Third-year artist Benji Thomas has been chosen to compete in the illustrious Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition.
The winner will receive a £10,000 commission for a British institution’s permanent collection, along with £500 worth of art materials.
This year, the show's presenters are Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell. Each of the heats has been filmed at a different location, with Benji and the other competitors asked to capture a variety of landscapes. The competition’s judges are Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan.
Fine Art student Benji, who is due to graduate from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ next year, said: “Being involved with a competition like this, especially whilst still in the process of studying at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and honing my practice, is fantastic, and a massive confidence boost. It also means I can have some conversations about my work and about art outside of the studio environment, both with the participants (most of which are more experienced practising artists) and the renowned judges.
“Going into the third year, I have some extra energy to use in the final stretch toward my degree show. It's a great position to be in, and I will make full use of it.”
Benji typically works with ink and other water-based media, and says he also taps into the chaotic nature of the medium to allow layers to build, and evolve. More examples of his work can been seen on his website.
The search for the landscape artist of the year began at Knaresborough Castle in North Yorkshire and will be aired on Sky Arts on Wednesday 18 October at 8pm. Benji will appear in his heat on 15 November, also at 8pm.