The Steven Campbell Trust were delighted to attend the Directors private preview event at Glasgow School of Art on Thursday 29th May. It is always exciting visiting GSA each year to view the work of all the talented artists’ exhibiting their degree shows in the School of Fine Art.
We would like to thank GSA for extending this invitation which was greatly appreciated, particularly Martin Newth, Head of the School of Fine Art and Julia Malle, Academic Support Manager, The Glasgow School of Art.
Each year we attend the Degree Show to make our annual award of The Hunt Medal, to an artist who we believe demonstrates poetic creativity in their work. After much discussion on the exciting work on show, we were unanimous in our appreciation of the work of Ellis Bairstow for his exhibition ‘Vertical Glasgow’ and are delighted to announce that he is the 2025 recipient of our Hunt Medal award. The Steven Campbell Trust would like to wish Ellis much success in his future career.
Artist Statement:
Ellis Bairstow is a primarily photographic artist. His work looks at documenting socio-economic and political issues and how this has impacted the lives of people. He attempts to communicate this in a way that brings it to the forefront of people’s minds. He sees the camera as a tool for documentation and deeply considers every aspect of how this can influence the audience’s perception.
Since being awarded the 2023 Hunt Medal, the encouragement and mentorship provided to me by the Steven Campbell Trust team, has allowed me to excel in my further studies and grow in my career. This year I completed my Master’s in Fine Art at GSA; thereafter, I undertook an artist residency at The Nacional Museo del Prado, Madrid. The Steven Campbell Trust has been constant in its ongoing support, guidance and backing. I offer sincere thanks to those who operate at the very heart of the Trust: Carol Campbell, John Ferry, Neil Gilmour, Marion Marlow and Sandy Moffat – who embody the spirit of the Trust and demonstrate its core values.
Without a doubt, the most valuable aspects of my Masters programme were the one-to-one tailored tutorials. These were led by high-calibre artists whose work I have admired for many years. Namely, GSA alumni Stuart MacKenzie (RSA) and Michael Fullerton. Both encouraged and challenged my artistic practice, inspiring me to engage with, and research intently, the paintings of the great masters. Following my tutorial with Stuart MacKenzie, he nominated me for the 2024 Richard Ford Award – a prestigious accolade which he himself was the recipient of in 1983. This London-based award allows artists to study independently and directly from the masterpieces in the Prado. This intensive period of study is designed to develop knowledge of painting and drawing by direct exposure to the works in the Prado collection.
After arriving in Madrid, I was warmly welcomed to the Prado by Marisa Sanchez Gomez and Paloma Herranz González. I know the importance of establishing a consistent routine, to ensure good time management and discipline. Sketching in the public setting of the museum holds its own unique quality and hearing the reactions of visitors was a very honest, raw and rare insight, in real time! This contrasts starkly with my usual routine which involves more solitary work in my studio. The process is usually hidden and only the final pieces are selected for public viewing. My time at the Prado allowed me to grow in confidence, embracing my own style of mark making and maintaining focus on my muse of choice. Behind the scenes at the museum, I had access to the restoration workshop and the drawings cabinet. I could not quite believe the close proximity I had to the pieces, most notably some original works of Rubens, Goya and El Greco.
I was surrounded by onlookers from all over the world, hearing a range of languages spoken. Although verbal communication is key, I would argue that the work transcended the spoken word and united us under a universally understood language – the visual language of art.
My Spanish odyssey allowed me to reflect not only on my sketched outcomes (which I reviewed at the end of each day) but also the place where my museum work started. I fondly remember my mum taking me to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as a child; there, I would sketch the animals from life. The Nacional Museo del Prado, felt somewhat like an upgrade!
I acknowledge with gratitude the time I have spent at GSA and I eagerly look forward to continuing my connection with the Steven Campbell Trust. It is vital for me to protect and honour his legacy. My experience will stay with me for life, and the learning I have gained will greatly contribute to the furtherance of my career.
Since being awarded the 2023 Hunt Medal, the encouragement and mentorship provided to me by the Steven Campbell Trust team, has allowed me to excel in my further studies and grow in my career. This year I completed my Master’s in Fine Art at GSA; thereafter, I undertook an artist residency at The Nacional Museo del Prado, Madrid. The Steven Campbell Trust has been constant in its ongoing support, guidance and backing. I offer sincere thanks to those who operate at the very heart of the Trust: Carol Campbell, John Ferry, Neil Gilmour, Marion Marlow and Sandy Moffat – who embody the spirit of the Trust and demonstrate its core values.
