Manchester School of Art graduate in the running for the John Ruskin Prize
25 May 2017
'The pieces are a true labour of love' says Louisa Boyd
Manchester School of Art graduate Louisa Boyd has been shortlisted for the John Ruskin Prize 2017.
Louisa is one of 26 artists to be shortlisted out of over 1000 entries that responded to the theme of ‘Artist as Polymath’.
‘It is a real privilege to have been shortlisted for this year’s John Ruskin Prize,’ commented Louisa. ‘The 2017 exhibition has a theme of the “Artist as Polymath” and the jury have selected a shortlist of artists and makers whose works cross boundaries, take a multidisciplinary approach and bring together varying techniques and materials.
As an artist who has been making artist’s books since my final year at university in 2000, I have found that such an approach to work has been essential to bring together concept and visual aesthetics.’
Following her graduation from Manchester School of Art’s BA (Hons) Embroidery course in 2001, Louisa Boyd won the ‘Paperchase Future of Design Award’ and received a high commendation from the judges of ‘New Designer of the Year’ for her artists’ books relating to landscapes.
She has since gone onto showcase her work at a variety of events and exhibitions including The Royal Academy of the Arts in London, the 5th International Artists’ Books Exhibition and Brighton Open Houses’.
Louisa describes her work as evolving to ‘become progressively more involved and complex as I have introduced printmaking techniques and leatherwork into my practice.
The pieces are a true labour of love and take a long time from inception to creation, often involving more than one printmaking process before they are bound into books. It is wonderful to receive recognition for this work in being shortlisted for the prize and I am looking forward to seeing the other artworks that have been selected as the theme promises an eclectic mix of innovative and unique art.’
Louisa’s work and the work of other shortlisted artists will be on display at The Ruskin Prize Exhibition at Millenium Gallery Sheffield from 21 June - 8 October, and the winner will be announced on 20 June at a preview and prize giving event.
