From Rising Star to Shining Sculptor
The Winner of Rising Stars 2023
Harry Chadwick: One Year On
16 March to 27 April 2024
Harry Chadwick is a sculptural artist, working predominantly in metal and glass. Harry seamlessly melds craftsmanship with artistic ingenuity, specialising in welding, folding, and forming metal into intricate sculptural pieces that capture passing light with a dynamic sense of movement.
Drawing inspiration from his previous career as an engineer, welder, and fabricator, Harry's sculptures feature familiar silhouettes of tools, meticulously cut from steel and powder-coated in vibrant colours. Pop Art colours running through all the artworks is his common theme of bringing colour and joy into people's lives.
Each of Harry's creations is designed to prompt introspection, evoke nostalgia, and occasionally, simply elicit a 'why?' from the viewer. He is committed to fostering discussion and believes that art should serve as a catalyst for bringing people together through meaningful conversations.
Harry utilised the Rising Stars award money towards the purchase of much-needed grinding discs for his glass grinder, a crucial tool. It is used for his new work 'Seers' which is an observation of the human condition and each observer may interpret them differently, depending on how they feel and perceive them.
Seers at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Eight Sculptural Interventions at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Meet The Artists: Sunday 25th February 2024, 1.30 to 3.30pm
Exhibition open: Saturday 24th February - Sunday 14th April 2024, 10.00 - 17.00.
An exhibition by artists selected for the CAS Emerging Sculptors Development Award.
Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are pleased to be exhibiting the work of eight sculptors who were selected for the CAS Emerging Sculptor Development Award Programme.
This groundbreaking programme was developed as a response to a lack of provision and aims to support the development of sculptors who are in the early stages of establishing their careers. The open call criteria focussed on sculptors based in the South, Southeast and Southwest of England, and London, as well as those who were in their first 1 - 5 years of professional practice and who could demonstrate a commitment to outdoor work.
More than 50 applicants applied and eight recipients of this bi-annual award were successful: Sandra Camargo, Beatrice Galletley, Harry Chadwick, Srabani Ghosh, Alice Sheppard Fidler, Olana Light, Tony Spencer and Nicola Turner.
The sculptors committed to attending four intensive days of creative development with art and business professionals acquiring knowledge on all aspects of growing and sustaining a successful practice, with opportunities for artists to share work and experiences, build relationships, and forge valuable connections for future collaborations. They have all developed new work for exhibition at Sir Harold Hilliers Gardens, Romsey, following this initial residential development week. ESDA artist mentor Rebecca Newnham, who is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors will also be exhibiting with the group. All sculptures are for sale.
This inaugural project has been funded by Friends of the Garden with support from Roche Court Educational Trust and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
Harry Chadwick wins Rising Stars 2023: the prestigious award for early career makers at New Ashgate
Exhibition open: 11 March – 22 April.
Tue-Sat: 10.30-5, free entry.
March 14 2023
Rising Stars is a curated, national platform to foster and champion new talent, early
career makers, students and graduates from BA and MA crafts, design and applied arts
programmes across the UK. Rising Stars offers new makers a first step into the market
place, through a curated, selling exhibition. It is also an exciting collector opportunity
for those wishing to support and collect work by future stars.
The programme will consist of:
- the Rising Stars exhibition that enables new makers to access the marketplace and collectors
- three free-to-attend professional development events with the Crafts Council, The
Design Trust and Making Goode (including knowledge transfer on topics such as
pricing guidance, marketing and how to gain and manage new connections)
- a catalogue to act as a promotional tool for the selected makers.
Following a popular open call, with 113 applications, 24 makers of exceptional talent
were selected. They are Jiro Ametani, Shannon Ellis Baker, Jarrad Belton, Faye Bentley,
Viki Benwell, Luciana Bohm, Harry Chadwick, Guy Conners, Lisa Ghiggini, Amy Findlay,
Lulu Harrison, Ismail Kamran, Nancy Main, Celia MacPherson, Natalie McCormack,
Shakhina Mirjonova, Helen Munday, Chris Murphy, Parneet Pahwa, Rachel Peters,
Helena Roberts, Samantha Sloane, Gow Tanaka and Ömer Öner.
