Graduating Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design (NSCAD) student Torrance Beamish [a graduate of Elphinstone Secondary School] was named the winner of the 2013 Starfish Student Art Awards at the Starfish Gala on Thursday, May 2.
The ceramics major claims the top prize at the Starfish Gala for Protosanctum, a series of lidded ceramic urns. The 10 pieces, cast in slip earthenware and assembled from a series of plaster moulds, are inspired by the language and symbolism of ceremonial objects.
Beamish transferred to NSCAD in his third year, attracted by the university's reputation, top-notch facilities and supportive faculty.
"I'm captivated by the challenge of ceramics. It brings together my interests in painting and sculpture in one art form," he said.
After graduation, Beamish plans to spend the summer in Halifax and then move to Victoria with his fiancée and set up a studio.
"I'll be representing NSCAD on the west coast," he added.
Beamish received a $5,000 purchase price for his work, which now becomes of NSCAD University's permanent collection.
"The jury was impressed by the maturity of the work and its well-considered presentation," added Eleanor King, the director of the Anna Leonowens Gallery, who served on the Starfish jury along with Peter Dykhuis, director of Dalhousie Art Gallery, and Jamie McLellan, coordinator of Public Art for HRM. "Torrance's work is both functional and decorative, holding an interesting space between art and craft. The vessels are beautifully and sculpturally made and they point to not only ceramic history, but also to architectural and fine art references. It made sense to bring this series into NSCAD's collection, considering the school's commitment to fine art, craft and design."
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