Without a doubt, the most valuable aspects of my Masters programme were the one-to-one tailored tutorials. These were led by high-calibre artists whose work I have admired for many years. Namely, GSA alumni Stuart MacKenzie (RSA) and Michael Fullerton. Both encouraged and challenged my artistic practice, inspiring me to engage with, and research intently, the paintings of the great masters. Following my tutorial with Stuart MacKenzie, he nominated me for the 2024 Richard Ford Award – a prestigious accolade which he himself was the recipient of in 1983. This London-based award allows artists to study independently and directly from the masterpieces in the Prado. This intensive period of study is designed to develop knowledge of painting and drawing by direct exposure to the works in the Prado collection.
After arriving in Madrid, I was warmly welcomed to the Prado by Marisa Sanchez Gomez and Paloma Herranz González. I know the importance of establishing a consistent routine, to ensure good time management and discipline. Sketching in the public setting of the museum holds its own unique quality and hearing the reactions of visitors was a very honest, raw and rare insight, in real time! This contrasts starkly with my usual routine which involves more solitary work in my studio. The process is usually hidden and only the final pieces are selected for public viewing. My time at the Prado allowed me to grow in confidence, embracing my own style of mark making and maintaining focus on my muse of choice. Behind the scenes at the museum, I had access to the restoration workshop and the drawings cabinet. I could not quite believe the close proximity I had to the pieces, most notably some original works of Rubens, Goya and El Greco.
I was surrounded by onlookers from all over the world, hearing a range of languages spoken. Although verbal communication is key, I would argue that the work transcended the spoken word and united us under a universally understood language – the visual language of art.
My Spanish odyssey allowed me to reflect not only on my sketched outcomes (which I reviewed at the end of each day) but also the place where my museum work started. I fondly remember my mum taking me to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as a child; there, I would sketch the animals from life. The Nacional Museo del Prado, felt somewhat like an upgrade!
I acknowledge with gratitude the time I have spent at GSA and I eagerly look forward to continuing my connection with the Steven Campbell Trust. It is vital for me to protect and honour his legacy. My experience will stay with me for life, and the learning I have gained will greatly contribute to the furtherance of my career.
The Steven Campbell Trust were delighted to attend the private preview event at Glasgow School of Art on Thursday 30th May. It was such a pleasure visiting GSA and seeing such a huge selection of talented artists. We would like to thank GSA for extending this invitation which was greatly appreciated,
Each year we attend the Degree Show to make our annual award of The Hunt Medal, to an artist who we believe demonstrates poetic creativity in their work. After much discussion on the exciting work on show, we were unanimous in our appreciation of the work of Erin McPhee and are delighted to announce that Erin is the 2024 recipient of our Hunt Medal award.
Erin McPhee: Artist’s Statement
My practice explores life and the relationships we have with one another. Often referencing family memorabilia and photographs, I aim to create emotionally driven works which are honest and sincere. I frequently turn to paint as my preferred medium as I enjoy the fluidity it can offer. This allows me to be intuitive with my marks and helps me to immerse myself further into my feelings rather than details.
Using large brushes, I work quickly, covering as much of the canvas as possible. The process is about being as present as possible and unafraid of the marks created from this. By providing the viewers with just enough information, I hope they can fill the rest of the gaps with their thoughts and feelings.
Painting, for me is about solidifying moments in time and presenting them as honestly as I can. I use my life and experiences as a catalyst for my work, but I do not intend for the viewers to approach the work and attempt to view it from my perspective.
I hope people are reminded of their lives when they see the work and that they can connect to what they see, through the moments and people that made them feel.
The Steven Campbell Trust were delighted to attend the VIP Directors private preview event at Glasgow School of Art on Thursday 1st June. It is always such a pleasure visiting GSA each year and seeing such a huge selection of talented artists. We would like to thank GSA for extending this invitation which was greatly appreciated, particularly Kirsty L. Barr, Head of Communications, The Glasgow School of Art.
Each year we attend the Degree Show to make our annual award of The Hunt Medal, to an artist who we believe demonstrates poetic creativity in their work. After much discussion on the exciting work on show, we were unanimous in our appreciation of the work of Eva M.V. Hewitt and are delighted to announce that Eva is the 2023 recipient of our Hunt Medal award. Everyone from the Trust would like to wish Eva much success in her future career.