Find their statements in the catalogue
We are delighted to announce that Harry Chadwick was selected as the winner of the
Rising Stars 2023 Award.
Harry is a sculptural artist working predominantly in metal and glass. He has a BA from
3D Design Crafts at Arts University Plymouth (2019 – 2022).
Harry welds, folds, and forms metal into sculptural pieces encapsulating glass sheet to
catch passing light and to give a sense of movement to his work. Harry's body of work is
an extension of his final degree show 'Pop Futurism' where Pop Art blends with the
Futurist movement. The sculptures reference his former career as an engineer, welder
and fabricator. The familiar silhouettes of tools used within the workshop are cut from
steel and powder coated in bright colours. Contained within these tough outer shells is
sheet glass, each layer resonating upwards from an invisible action. The large steel saws
show resistance and movement where none should be, as a metaphor for the trials of life.
His works are produced to pose a question or prompt nostalgic thoughts and even
occasionally just to get a 'why?' from the viewer. He always endeavours to please and
promote discussion because he believes that is what art should do, bringing people
together through conversation.
Harry Chadwick will receive a solo exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery in March 2024
and a small grant for his professional development.
The winner and makers were selected by a panel of judges; Dan Goode (Making Goode),
Dr Outi Remes (New Ashgate Gallery), Sharon Ting (University for the Creative Arts,
Textiles) and Debra Allman (UCA, Jewellery, Ceramics & Glass).
Dan Goode says: “Harry was chosen as this year's winner because of the wit and
vibrancy of his work: humour, colour and his manipulation of metal stood out for me
and my fellow judges. Harry is a worthy winner in a field of outstanding makers in
this year's Rising Stars exhibition.”
Debra Allman says: “Harry has understood the power of object”
Nancy Main was named as the runner up.
Simultaneously, we also display new ceramics by Zeba Imam, the Winner of Rising Stars
Award 2022 that returns to the gallery for her One Year On exhibition .
Rising Stars 2023 is organised by New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with the University
for the Creative Arts and Dan Goode of Making Goode.
It is supported by Billmeir Charitable Trust.
RISING STARS 2023: Announcing the Shortlist
January 25, 2023
Rising Stars is a curated, national platform to foster and champion talent and early career makers, students and graduates from BA and MA crafts, design and applied arts programmes across the UK. Rising Stars offers the makers a first step into the professional exhibitions. It is also an exciting collector opportunity for those wishing to support and collect work by future stars. The programme will consist of the Rising Stars exhibition; a catalogue and early career maker business skills events, as relevant to the current market place, impacted by the cost of living crisis.
Following a popular open call with 113 applications, we are delighted to announce that the makers selected for the Rising Stars 2023 are:
Jiro Ametani, Shannon Ellis Baker, Jarrad Belton, Faye Bentley, Viki Benwell, Luciana Bohm, Harry Chadwick, Guy Conners, Lisa Ghiggini, Amy Findlay, Lulu Harrison, Ismail Kamran, Nancy Main, Celia MacPherson, Natalie McCormack, Shakhina Mirjonova, Helen Munday, Chris Murphy, Parneet Pahwa, Rachel Peters, Helena Roberts, Samantha Sloane, Gow Tanaka and Omer Oner.
We recognise there is a lack of representation from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ makers and makers who identify as having a visible or non-visible disability in the southeast region. To address this imbalance, 29% of Rising Stars makers are from one of the underrepresented groups, making it a great and diverse showcase of early career talent.
The shortlisted makers were selected by a panel of judges; Dan Goode (Making Goode), Dr Outi Remes (New Ashgate Gallery), Sharon Ting (University for the Creative Arts, Textiles). On 10 March, one of the makers will be presented a professional development award of £1,000 and a solo exhibition at New Ashgate in 2024. The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 March - 24 April, Tuesday to Saturday and the admission is free.
