spectrum Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Friends of LSA SUMMER 2020

LSA FRIENDS SPECIAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY GIVE-AWAY!

Onward Journey by Raine Clarke

Image: The Lazy Mist, Oil on Canvas by Catharine Davison RSW, from her current exhibition: The World Outside.

the School is very much alive. Our Throughout we have been very Foundation Course and Year-long conscious of the support which Courses are continuing by remote LSA receives in so many ways from means, with remarkable energy our many friends and supporters. and imagination on the part of the Resilience for the future is one of staff and wonderful enthusiasm and our watchwords and we will need Welcome from LSA Chair, commitment shown by the students. your help to build this. For now, All are determined to ensure that I would like to thank you most ALISTAIR HECTOR students can complete their courses sincerely for the all the expressions and progress to the next stage with of support we have received since As I write, the nationwide Covid their art. the Covid emergency began. Your lockdown is still in force and support means everything to us. like educational establishments Working from home, our wonderful everywhere our doors are closed for Admin team have been tireless in Finally, a word of appreciation face to face teaching. The health keeping the organisational wheels to our new Principal. Nick was and wellbeing of the LSA community turning. We have worked hard to to have been the main guest at is always a priority for us and we access emergency funding open a celebration of 25 years of the have carefully followed Government to us from Government and other Friends of LSA in April, but that and NHS guidelines on protection agencies, and are focussing on sadly fell prey to the lockdown. against the virus. Sad as it was to plans for re-opening as soon as He has shown great leadership in have to shut our campuses, we had we can in compliance with the rising to the most extraordinary of no other choice. guidelines. More than ever the arts challenges at the end of just his first will surely have a part to play in term as Principal. On behalf of all For our termly courses this meant a lifting people’s spirits, brightening who hold School of Art dear, premature end to the term and their the days and supporting mental thank you to Nick and all the team suspension for the rest of session. health. We are determined to at LSA for their exceptional work in This was hard but unavoidable and ensure that LSA’s unique offering these exceptional times. has brought a real sense of sadness. of art education contributes to our However, despite empty buildings community’s recovery. Very best wishes to you and your loved ones. Keep safe and well. ■

www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk It is from our continued sense of community, kindness and friendship that we draw strength during this time. We do not know when this period of uncertainty will end and I am sure that the new academic year will continue to present us with further challenges. However our staff are working very hard to prepare for an exciting delivery of courses informed by their knowledge Welcome from Principal, and experiences of delivering inspiring NICHOLAS DEVISON digital and online learning.

Whilst we are in lockdown, the School I have been in post as Principal of can sometimes seem distant. Yet I since January am reminded of the motto Persevere and, with the emergence of – referencing the Port of Leith motto Covid-19 this short period has that we exhibit in our studios next perhaps been one of the most to my office. It strikes me that this a challenging and dramatic of my 30 particularly apt motto for the School year career in Further and Higher at this time as we navigate through Education. unchartered times. I am sure that with your support, with the perseverance This extraordinary period has and dedication of our staff team, brought out the best in many, and we shall create a