01.09.07 Dream trip for artist thanks to Whelan Construction
Former Newcastle College fine art student, David Thompson has been given the opportunity of a lifetime thanks to Whelan Construction.
The North East’s leading construction and development company has not only commissioned David to provide painting’s and sculptures for its new state of the art headquarters – Patrick House, on Gosforth Business Park, but it has also agreed to sponsor him on a three month international artists residency programme in New York.
Looking for new artwork which would help celebrate its 35th year in business and would be in-keeping with its new contemporary headquarters, Whelan approached Newcastle College’s BA Hons in Creative Practice programme in search of fresh and local talent.
Due to his unique metal work and sculptures, David was given the opportunity to present his proposals to Whelan. They were instantly taken by his professionalism and commitment to the brief and commissioned an exterior steel and glass triangular sculpture with 35 levels to reflect Whelan’s 35 year history, an interior glass block wall hanging display, which marks staff milestones for time worked at Whelan and a modern painted canvas.
David, who was working a 60 hour week in a local factory to raise funds for his residency, prior to Whelan’s sponsorship, said : "As a recent graduate this experience is more than I could ever have asked for. It has given me much needed confidence in my abilities and has opened up a fantastic future for me to develop as an aspiring artist.
"I am so grateful to Whelan for having such faith in me and still can’t believe they are sponsoring me through my residency. I can’t wait to see my artwork in place when I return."
Next month David will head for Brooklyn, New York to Point B Residency Work Lodge. Point B is an international work lodge for art and science professionals. There he will be able to develop his fine art practice in his own private studio in the most influential artistic city in the world. He also hopes to exhibit his work in galleries.
Tony Whelan, managing director at Whelan, said : "We were impressed with David’s work and his manner from the outset. His interpretation of the brief was brilliant, as were his concepts and delivery, We were so impressed with his talent and attitude that we extended our support to sponsorship.
David is a shining example of some of the really fresh and creative local talent we have here in the North East, and we were only to happy to be able to help him on his way to becoming a professional artist.