This years Art Degree Show at Orkney College shall present the work of 4th year Fine Art Students Kelly Marwick aged 22 from Kirkwall, and Samantha Gray aged 45 also from Kirkwall.

Kelly Marwick

Samantha Gray

The exhibition of their work is part of the BA Art programme which is run as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands and is open to the public from Monday 17th June and Wednesday 26th June between the hours of 10am & 6pm, where the main Art and Design studio shall be transformed into an exhibition space, where you will see a mixture of printmaking, video, photography, drawing and 3D work.

We caught up with Kelly and Samantha on Friday 7th June.

Kelly further stated that; “After a year of studying outwith Orkney I realised the advantages of being here. I find the open space within our landscape refreshing and being surrounded by the ocean helps the thinking process and gives breathing space.

At school I was drawn to creative subjects and the forms of expression that art provides. Studying art at school and college has helped me build on my own creative practice, self esteem and confidence.

My work combines digital and film photography around the theme of the overwhelming sensation of cyberspace. In the future I would love to travel, gather inspiration and research with my art work. I am inspired by culture and environment. I am looking for residencies and opportunities to allow me to explore this.”

Samantha also said that; “I came back to Orkney after a period of time studying at Forth Valley College. It made sense to finish my degree here as all of my work was inspired by Orkney. I am fascinated by the Neolithic sites at Brodgar, the lines they make on the landscape, the natural elements, and the feelings that the sites invoke. In making my own pilgrimage through the area, I imagine how the Neolithic moved, their reasons for being there, their rituals and beliefs. My main subject is line – maps, archaeological site plans and surveys, and my own lines of connection. Further to this course I would like to take the Art and Archaeology module in January 2020. You will find my cards and prints at the Ness of Brodgar shop this summer. And I am interested in collaborating with an Archaeologist for creative work”.

At the same time as the degree show, and also open to the public, students from all years will be showing their work including sketchbooks, which gives an insight into the thinking behind their practice.   

As part of the wider UHI network students in Orkney work alongside North Uist, Shetland and Moray School of Art. This unique network provides links and connections with other island communities, mainland Scotland, the UK and internationally. There are shared networked projects and courses, exciting opportunities for exchanges, exhibitions and research Students are introduced to the study of contemporary art and design, developing creative skills in a vibrant and innovative environment. The course is delivered by a highly experienced team of visual practitioners and academics from across the UHI network in a series of workshops, tutorials, seminars and lectures. Students are encouraged and taught to experiment with a range of media, including painting, digital imaging, video, photography and drawing, sculpture and printmaking.

Anne Bevan, Curriculum Leader, Art & Design at Orkney College UHI said;

“We’re once again really excited to see the BA Fine Art students installing their work for their honours Degree exhibition. This will be our 5th UHI Degree show in Orkney – so it’s a bit of an anniversary! We hope that lots of folk will come up to the college to visit, speak to the students about their work and find out more about all the art courses we offer here.”

The Art Exhibition is open to the Public between:

Monday 17th June and Wednesday 26th June from 10am till 4pm