A Bristol student has won the national final of Art of Nurture, a prestigious art competition organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance and will now see their work used in an advertising campaign for the bank.
At an event held at the Saatchi Gallery in London on 13th April, Gaby Selby, 23 from the University of West England, won the competition with his artwork depicting the symbiotic relationship between cows and egrets.
Over 500 entries were whittled down to 18 finalists after six regional heats were held at prominent art galleries across England and Scotland during March and April.
As well as the opportunity to see his work used in an international advertising campaign, Gaby will also have the opportunity to take a paid work placement at a top UK creative agency.
Kevin Cameron, 21, from Gray’s School of Art was awarded second prize, with Jayne Walsh who studies at Blackpool and the Fylde College, 46, coming third in the competition.
Gaby, who hopes to stay in Bristol and work as an illustration freelance after he graduates this summer, said: “I’m delighted to have won, especially since the quality of the other entries was so high. Art of Nurture is a really respected competition and having this accolade will look fantastic in my portfolio.
“I am very excited to see my work used in the advertising campaign and the combination of this and the work placement will really help boost my career.”
Gaby’s work was selected by a panel of esteemed judges including Dr Charles Saumarez Smith CBE, from the Royal Academy of Arts, Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business and distinguished illustrator Brian Grimwood. Brian is one of Europe’s most credited and influential illustrators and his work has been used in magazines and advertising campaigns across the world.
Simon Featherstone, managing director of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, said: “This year’s competition has been a huge success and I have been very impressed with the high standard of entries. The judges faced a tough decision but it is testament to Gaby’s work that he has won. The judges felt that the artwork was well drawn and put across the message of Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance working together in harmony.
“Art of Nurture is a huge opportunity for anyone wanting to pursue a career in art and design as it shows they are able to accurately follow a brief and produce professional work. Through Lloyds TSB Commercial Finances’ advertising campaign, Gaby will now be able to showcase his work in a real-world commercial environment.”
Last year’s winner Olga Grotova, an up-and-coming artist, feels the Art of Nurture win boosted her confidence as an artist. She said: “Winning the competition last year has looked fantastic in my portfolio and my career has really benefited from the award.
“It is a highly respected competition in the student art world and it is great Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance do so much to help out the young talent in this country.”
Long standing supporters, Arts & Business, a national charity dedicated to encouraging new and sustainable arts and business relationships have been involved throughout the competition, with area directors of the charity acting as judges during the regional and national finals.
Bringing together the arts and business worlds and encouraging students to work from a commercial brief, the competition has built up a strong following amongst art colleges and universities across the country.
Colin Tweedy, chief executive for Arts & Business, said: “Arts & Business is delighted to have worked with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance on the Art of Nurture prize for the last four years. The competition is a superb example of the imaginative partnerships possible between culture and commerce. This year’s finalists are once again of an excellent standard and we are proud to be working with Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance to support the creative industries and the wealth of emerging talent in the UK today.”
This year saw leading youth charity, The Prince’s Trust, benefit from the competition. Elizabeth Royds from The Prince's Trust said: “We are extremely grateful to Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance for their support. They have donated the proceeds of a limited edition boxed set of art by previous winners of the Art of Nurture competition. The money raised will go toward helping disadvantaged young people across the UK turn their lives around.”
APRIL 2010