Recent BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate Niki Widynska is one of the two recipients of this years Daniel Ross Fine Art Prize. The award recognises students who have consistently excelled across all aspects of their studies during the three years of their programme. It bears the name of a student who excelled in everything he did during his time at The Northern School of Art. In reaction to winning the award Nikki said “It felt really rewarding receiving the Daniel Ross prize as I felt that all my hard work and dedication throughout my 3 years of studies was recognised and appreciated.”

Niki chose to join the Northern school of Art because “it is the only art specialist school in the North East and during my interview, I was also impressed by the staff’s knowledge and passion regarding Fine Art.”

Speaking of her degree programme Niki said “I thoroughly enjoyed my degree programme as it covered all aspects of the Fine Art practice, including : practical, technical, theoretical, and professional. With the help from my lecturers, It allowed me to develop my visual language whilst gaining extensive knowledge in this field. The programme also provided me with amazing work and professional opportunities such as organising group exhibitions with my peers as well as having my own in places like the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull and more. Lastly, this programme provided me with an amazing opportunity to work with employers such as Hartlepool Borough Council on a public sculpture project. The staff is very knowledgeable and experienced as well as open minded, through their help and guidance I was able to develop as an artist and make my vision come to life.”

Niki’s FMP project “consisted of 3 large scale oil paintings inspired by the Baroque Art movement. Conceptually speaking, I wanted to show the imperfect, sinful side of human nature. My FMP series is called ‘Unknown Comforts’ and it explores the notion of familiar, painful, and regretful situations that can often become mistaken for stability and security as a familiar pattern of behaviour develops that is easier to accept than to change. There were a few technical challenges I came across whilst working on ‘Unknown Comforts’, such as having to move away from the reference photographs and choosing my own colour palettes so that the finished paintings look balanced and in harmony.”

She said that her favourite memory of her time at the school was “the preparations for the degree show. I really liked how it brought everyone from the course closer together as we all had the same goal and purpose, which was to put on an amazing end of year show.”

Niki will be continuing her studies, “the next step for me is to continue my studies at the Northern School of Art doing my master’s degree in arts Practice.”

When asked what her advice would be for future students she replied “my advice for future students applying to study Fine Art is don’t be afraid to take risks in your practice and to listen to the feedback you receive as this is what will keep you progressing as an emerging artist.”

Keep up to date with Niki’s work on her Instagram:@Niki_fineart and Website.

If you are interested in a career in fine art our degree programme our degree is a well established and dynamic course, that offers students the freedom and resources needed to define their practice. Find out more about BA (Hons) Fine Art today!