Art and design foundation student wins Osi Osmond art prize
Will Matthews, art and design foundation student, impressed the panel and public at the Osi Rhys Osmond art awards winning the overall prize and people’s choice.
The event is organised in conjunction with Carmarthen School of Art to commemorate the life and work of Osi Rhys Osmand, the internationally known artist, author and teacher who lived and worked in Llansteffan until his death in 2015. As the former head of foundation at the school of art Osi was adored by his students for the enthusiasm he engendered.
It was at Llansteffan hall the event took place, on display were printed examples of work by the eight shortlisted students on this year’s foundation course. The winner of the Osi Rhys Osmond art prize was announced in the evening, including a people’s prize, voted by those in attendance during the evening. Both prizes went to Will Matthews, an artist who was heavily influenced by his surroundings and the natural beauty of his local area.
Will Matthews’ art piece was inspired by his local landscape. Frequently drawing inspiration from nature, Will aimed to create a series of works that encapsulate the natural beauty and sublime essence of his local area.
Will said about the process of creating the winning piece: “The fight to achieve a painting and the real risk that it’s going to fall to bits… seems to be an essential part of trying to do something that has the excitement and experience of the landscape itself.”
Imogen Mills, programme director of foundation art and design course said “Will Matthews has been an incredible student this year.
“He has been very ambitious in working on multiple paintings all at once. He has ground his own pigments from collected on site materials and has expressed the vitality of landscape through considered mark making.
“Will has embodied the very essence of Foundation in his striving to experiment and innovate”
Will Matthews’ winning piece including sketchbook work is now displayed in Oriel Osi gallery in Llansteffan. Will is progressing to study BA fine art at Manchester metropolitan university.