“It was a real pleasure to meet everyone on Thursday afternoon. I am absolutely delighted to be the recipient of the Hunt Medal and still cannot quite believe it!! I feel very honoured to take my place among such illustrious previous award winners. Thank you again for such a fantastic opportunity!” – Eva M.V. Hewitt.
Eva M.V. Hewitt is a Scottish Fine Artist currently living and working in Glasgow.
Hewitt’s figurative depictions of the day to day capture the ephemeral beauty of the human condition. Articulating the inspiring qualities of the earthly and the ethereal, her paintings reflect the intersection of contemporary culture blended with traditional and Catholic iconography. Hewitt’s work expresses the heavenly, earthly, and worldly beauty of the everyday life, instilling a sense of timeless magic into all who encounter it. Through her use of figuration and intricate detail, Hewitt’s art celebrates the beauty of the divine at work within the quotidian.
In the Creative Maelstrom that is the GSA Degree Show, success can be measured in the ability of a piece of work to grab and hold our attention above the clamour all around and so it was with the work of our Hunt Medal winner for 2022, Lily Krempel.
Our medal is awarded for ‘Poetic Creativity’ so the artist needs to have created work which speaks to that criterion, not in a literal sense but in the emotional connection made between the viewer and the work.
‘ Fire Dials’ is both sculpture and performance and when viewed in person connects viewer and piece in a sensory way that transcends time and place making it almost primeval.
Lily has also been a recipient of the RSA John Kinross Scholarship, to spend a period of 6 to 12 weeks in Florence to research and develop her practice. She has also been selected as one of the RSA ‘New Contemporaries’.
We at the Trust are delighted to be able to contribute to the launch of this emerging artists career.
She’s definitely one to watch!
Carol Campbell, June 2022
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Lily Krempel, Statement:
My degree show space told the story of a site-specific work.
In the absence of ritual, I formed my own. A walk following a map of specific moments and sites overlaid on new land, geometrically plotted, measured by the degrees of my compass and by my footsteps. Wearing my metal structure flat-packed and fitted upon my back, I carried the sculptures. At the last site, I laid down a fire.
The space holds the remnants of the work, sculptural props for a happening; the fire-dials upon their structure, charred Scots pine and silver birch, a spider’s web, my backpack with spiked feet for their structure, a map with compass readings and footsteps and a video filmed at Lochan Mor, ‘Lily Loch’ made with the help of my mum, Martha.
Fire Dials
The dials are so named as they exist as a piece of equipment for rotation. A traditional dial is spun on a telephone or tuned to select a radio frequency or read to tell the time. The fire-dials revolve as they trace the fire; its size, the direction of wind current, the rising temperature of airflow.
In the making of these ‘fire-dials’ I used the compasses and measuring tools that belonged to a beloved friend who passed away. The tools with which we work, give rise to the art. Cut from steel sheets, the shapes have become weaponry designed to slice through darkness.
The sensation of darkness is tangible in the body. Grief, in its many forms can feel like this. A sense of bearing the weight of an unshifting shadow.
I am inspired by memories of my grandmothers Christmas pyramid candle ornaments. The origin of the delicate kinetic candle decoration dates back to the Middle Ages. It was traditional in southern and western Europe to bring evergreen branches, into the home and hang them in order to ward off gloomy, sullen feelings through the dark and cold winter months. In northern and eastern Europe traditional candles were used to achieve this goal. The Christmas pyramid unified these two traditions, consisting of handcrafted kinetic elements hanging over a network of candles. A symbol of Winter celebration; a vessel for uplifting the spirits.
Backpack
To aid the mobility of my work, I designed and built it to be flat-packed. In order to carry my metalworks across site, I constructed a frame from ash to wear upon my back with small steel fittings, ash dowels and specifically sized holes in the wood to hold and piece together the metal structure in their separate balanced parts. It was important to me, that I carry the work, the weight of it, the movement of it. I was inspired by the functionality of timber structures and baskets worn by people of mountain communities across the world used to carry belongings and food to their locality.
Part of my installation included a video work, accessible online following this link:
1. Map with compass readings and footsteps’ steel, acrylic paint. 86.5x62cm, in view upon entrance of my degree show space.
