A film student has been given new focus after a surprise win in a prestigious national art competition.
Former Barnard Castle School sixth former Ed Baker took the honours in the A Level category of Abacus Creative Resource’s Art Students Competition.
The annual contest provides a creative platform for Year 7-13 students to express and elevate their artistic talents.
Unbeknown to Ed, 18, of Wolsingham, his art teacher Kate Baptist entered two of his paintings which impressed the judges and claimed the top prize.
“It was such a surprise to receive an email telling me I’d won,” said Ed, who attended Barnard Castle School from Year 4 and was head of Dale House.
“Mrs Baptist chose a scene from a gangster film and another about love which I’d completed in pen and oil. I got an A in art and do still love it so plan to continue painting as a hobby.”
Ed is now studying a degree in film and TV production at Sheffield Hallam University with the ambition of working in the industry one day as a director of photography.
“I’ve always loved film,” said Ed, who also played flanker for the first XV rugby team. “My brother and I used to video skits and upload them to YouTube when we were young then I watched a lot of films during lockdown. My EPQ also looked at film, including camera angles and director techniques.
“I’m currently working on building up my portfolio by making promotional videos and winning the national art competition will look good on my CV.”
Mrs Baptist said: “Ed thoroughly deserves this success as his artwork was extremely creative and brilliantly executed. His artistic flair is just the thing he will need in his degree and a career in the film and TV industry and I’m sure this won’t be the last award he wins.”
Categories: Barnard Castle School School News
