The John Ruskin Prize 2017 is now open for entries: www.ruskinprize.co.uk

The theme of the 3rd John Ruskin Prize in 2015, Recording Britain Now: Society, couldn’t be more apt in the current socio-political climate. Far from shying away from politics, all John Ruskin Prize nominees had plenty to draw from by faithfully depicting and interpreting what they see everyday with an unwavering focus; from the effects of gentrification, to medical procedures, consumerism and end of life care. Collectively, the work is an invaluable catalogue of modern times captured by those practiced in the art of truly looking and recording what they see.  

Nothing could be more on-topic than actually catching politics-in-action such as student prize winner, Robin Sukatorn. In recent times Robin has sat on a panel with the Director of the Guild of St. George, Rachel Dickinson, to discuss the influence of Guild founder John Ruskin’s ideas on his work. The Big Draw had a chat with Robin about his practice and the piece which has got everybody talking about him.

Your  artwork, Jeremy Corbyn Speaks in Manchester, was awarded the Student Prize in the third John Ruskin Prize. How has this opportunity impacted your work and outlook as an artist?

My  experience  with  the  John  Ruskin  Prize  has  really  inspired  me  to  push  forward with new work, and has given me a greater sense of purpose and confidence as an artist  and  illustrator, particularly  in  terms  of  using  drawing  to  record  a  view  of contemporary society.

When did you start creating art, and what inspires you to continue?

For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawing. I’m told by my mum that my first life-like  drawing  was  of  a  snake  with  eyes  in  a  Garfunkel’s  restaurant  when  I  was two,  and  I  suppose  I  haven’t  really  stopped  since  then!  I’ve  always  been  very observant and attentive to the details of the world around me, and drawing is how I translate this onto paper - starting on napkins and in the margins of schoolbooks; now  in  sketchbooks.  Drawing  really  gives  me  a  unique  thrill  and  sense  of adventure -  it’s  a  way  for  me  to  explore  and  record  the  world  around  me.  I’m continually motivated to improve as an artist, to push forward with new work, and to keep my eyes open for different subject matter.

Can you tell us about your practice?

My practice is currently focused on recording and documenting scenes, events and people  from  the  cultural,  political  and  community  life  of  the  North  of  England, through both live and reflective drawing. I’m also experimenting with the scope of reportage illustration, incorporating different processes, techniques and materials, including traditional printmaking and digital drawing.

How did you find out about The John Ruskin Prize?

I  was  presenting  my  first  terms’  project  work  during  a  review  session  for  my course, and a fellow student remarked that I should look into the John Ruskin Prize since my drawings are all about recording contemporary British society- the year’s theme! As I found out more I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

How do you feel about winning?

I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Student Prize. To have the opportunity to exhibit in Walsall and London alongside such a diverse and inspiring group of artists was incredible; to then be recognised by the judges and hear my name read out as a  prize-winner  was  an  enormous  honour  and  I’m  extremely  grateful  to  everyone involved.

Can you talk about the key themes behind this work? What experiences do you seek to offer the viewer?

In my drawing I intended to capture a sense of the atmosphere and energy of the scene  of  newly-elected  Labour  Party  leader  Jeremy  Corbyn  giving  a  speech  in support of postal services outside Manchester Cathedral- an event which I attended myself and drew live from the crowd. My hope is that the viewer feels immersed in the  scene,  and  gains  an  insight  into  a  specific  moment  which  reflects  the  wider contemporary  political  landscape  in  Britain,  as  well  as  a  local  snapshot  of  life  in Manchester.

What inspired you to choose this subject, and did you encounter any technical difficulties when creating the work?

To  kick-start  my  studies  in  Manchester  I  was  looking  out  for  interesting  subject-matter  from  which  to  draw,  and  by  chance  a  mass  anti-austerity  demonstration arrived in Manchester in my second week of term, followed by Corbyn’s speech the next day. I’m always looking for ways of combining my passion for drawing with my interest in current affairs and politics, and recording this scene served as an ideal way of launching my reportage project looking at contemporary life in the North of England. It is always a challenge capturing scenes live on the scene, from amongst a bustling crowd and with subjects which are constantly on the move. To capture a full  sense  of  the  scene,  I  built  and  reflected  on  my  live  drawings  and  memories from the event and completed the final composition in my studio.

What medium did you use, and why?

I used a graphite pencil, which is usually my first port of call when drawing as I find I  can  wield  it  most  naturally  to  produce  a  gestural  and  lively  quality  of  line, especially suited to the quick and intuitive way in which I work.

How do you see your work developing in the future, and what’s next for 2016?

I  am  working  towards  developing  my  drawings  from  my  explorations  around  the North  of  England  into  a  printed  collection, to be presented alongside larger-scale and more experimental work at my MA degree show opening in late September. I am also very excited to have just been awarded a scholarship to attend the 7th International Urban Sketchers Symposium which this July  is  hosted  in  Manchester.  Alongside  my  main  practice,  I  am  working  on  an illustration  themed  on  railway  workers  which  will  be  displayed  on  a  passenger bridge in Manchester’s Victoria Station, and am part of a group of artists renovating and managing a basement gallery space linked to the PS Mirabel Gallery in the city centre.

Where can people find out more?

A  selection  of  my  work  can  be  seen  in  my  online  Bēhance  portfolio  (available  at www.behance.net/RobinSukatorn),  and  I  am  active  on  Twitter  in  sharing  updates and examples of my drawings- just look up my name. I am also hoping to set up my own website in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled!

Would you encourage others to enter the Prize? If so, why?

Absolutely.  It’s  a  fantastic  prize  celebrating  and  promoting  the  social  utility  of drawing, as well as the important legacy of John Ruskin. It offers a great platform for emerging artists and an opportunity to share work and meet other like-minded artists and creative professionals. It’s been an absolute privilege and pleasure to be involved, and I would really encourage anyone considering entering to do so.

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The John Ruskin Prize 2017 is now open for entries: Click below for more>>>