2. Map with compass readings and footsteps’ steel, acrylic paint. 86.5x62cm, 2022.
3. Fire-dials upon structure’ steel, bronze, charred Scots pine, silver birch and spider’s web. 218x200cm, positioned centrally in the space,
4. A view of the ‘Fire-dials’ from below.
5. A recreation of the fire at Lochan mor beneath the structure of ‘fire-dials’, charred Scots pine and silver birch.
6. Backpack, with spiked feet for structure, ash, steel, nickel. 173x37x4.7cm. 2022.
7. Backpack, with spiked feet for structure, ash, steel, nickel. 173x37x4.7cm. 2022.
8. A close up of the backpack steel fittings designed to fit the flatpack rods and legs of the structure and the rectangular space for the straps to feed through attaching the pack to my back.
9. Video at Lochan Mor, ‘Lily Loch’ Made with the help of my mum, Martha. The video was projected onto a screen made to fit the space. 118x200cm. 2022.
10. View of my degree show space, backpack and projected video through the rods of the fire-dial structure.
As Directors of the Steven Campbell Trust we take great pleasure in announcing that our prize for ‘Poetic Creativity’ demonstrated in the work of a graduating student of Fine Art has been awarded this year to Ella Josephine Campbell of FAP for her film Wood Sprite and her Human Cave Installation.
The award was made by a unanimous decision after careful scrutiny of all Fine Art practices in a year which saw work of an exceptionally high standard being considered.
We felt Ella’s work demonstrated not only craftsmanship but the highest level of artistic integrity.
‘I was completely drawn into the film and loved her sound too’ ‘I loved Ella Campbell’s film and stills, really strong work’ ‘My stand out was Ella Campbell!’ ‘The skill of the puppetry and movement sequences with the life size puppet was sensitive and moving’
These were just a few of our Directors comments.
We are delighted with our choice and congratulate Ella and wish her well for the future.
Carol Campbell, The Steven Campbell Trust, June 2021
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Statement from Ella Josephine Campbell, June 2021:
Such a prestigious award and recognition is so motivational for me in this key transition out of Art school, trying to find my place in a challenging art world, and finding the courage to keep on sharing and disseminating my practice through vulnerable times.
We are delighted to announce that this year’s Steven Campbell Trust Hunt Medal Recipient is Tess Wood, for her most recent work ‘Cannot Contain’, which is showing at the Glasgow School of Art 2019 Degree Show.
This work is comprised of a specific, architecturally designed performance space and a durational live performance piece.
The piece looks to reclaim representations of power that are commonly found in depictions of the male body within popular culture. Tess Wood seeks to reframe iconic sports and music imagery within her practice. Regressive feedback loops, repetitive sounds and movements are central to the work.
Through the interplay of props and body, confined intimacy and on-display vulnerability, Tess Wood embodies the frustrations felt at being confined within a set of societal codes and regulations relating to gender expression.
We would also like to thank staff from GSA for their assistance and support and look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship.
Finally we would like to extend our warm congratulations to Tess and wish her a successful career.
The Steven Campbell Trust are delighted to announce that the 2018 recipient of the Hunt Medal for poetic creativity, is artist Nancy Dewhurst, Sculpture & Environmental Art Department, GSA, for her beautiful and evocative work ‘ Clepsydra’.
Nancy’s current artistic practice is focussed towards ‘time’ and different notions of this – geological time, ancient time, time dictated by labour, and punctuated by play. More broadly, her work is about systems (of which ‘time’ is one).
Trust directors had a wonderful afternoon at GSA, Trongate, looking at all Fine Art graduates’ work and having many illuminating and enriching conversations, which gave us much to consider. We were grateful for the invaluable assistance of Claire Paterson, GSA graduate and recent Steven Campbell Trust and Saltire Society New York Scholarship recipient, and our first Hunt Medal award winner in 2008. Many thanks also to Claire’s partner Brian McCluskey, writer and painter, who offered valuable insight and support.
We would also like to thank staff from GSA, particularly Fiona Robertson and John Quinn for their assistance and support and look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship.
Finally we would like to extend our warm congratulations to Nancy and wish her a successful and enriching career.
We are delighted to announce that this years winner of the Hunt Medal is performance artist Tamara MacArthur, Glasgow School of Art.
The Trust finances the annual Steven Campbell Hunt Medal for a student artist of great promise and talent at the Glasgow Art School. This is open to application and nomination for the students who display Poetic Creativity and the recipients are chosen by Carol Campbell, Glasgow School of Art Staff and nominees of the Trustees and Advisors to the Trust.
We wish Tamara a successful career and hope she is pleased to join a strong line of previous recipients of our award.
The Steven Campbell Trust 