The Judging Panel for DRAW 25 not only had the tricky job of selecting entries for display, but they also had to choose a Winner and Runner Up. The Panel were so impressed by the quality of work included that they selected three Judges Special Mention Awards, and a Wisbech Gallery Manager Mention was also awarded!
The awards are as follows:
DRAW 25 Winner – ‘Leaving A Piece Of Youth’ by Amanda Palmer
“My work reflects a search for meaning, influenced by folklore and fairytale, the surreal and uncanny. I explore hidden connections between things to glimpse the mystery beneath everyday existence. My work is also influenced by Panpsychism, the idea that mind or consciousness isn’t limited to humans or animals—it might exist, in some form, throughout all things. This idea inspires how I see and draw the world: as interconnected, alive, and meaningful, even in its quietest, most ordinary moments.”
“As an artist who enjoyed and participated in last year’s Open, I was keen to submit my work for the DRAW 25 exhibition. The submission process was straight forward, and I appreciated that each piece was judged fairly and anonymously. The selected works showcased a high standard of creativity and variety, and I was thrilled to have my piece chosen for the show, and delighted to have had my piece selected as the winning entry.”
DRAW 25 Runner Up – ‘I am Platypus’ by Rachel Collier-Wilson
“Through painting, drawing, and printmaking, my art invites interaction and contextual dialogue, using art as a tool for a playful narrative. I explore memory and emotion, focusing on how portraiture reflects personal narratives and evokes identity through the memories it represents.”
“I was delighted to see the title of the call for submissions, as drawing is the foundation of my practice and often the finished result. The immediacy of drawing opens up direct insights into the artist’s concepts and ideas, which I find often more compelling than a painting or sculptural work.”
Judges Special Mentions
Judges Special Mention awarded by Simon Chambers – ‘I See You’ by Lisa Cawkill
Judges Special Mention awarded by Nathan Smith – ‘Old Hunstanton Cliffs III’ by Patrick Baker
Judges Special Mention awarded by Tim Man – ‘Large Head 1’ by Lucie Hyndley
Wisbech Gallery Manager Mention awarded by Ruby Bellamy – ‘Landmarking 2’ by Patricia K. Kelly
Lisa Cawkill
“I picked up a pencil last year in search of something to give me peace – and that’s exactly what I found, what began with coloured pencils has grown to exploring different mediums and discovering what I enjoy, sometimes getting lost in intricate, realistic details, other times escaping into something more magical, I want to create pieces that might catch your breath for a moment, touch your heart or draw a smile, telling a story without the need for words”
“Entering Draw25 was the first time I shared my artwork beyond friends and family, I was surprised and so pleased when my pieces were selected. The team at Wisbech Gallery have been incredibly kind, supportive, and encouraging. My favourite part has been visiting the exhibition and seeing such a beautiful and diverse collection by talented local artist, it’s inspirational and the Gallery itself creates a real sense of community.”
Patrick Baker
“Life in a rural community has influenced the focus of my practice – notably the natural environment around us and the connections between the people within it. My semi-abstract style with its bold, expressive mark-making prioritises feeling and mood over literal interpretation. By working with continuous line I hope to also emphasise these connections.”
“Entering DRAW25 has been a wonderfully rewarding experience. It has fostered connections with fellow creatives and delivered a truly inspiring exhibition of works. I am encouraged and humbled to have received a special mention from the judges for my ink drawing.”
Lucie Hyndley
“I am interested in the ways in which figurative drawing and painting reminds us of our vulnerability, our strength and our connection. The subject is both familiar and unfamiliar; unique and universal. We have been drawing ourselves since we first discovered mark-making and we keep doing it because it helps us to know who we are.”
“#Draw25 is the first time I’ve exhibited my work in public. It’s been a great learning experience and I loved seeing my work in the context of so many artists and their diverse approaches. And what a privilege to be shown in such a beautiful building too! Thanks @wisbechgallery”
Patricia K Kelly
“When travelling across the Fens by ‘bus or train I sketch. For portability I fold paper into concertinas of eight or sixteen sections, and draw with an 8B pencil. Through these sketches I explore mark marking in the moment. Transport moves. Line moves. There’s no time to think, or second guess as ‘everything flows’ in ever-changing landscape. Though I paint from imagination sketching from observation informs my abstract paintings.”
“Drawing is a protean form of communication. It’s heartening to see its potential borne out in the diversity of expression and materials explored by the artists in the exhibition. The Blackfield Creatives team has done a fabulous job curating and hanging the show. I’m thrilled to have work included!”
Be sure to look out for our award winners when you visit the Gallery. We have also set up space in the Shop for visitors to select their own favourite piece, so be sure to check this out – we’d love to hear what you think!
DRAW 25 is open every Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm, until Sat 14th June 2025.
blackfieldcreatives.com 