Rising Stars 2023 is organised by New Ashgate Gallery in partnership with the University for the Creative Arts and Dan Goode of Making Goode. It is supported by Billmeir Charitable Trust.
#NAGRisingStars2023
MAKING IT 2023
January 15, 2023
Showcasing emerging artists, makers, and designers in the Southwest.
21 January to 18 March 2023
Held every 2 years, Making It aims to be the leading showcase for emerging artists, makers and designers in the Southwest, celebrating innovation, diversity and collaboration in craft and making. The exhibition will see 16 emerging talents shown in the prestigious Jubilee Gallery at MAKE Southwest, along with an engaging programme of exhibitor and public events.
MAKE Southwest, in partnership with Design-Nation, Find a Maker/Craft Festival, QEST and Low Carbon Devon, invited applications from makers who are within 5 years of graduating or setting up a creative business and are resident in the Southwest.
Exhibitors: Alex Finberg, Alexandra Carr, Bonnie Mustoe-Whitehill, Claire Haley,
Dennis Blatchley, Elizabeth Crawford, Gail Stubbs, Hilda Allen, Jo Hague, Jo Weaden,
Joëlle Paulson, Judi Archer, Kulbir Bhandal, Harry Chadwick, Sue Potter, Emma Fallon
Royal Navy engineer following his dream in the arts after decades of service.
Left: Mathias Landwehr, owner of 45 Southside gallery and right: sculptural artist, Harry Chadwick
November 09, 2022
Harry Chadwick is one of two graduates who have their work on display in gallery, 45 Southside, alongside many other local creatives
A Royal Navy engineer who served the country for 39 years and now creates incredible artwork is just one exhibitor at a brand new exhibition on the Barbican. Plymouth waterfront gallery, 45 Southside, consistently represents South West-based artists and at the moment there is a truly fascinating exhibition taking place.
Harry Chadwick and ceramic artist Suzi Humphries both had previous careers before taking a different path to return to education, both completing their degrees in 3D Design Craft at Arts University Plymouth. And the pair are both displaying their work alongside many other local creatives at the exhibition.
Harry, who served in the Royal Navy for almost four decades, and still serves in the Reserves, works predominantly with metal and glass, 'borne out' of his
'previous life as an engineer'.
Currently more than 40 local creators have their art for sale in 45 Southside. Mathias Landwehr, owner of 45 Southside, said: "Every year I go to the degree shows of the University of Plymouth and the Arts University Plymouth to find new talent. Hosting an exhibition with fledgling artists ensures the gallery stays fresh and goes with the times," says Mathias Landwehr, owner of 45 Southside.
Mathias describes why he chose the two graduate artists for the current exhibition: "Harry's work stood out for its vibrancy and craftsmanship. You can immediately see his background in engineering and his love of pop art which I like as well. Suzi's ceramics have less colour but are just as visually impressive. Her pots are tactile, some very large in scale and have quite a presence. Her throwing skills and knowledge about glazes shines through every piece."
Harry explains how he discovered art when he left the Navy: "I did a short course first at Arts University Plymouth, formerly Plymouth College of Art, beginning with a workshop in Photoshop skills. As time passed I noticed more interesting workshops, blacksmithing, glassblowing a bit of basket weaving.
“Art, for me, has progressed since I left the Navy, I thought, I’ve got an opportunity here to do a degree in The Arts and move away from what I have been doing. I joined the Navy when I was 16, doing full-time service till I was 55 and I’m still a reservist. I enjoyed my 40 odd years in the Navy but feel really happy when I’m creating art, I’m doing it because I enjoy it, not because I have to.
“We’re always influenced by what’s around us, if I’ve got an idea in my head I like to just go with it."
