National art honour for Milne's talented Anna
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THERE was a winning finale to secondary school for one talented Milne's High student when she scooped a national art award.
S6 student Anna Jones headed for Edinburgh recently to receive the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) Senior North Category Award for her thought-provoking self-portrait.
The award took place in the offices of contest sponsors Brodies LLP.
Anna was up against stiff competition from across the country and her victory left her pleasantly surprised.
She said: "I was surprised and honoured to receive an award like this – there are so many talented artists in the north of Scotland.
"Before the competition, I hoped I would win it, but I didn't set my expectations too high.
My work this year was all about the pressure of expectations. This piece is an image of myself – how I see me – mirrored by a reflection of a sphere, which represents the weight of the expectations. I tried to blend the two to convey how pressures put on you, both by yourself and others, can change your perception of self.
"I'm not sure what made the judges choose my work, though it's possible the theme resonated with them. I think it's something a lot of us can relate to."
With her days at Milne's now at an end, she said that she was taking a few years away from studying to work.
However, she added: "I would love to pursue art as a career some day."
Anna entered the awards through the school, her art teacher submitting a picture of her final piece.
Her amazing achievement was praised by Milne's High PT Art and design Aileen Neillie.
She said: "I worked with Anna since S1.
"I have seen her grow and develop as an artist and I am delighted that her talent has been recognised nationally. Such a prestigious award which will be aspiring to other art students studying the subject.
"It is great to see the Royal Scottish Academy reach out to schools out with the central belt and hopefully we will have further opportunities to link with national organisations in the future.
The RSA received over 800 submissions from pupils across Scotland.
The standard of work was described as being exceptional. All winning and highly commended work, including Anna's piece, is now on display on the RSA website royalscottish academy.org/schools
The art award has been running since 1986 and is considered by teachers to be one of the most prestigious awards made to pupils. There is no particular theme with the emphasis on skills of technique, observation and interpretation.
In particular, the judges will award prizes for work which displays creativity and originality.
