ARTIST Jonpaul Addison ended up putting his family on a pedestal as he explored life through his art.

The Cleveland College of Art & Design extended diploma in fine art student captured the attention of Governors with his work, which examined the family unit through the medium of clay. “I’ve only recently got back in touch with my dad, who is an artist, so he sits on a lower plinth than my mum who has always been there for me,” said the 18-year-old, of Stockton, who secured the Governors Award for his ceramics and clay paintings at the The Northern School of Art Middlesbrough summer show.

“I realised we were still a family unit, just not a traditional one. Art is the only thing that has really interested me and I am looking forward to studying a fine art degree in Norwich.

“I was really shocked to win the top prize and it is the perfect end to the best two years of my life. I didn’t really enjoy school that much but I would love to become an artist and also teach to flip my experiences into something positive for young people.” For further information on studying at The Northern School of Art Middlesbrough please call 01642 288 888.