Harry describes his work: "I work predominantly in metal and glass. I weld, fold, and form metal work into sculptural pieces encapsulating glass be it sheet, blown or cast. The former is borne out of my previous life as an engineer, welder and fabricator where precision and accuracy were the watchword; now that I am released from those shackles, I am able to make with freedom bringing those learnt skills to the fore in a different area of my life.
"I am inspired by anything that comes into my field of vision, from the natural world or the man made that surrounds as I walk through life, it is all food for my artistic endeavours. Everything I make invariably inspires the next piece to be conjured up in my mind's eye. Not all of what I think of will see the light of day or even escape the confines of my mind, they will be stored to resurface at a later date. However those that do are often produced to pose a question, sometimes serious, sometimes to prompt nostalgic thoughts and even occasionally just to get a why from the viewer. I always endeavour to please and promote discussion because that for me is what art should do, bring people together through conversation."
'Touchy Subject'
October 05, 2022
This exhibition showcases the work of two recent graduates from the BA (Hons) Craft and Material Practices course at Arts University Plymouth. Utilising the interplay of sight and touch, one of the artist’s works are visually tactile, inviting the impulse to touch, while the other is literally tactile, allowing physical interaction with the objects. Through these works we can explore different ways of seeing visually and haptically.
Harry Chadwick’s ‘Pop Futurism’ sculptures draw inspiration from Futurism and Pop Art, and reference his former career as an engineer, welder and fabricator. The familiar silhouettes of tools that Harry would use in the workshop are cut from steel and powder coated with bright colours. Contained within these tough outer shells is sheet glass, each layer resonating upwards from an invisible action. The artist’s choice of such familiar objects tempts handling whilst the fragility of the glass dictates that we should not touch, and must instead suspend disbelief to imagine the impact and meeting of materials when the tools are put to use.
Since graduating, Harry has taken part in several high profile exhibitions, and received the Glass Sellers Student Award at the 2022 British Glass Biennale.
Bonnie Mustoe-Whitehill is a research led, mixed media artist, and creator of ‘Please Touch’. Bonnie’s work, which plays on the museological phrase, ‘please do not touch’, embraces playfulness in order to reveal the visuotactile qualities of art objects. She has developed a series of intriguing tactile objects with surprising material qualities and in creating these pieces is able to engage audiences in mindful exploration and the psychology of touch, with the hope that these interactions will lead to reduced feelings of stress and anxiety. You are invited to handle the works respectfully, satisfying any innate impulses to touch the work.
Bonnie continues to explore under-utilised materials such as foam glass, and has recently exhibited at the OXO tower in collaboration with artist Beatrice Mayfield.
Arts University Plymouth is the newest partner to participate in the Platform Graduate Award initiative led by CVAN South East.
Ceramics, Glass, Metal Exhibition 2022
September 25, 2022
We are proud to announce that we will be exhibiting the work of two recent graduates from the Plymouth Arts University. Suzi Humphries’ ceramic vessels and metal and glass sculptures by Harry Chadwick. Both just gained their first class honours degree in 3D Design Crafts. 45 Southside Gallery will be exhibiting their work from 1st October to 15th November 2022.
Visual Arts South West, 'Pop Futurism'
September 04, 2022
Harry Chadwick, a sculptural artist and one of the winners of this year’s Fresh Art Awards, shows off some of his award winning pieces.
Pop Futurism’ explores the once commonplace tools of the craftsman that have found a new home in the world of contemporary art. However, instead of using the actual tools of the trade Chadwick has manipulated and cut their silhouettes from steel to provide containments for sheet glass which gives the appearance of movement, akin to the Futurist paintings of the early 20th Century. In the colours chosen to powder coat the steel, Chadwick refers back to the brightly coloured images of the Pop Art Movement of the 1950's. This harmonious fusion of art movements is evident in these striking and dynamic compositions.
