A masterly performance from MIMA winner Andrew

Andrew Wright will achieve an artistic double when he graduates from the University.

Not only will he receive his master’s degree in Future Design, for which he gained a distinction, but also the MIMA Friends Award, from Middlesbrough’s renowned art gallery.

Andrew, 50, from Long Newton, Stockton-on-Tees, said, 'The distinction was a surprise; I always believed I was capable so it was pleasing to be judged in this way. I was also very surprised at the award from the MIMA.'

Andrew is now working as a Studio Technician at Northern Print in Newcastle. He followed an unconventional route towards his master’s degree. Aged 17 Andrew chose not to continue upon an art course and followed various bands around the UK as a roadie.

Andrew said, 'I couldn’t study at the time or hold my attention. I enrolled later on an evening class in photography and started photographing bands. Photography was important to me.'

He returned to education as a mature student in the late 80s while living in Leeds, first achieving a BTEC in Photography and then a degree in Graphic Design Illustration. Andrew then moved to Edinburgh and later Glasgow as a freelance photographer for the music press. He then returned to Teesside and worked as a freelance lecturer and photography technician.

Thought master's out of reach Andrew said, 'I’d thought about doing a master’s degree for several years but thought it might be out of my reach. I looked around various places and liked what Teesside offered in the area of graphic design and fine art. There was a good mix of people on the course, younger and mature and we all helped each other.

'Doing the course I realised I’d stagnated a little and learned so much from the research processes involved. I also had the opportunity to exhibit my own art installation in the University. The whole experience was very enjoyable.' Andrew has recently exhibited work in Middlesbrough’s ‘We Are Open’ gallery and is considering furthering his studies to doctorate level. Andrew is pictured left outside MIMA with MIMA curator James Beighton.

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