It’s been a whirlwind four months for exciting new Stirling artist Denise Hunter who has claimed four prestigious prizes for her efforts in that short space of time.
It’s all the more remarkable for Denise (48) from Whins of Milton – who recently graduated with a BA Art and Design from Forth Valley College and is now completing her Honours at the University of Stirling – as she says art is just something she fell into after bringing up her two sons Shaun (21) and Eddie (16), who both now study at Forth Valley College.
Denise, whose work focuses on installations, found objects and films, said: “Honestly about four years ago I did not tell anyone I was applying for the college Portfolio Preparation course. My completed application sat on my computer for a full week before I plucked up enough courage to press send. When I came along for the interview I carried a Polly-pocket full of my work, whereas all the other potential students had large portfolios.”
Modest Denise, who is the first person in her family to ever attend university, continued: “It feels like something I have just fallen into, but I have loved the course and apart from my sons and meeting my partner Kevin, it is the best thing I have ever done.”
The faith that FVC Creative Industries lecturers showed in Denise three years ago, has been paid back in bucket loads, as her work has won several prestigious art prizes and the Most Promising Student in the Department of Creative Industries, Hospitality and Tourism at the recent FVC 2019 Stirling Castle Graduation ceremony on Thursday 3 October.
Her prize haul includes:
- A Graduate Studio Prize – along with fellow student Heather MacDonald (20) from Sauchie – where they were both selected to make use of two fully funded studios at the Cowane Centre in Stirling as part of a joint initiative with Future Artists Stirling, Stirling Council’s Culture Team and the Arts Society Stirling and Forth Valley
- Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) Graduate Showcase Shortlisted Artist
- Society of Scottish Artists New Graduate Award
Denise went on: “I have been shocked and stunned at winning these awards and am very proud to be the first Forth Valley College art and design student to win the new graduate award and be shortlisted by VAS and be invited to exhibit at the accompanying exhibition in Edinburgh. This sort of honour is usually reserved for art school students, so I am really pleased with that.
“Now I would love to go on a make a career for myself in the artworld.”
At the Stirling Castle graduation her sons looked on with admiration.
Shaun, said: “I am very proud of my mum.
Eddie added: “She’s all right I guess, but I too am very proud of her.”
Linda Paterson, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Creative Industries Department of Creative Industries Hospitalities and Tourism, said: “Denise has been an amazing student since she began her journey at Forth Valley College and is a shining example of what can be achieved in the college sector, completing a portfolio course, an HND and then the 3rd year BA Art & Design. She relished every moment of her education, valued each opportunity and engaged in the whole process in order to not only challenge herself but to produce the best work that she could.
“Denise is always unassuming and seems continually surprised by her success. The Art and Design Team at Forth Valley College are not in the slightest surprised as Denise is reliable, personable, hardworking, a great team player and produces extremely thoughtful and intelligent artworks. We wish her every success for the future.”
Photos of Denise's artwork can be seen in the gallery of pictures below.
To find out more about Creative Industries courses at Forth Valley College visit www.forthvalley.ac.uk