renewed sense of NICHOLAS DEVISON I’ve been incredibly impressed by direction and purpose for the School’s Staff Spotlight: the willingness and enthusiasm future. of staff and students to step up to Nick joined as Principal of LSA in of Centre for Open surprised by the possibilities for the considerable challenges we Particular mention should be given January 2020, having trained in Learning. He has also delivered innovation and experimentation are facing. The hard work and to Matt Storstein who leaves us at the Painting at Wimbledon School of Art regular Masterclass sessions for that printmaking provides. For me, commitment of both our teaching end of the academic year. Matt joined graduating in 1988, and completed Edinburgh Printmakers where he printmaking is the perfect medium and support staff, combined with the LSA 20 years ago! He is an extremely his MA in Fine Art Printmaking served on the Board of Governors for testing visual ideas, solving warmth and understanding of our popular tutor with staff and students at Camberwell College of Art in from 2016 -2020. More recently problems and creating new and students, has enabled us to create a past and present and will be greatly 2000. Nick has over thirty years Nick has been appointed as exciting images.’ vibrant and exciting online version missed. We wish him all the best with Home (Photogravure Etching), Nicholas Devison of experience of teaching in art External Examiner to University of of the School. his onward journey. I look forward to schools in both the independent Brighton BA (Hons) Printmaking In his spare time Nick enjoys welcoming you back personally at the and public sectors including Course course. Nick has contributed spending time with his family, This year marks the 25th anniversary start of our new term. ■ Leadership roles on Foundation, to national and international developing a garden, growing of the founding of the The Friends of Degree and Postgraduate level exhibitions and conferences vegetables and keeping chickens! Leith School of Art. Over the years courses. From 2011 Nick was a and his work is represented in a the Friends have supported the Senior Lecturer and Convenor for number of collections including Nick’s art-work featured above; School through challenging times MA Fine Art and MA Printmaking the Victoria and Albert Museum, Home forms part of a series of and with campaigns of support for LSA News, IN MEMORY at Anglia Ruskin University. Nick London. He has curated a range of prints recently exhibited as part of a number of important projects such moved with his family to shows including Viewfinder which Edinburgh Printmakers, Photography as our Spire Appeal. It is with thanks We are sad to report the passing months after that of his wife Juliet, in 2013, and more recently he has brought together artists whose work in Print exhibition, 17 Jan 2020-22 to the generosity of our Friends that of James Ramsden b.1923-2020, who likewise took a life-long interest taught at LSA as Course Leader on addresses our reading of the digital Mar 2020.■ we can provide direct support to aged 96. He was a distinguished and gave loyal support to Leith the Year-long Printmaking Course and photographic image. aspiring young artists through the MP, Britain’s last Secretary for War, School of Art. A fuller tribute to and as a lecturer at Edinburgh ‘Although my practice is rooted www.nicholasdevison.com Assisted Places Scheme. and father to LSA Co-Founder them and their part in the story of Napier University and University in tradition, I am constantly To find out how to support our work Lottie Cheverton. He was a friend, the School is planned for the next with young people and with our a Patron and life-long supporter edition of Spectrum. ■ local community please visit of LSA. His death came just four If you are looking for a simple way to support LSA you can donate www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk/ on-line today. Make a single donation or become a regular supporter. support-us

