was only a first year when she submitted her initial proposal and was clearly the least experienced of the entrants. However the enthusiasm of her proposal and the energy of the suggested piece captivated the judges and emerged as a clear winner. A decision that now certainly seems justified, “ said Mr Ainsworth
Peter Dixon, Phoenix Chief Executive, unveiled the winning piece and congratulated Fin on her achievement:
“The theme of Energy in Art is intended to fire the imagination, and the winning piece reflects our celebration of 10 years of the local natural gas industry. It will be a breath of fresh air in our reception area.”
In conclusion Mr Dixon thanked the judges, renowned local artist David Crone, Iain Davidson of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, and Mark Ainsworth of the University of Ulster for giving up their time to help with this initiative and the inspiration they have given to everyone who entered the competition and indeed to Fin herself.
Pictured: With the prize winning piece is art student Fin Clements and the star of her work, 10 year old daughter Georgia. Joining them is Phoenix CEO, Peter Dixon.