Arts / Fine art graduate receives national recognition
A SHETLAND College UHI fine art graduate has been shortlisted for a Visual Arts
Scotland award – recognising her as one of the most aspiring graduates from Scottish art
schools this year.
Kirsty Smith from Aith joins a shortlist of newly emerging artists and designers competing for their
work to feature in the annual Royal Scottish Academy Graduate Showcase which will open in
January 2022 at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh.
University of the Highlands and Islands fine art lecturer Paul Bloomer said: “Kirsty started
her education at Shetland College on the NC art and design portfolio course where she excelled at
three-dimensional sculptural works. She then took time out to be with her daughter before returning
as a full-time honours degree student.
“The fine art degree course is built on exploring foundational skills and concepts in drawing,
painting, printmaking, spatial practice and lens-based media.
“For her degree show Kirsty has used concrete sculpture, lead castings, graphite drawing and
installation to depict and explore themes around home and land with the art on display suggesting
‘imagined possibilities within the present reality’.”
Her work is on display in the university’s annual final year art degree showcase which features the
work of 14 students who studied at Moray College, Orkney College, Lews Castle College and
Shetland College.
It can be viewed online at http://artnorth-projects.org/degree-show-2021. Kirsty’s showcase starts at
24:35 min in the video.
Speaking about her award and being a finalist she said the prospect that her work could feature at the graduate showcase next year was exciting.
“I am truly humbled by the fantastic support of the college lecturers, family and friends over the
years, which has helped me to create new and innovative artworks. I look forward to continuing and
developing my creative practice and career in the arts,” she said.
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