ON BEHALF OF THE TEAM AT LSA, THANK YOU! www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk THE FRIENDS OF LSA 25TH LSA FRIENDS AT 25 YEARS! JOIN US ANNIVERSARY EXCLUSIVE OFFER Limited Edition digital print Onward Journey & LSA Tote-Bag Again, I’m sure many of you will Cat Sammon and Jo Richardson hand- know from personal experience, the finishing our new FRIENDS NEW MEMBERS OFFER JOIN TODAY AND teaching at LSA is positive, non- LSA screenprinted dogmatic and encouraging of the tote-bags RECEIVE SPECIAL OFFER OF LIMITED EDITION individual’s attitude approach and DIGITAL PRINT OF ONWARD JOURNEY BY RAINE aptitude. And students are taught CLARKE. IMAGE INSPIRED BY STAINED GLASS how to work, how to take an idea, research, develop and execute it. All WINDOWS AT LSA. OFFER INCLUDES LIMITED LSA tutors are working artists with a EDITION LSA TOTE-BAG IN ADDITION TO USUAL real love for their discipline. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS. Note from Chair of Friends, LSA Benefactors, Patrons and It’s a great time to join us! FILLY NICOL As a charity which receives no Friends are the backbone of annual government funding we LSA’s support network, fostering Be part of a lively community of LSA Supporters! You will receive priority rely on the support of generous and championing the students, booking onto our courses, with exclusive discounts on our courses and in ‘Leith School of Art celebrated it’s individuals. The contribution of and the LSA year-round course Edinburgh art shops. You will be invited to exclusive LSA events and have 30th Anniversary last year, and The Friends has helped to provide programmes. Your support is more discounts on LSA merchandise and publications. We hope you enjoy being this year we celebrate the 25th financial support for the Assisted essential than ever if the school is a member of the Friends for this coming year. We are currently putting Anniversary of the creation of The Places Scheme. Without these to maintain its position, nurturing together our programme of events for the coming months and hope to see Friends of the Leith School of Art. important bursaries, many talented talented artists and their confidence you at our events in the future! individuals would be unable to to engage with the contemporary Happy Quarter of a Century, attend the School let alone consider art world. Become a Friend for just £20 a year and take advantage of our benefits; Friends! And a huge Thank You for a career as an artist. In 2020/21 all that you contribute to the life of £6250 will cover a Foundation The more Friends we have, the LSA. Course student’s full fees. more ambitious we can be about ☑ Invitations to exclusive events; LSA exhibitions & P.V., talks, the future of Leith School of Art, presentations and annual events. The Friends of LSA was launched In addition, your support allows the and the more it can inspire future in 1995 to offer people the School to preserve and enhance generations. For this reason we ☑ Advance booking and £10 discount on final balance of fee for opportunity to participate further the well loved building which are running a special promotion Summer School bookings in the life of the School. On contributes so much to the unique to encourage friends and family to a personal level this included atmosphere which is the Leith join us, and to mark this special ☑ 10% discount on LSA Weekend Workshops and School publications Newsletters, invitations to end of School of Art. You can find out 25th anniversary of Friends of Leith year shows, plant sales and Spring more about LSA and all that it does School of Art, we are giving-away ☑ 10% discount at Greyfriars Art Shop Fairs, lectures and being included by visiting the website to the next 25 individuals who join, in ‘Life at Leith’. On another and www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk an exclusive offer of an LSA tote- ☑ 10% discount at Henderson Art Shop vitally important level, the Friends bag and a limited edition digital financial support has helped LSA to Now LSA is on the cusp of its next print of Onward Journey by LSA ☑ 10% discount at City Art Centre Shop (excluding exhibition related realise the charitable aims set out phase of exciting developments. student artist Raine Clarke - merchandise) by our Founders Mark and Lottie As Chair of the Friends I’d like to @looks_like_raine_again - who Cheverton when they started the offer a very warm welcome to our was inspired by the stained glass ☑ 10% discount at Concrete Wardrobe (purchases over £10) school. new Principal, Nick Devison. I’m window at LSA for this work. Raine sure you would like to join me in has kindly offered a donation ☑ Discounted membership for the Flemming Collection As I’m sure many of you will know, wishing him and the School all from the proceeds of sales of her the fundamental ethos of LSA is good fortune as it finds new ways to original work to benefit Assisted that anybody, regardless of age or operate during the current situation. Places. Please contact Friends@ personal or financial circumstances, I know that he and the staff have LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A GIFT OF A is welcome and encouraged to been working extremely hard and MEMBERSHIP, OR SIMPLY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR come to LSA. They wanted art to be Happy Birthday to you Friends! ■ imaginatively to support the year- Onward Journey, lino-print by Raine Clarke. RANGE OF BENEFITS AND SUPPORT LEITH SCHOOL open to everyone, believing in the long classes and I hope that many For sales go to www.raineclarke.co.uk / For membership enquiries, and to take advantage huge importance of nourishing that of you are enjoying ‘Wake up & @looks_like_raine_again OF ART BY BECOMING A FRIEND, PLEASE CONTACT of this special offer please email Friends@ form of self-expression. Draw’ with Leith School of Art. US BY EMAIL: [email protected] LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk and quote Onward Journey.