Harry says, "I am a sculptural artist working predominantly in metal and glass. I weld, fold, and form metal work into sculptural pieces encapsulating glass be it sheet, blown or cast. The former is borne out of my previous life as an engineer, welder and fabricator where precision and accuracy were the watchword; now that I am released from those shackles, I am able to make with freedom bringing those learnt skills to fore in a different area of my life. I am inspired by anything that comes into my field of vision, from the natural world or the man made that surrounds as I walk through life, it is all food for my artistic endeavours."
https://vasw.org.uk/whats-on/exhibition-by-harry-chadwick-pop-futurism
International Festival of Glass
August 29, 2022
The British Glass Biennale award winners are announced The 2022 International Festival of Glass got off to a glittering start on Thursday evening, with over 700 invited guests arriving at Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge for the prestigious Private View and Awards Ceremony of the British Glass Biennale. The exhibition is a much anticipated part of the Festival programme, this year displaying 128 glass works by 103 artists. Over £17k worth of awards were announced on the night.
The British Glass Biennale Award for Best in Show was awarded to Karen Browning for her piece Miss, Spent Youth. Karen’s stunning cast glass piece, capturing the impact of a gunshot, was well received by the British Glass Biennale jury, who select the award winner.
The British Glass Biennale Awards are held in association with the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London, who select their Arts & Crafts Award winners from the exhibition. Winner of the Arts & Crafts Award is Nina Casson McGarva for her piece Yellow Lichen. The Glass Sellers were so taken with the work on display, that this year they awarded two runner up prizes. Layne Rowe was selected for his piece Ornithology and Jon Lewis for Moon Rock.
The Glass Sellers’ Student Award winner is Stephen Chadwick for his piece The Drowning of Handcraft, with Giles Fearon selected as runner up for Furo.
Other winners on the night were Sogon Kim for Interstellar and Juliet Forrest for Gorgonian Paradise, both winners of the Glass Society Best Newcomer Awards. Rachel Elliott won the Glass Society Uniting the Planet award for her piece Maelstrom.
Seattle-based Glass Art Society, selected Anthony Amoako Attah as the winner of their International Artists Award for his piece Stole.
The International Bead Biennale was launched as a sister exhibition, with the inaugural prizes going to Stéphane Olivier for Coral, with Astrid Riedel selected as runner up for My View. These awards were sponsored by Barbara Beadman, Master of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers.
'Pop Futurism'
July 12, 2022
This body of work is falls under the umbrella name of ‘Pop Futurism’ conjured up by Harry as part of his exploration on how best to highlight the hand tools of a bygone age. Tool shaped steel containments with some subverted, house glass sheet which gives the appearance of movement, akin to the Futurist paintings of the early 20th Century. Whist the movement of some tools is portrayed by the appearance of life being given over to them as they twist, turn and fold into contorted forms. The colours chosen, hark back to the brightly coloured images of the Pop Art Movement of the 1950's. This harmonious fusion of art movements is evident in these striking and dynamic compositions, which Harry hopes will engage the viewer to question the life and future of the hand tool.
Of this body of work tutor Jason Marks, part of the academic team within 3D Design Crafts at Arts University Plymouth said “this is something different, I’ve not seen this anywhere before”.
Art at Edgcumbe
June 24, 2021
Each of the artist's works communicate a message, including BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts student Harry Chadwick, whose sculpture is a representation of the fire that destroyed the house on the 21st march 1941. The steel sculpture inset with coloured acrylic, casts colourful shadows on the ground surrounding it, much as the fire would have done as the house was burning. It also draws upon the Naval heritage with a message in Morse Code to be interpreted up one side.
Harry explains, “The ‘From the Ashes’ sculpture is a commemoration of all who have ever passed over the threshold of this great house and a celebration of its rebuilding after WW2. It also provides an opportunity for the viewer to take time and reflect on the fruitlessness of conflict and the lives affected by it.”
The sculpture forms part of the 80th anniversary of the Blitz exhibition currently on display at Mount Edgcumbe House.
The exhibition can be found throughout the formal gardens and grounds of Mount Edgcumbe from Thursday 24th June through to Friday the 24th September 2021, and showcases the work of over a dozen students currently studying at Plymouth College of Art.