Membership Enquiries [email protected] To make a donation visit www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk/support-us Sunshine and Showers (from Calton Hill), watercolour by Catharine Davison RSW Artist Spotlight: Staff Spotlight: LSA GRADUATE RESIDENT LUCIA WELSH LSA TUTOR CATHARINE DAVISON RSW 6. PAGE FIVE [Image: Lucia Welsh – painting Untitled] [Image: Lucia Welsh at RSA]

PAINTING COURSE LEADER CATHARINE DAVISON IS ENJOYING HER 4TH SOLO SHOW AND ONLINE EXHIBITION AT THE OPEN EYE GALLERY, EDINBURGH ENTITLED THE WORLD OUTSIDE

Catharine is a landscape painter than a topographical approach, winner of the Lynn Painter-Stainers whose practice focuses on working each work delves into Catharine’s Prize for creative representational. LSA Graduate Resident Lucia Welsh featured at the ’s New on location in the plein air tradition, connection to a place and the Prior to this in 2009 she won Contemporaries 2020. Lucia showcased her directly from source within the character it embodies. The use of the Cuthbert Award at the Royal work Untitled—featured to the right—selected landscape inspired by the expansive line, and soft glazes in watercolour Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, her amongst the best emerging talent in Scotland. topography of the Pentland Hills, and oil, characterise her work. painting recognised as the most Blackford Hill, Calton Hill and Through printmaking processes distinguished by a New Young Artist. Holyrood Park. This exhibition of and working with stich, she is able In 2013 she was shortlisted for new works maps the city’s natural to give life to the most instinctive the Jolomo Foundation Award for panoramas from the hills and parks drawings, extending her practice Scottish landscape Painting. We are delighted to join in of Edinburgh, through to a more into the studio. Catharine develops celebrating the success of our most intimate physical world of green the ‘plein air’ tradition into a more www.catharinedavison.co.uk recent LSA Graduate Resident Lucia spaces, public places, waterways, contemporary visual language. Welsh who has just exhibited at the and suburban gardens in south Please note a donation from the RSA New Contemporaries Exhibition Edinburgh surrounding her home ‘I strive to achieve a balance sale of this work will go directly to alongside two other talented LSA in Oxgangs. The exhibition of new between technique and creativity, the Assisted Places Fund. alumni Lynsey MacKenzie and works charts a creative passion for and to assist the student in finding Katherine Allan. We are pleased to After graduating I was awarded with My work was then exhibited and working directly from source within a path to think and live as an artist www.openeyegallery.co.uk/ announce that Lucia was awarded the RSA 2020 New Contemporaries awarded with the RSA Patrons the landscape. Each work represents both in and outside of the studio.’ exhibitions/catharine-davison- both the prestigious RSA Patrons exhibition prize, for which I created Award and The Walter Scotts Prize a form of perceptual truth and rsw-the-world-outside Award and the Walter Scott Award all new paintings at Leith School Award. I feel very privileged and reality, where the interplay between Catharine grew up in Kilkeel, a for her exceptional work. of Art. Being able to create these grateful to have been able to create formal experimentation and content market town in Northern Ireland, For sales enquiries please get in touch; paintings at LSA was an amazing these works at Leith School of Art, is rooted in nature. Curated from and has been living in Edinburgh [email protected] ‘Becoming an artist in residence opportunity. I was supported as it has opened up new doors and a significant output, this exhibition since 2007. She studied at & quote Persevere. ■ at Leith School of Art has allowed by technicians to build large provided me with a new confidence reveals a breadth of interest and Manchester Polytechnic and then at me to further my artistic practice, scale boards in the School’s in pursuing my development within depth of experience which takes Liverpool John Moores University providing me with core materials workshop. My paintings were also painting.’ ■ you on a celebratory journey of life before gaining a Masters degree to experiment with, in an inspiring critiqued and discussed by tutors, through paint. in Illustration with Printmaking environment full of other artists. The allowing me to gather a clearer at Buckinghamshire Chilterns School has helped me to learn and vision in what I really wanted to Catharine is interested in the University College of Art & Design. to gain the knowledge needed to communicate within my paintings. process of looking and editing, She exhibits regularly at the RSA, the 34 Abercromby Place embark on life as a working artist. working directly from source on Edinburgh Academy, the Paisley Art Edinburgh EH3 6QE location, through the mediums Institute and . 0131 557 1020 of drawing and painting. Rather In 2014 she was announced the [email protected]

For information on LSA Courses visit www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk/studying-with-us To make a donation visit www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk/support-us LSA staff have adapted quickly to on-line reaching, with group crits, talks and demos and approaching the challenges LSA STAFF NEWS creatively. Take a look at our latest Zoom experiences taken on the CAP course (left) and the Foundation Course (right). On behalf of all at LSA we would like to wish Matt Storstein a fond farewell. Matt studied on the Foundation Course at LSA, and has taught for 20 years on various courses at LSA including the Year-long Drawing and Painting Courses. TERM DATES 2020/21 Matt will be greatly missed, and we wish him luck in his new Term 1: Autumn Term ventures. www.mattstorstein.com Monday 7 September 2020-Saturday 12 December 2020 Last year we said goodbye to Gwen Rowland, Fundraiser, Half Term: 19-23 October 2020 Event Week: 14-18 December 2020 and hello to Kitty Douglas-Hamilton Consultant Fundraiser. Genevieve Kay-Gourlay, Programme Co-ordinator (maternity Term 2: Spring Term cover) has taken up a new position at North Edinburgh Arts, Monday 4 January 2021-Saturday 27 March 2021 and we welcome back Alison Thorngren to this Half Term: 8-14 February 2021 post, following maternity leave.

We are committed to improving the digital e-learning Term 3: Summer Term experience, and to taking our exhibitions programme on-line. Monday 12 April 2021 – Saturday 19 June 2021 Please continue to check the LSA website for our latest news. No half term www.LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk Thanks! ■ Exhibition week: 21-27 June 2021

YEAR-LONG COURSES APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN TO COURSES STARTING SEPTEMBER 2020

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