22nd November 2006

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UU student Fin Clements is this year’s winner of the ‘Energy In Art’ competition, a unique initiative between Phoenix Natural Gas and the University of Ulster.

Now in its second year, the ‘Energy in Art’ initiative challenges students from the School of Art and Design to ‘create an original piece of art to ‘celebrate the benefits of natural gas in the past decade’. 

The winning artist receives a cash prize as well as having their work on permanent display in the public entrance of Phoenix’s Belfast headquarters.

The winning piece, entitled ‘Now I Am Ten’, was chosen by a panel of independent judges who had viewed the work of over 40 students.  

The judges were impressed by the sophisticated yet simplistic interpretation expressed by the artist about the impact of natural gas in the local environment in her work.

Fin, a mature first year art student, competed against some of the best final year students to win the prestigious commission and have her work on permanent display.  

The winning piece is a large-scale oil painting of Fin’s daughter, who this year also celebrates her 10th birthday.

The art was unveiled at a celebration ceremony yesterday (Tuesday 21 November) at Phoenix’s Head Office in Belfast.  

Fin said: “Painting portraits has always been a love of mine, and to win this competition with a painting of my daughter makes it extra special”.

Mark Ainsworth, Lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Ulster, helped guide Fin through the challenging process of taking a concept to the finished piece.  

 “Fin was only a first year when she submitted her initial proposal and was clearly the least experienced of the entrants. However the enthusiasm of her proposal and the energy of the suggested piece captivated the judges and emerged as a clear winner. A decision that now certainly seems justified, “ said Mr Ainsworth

Peter Dixon, Phoenix Chief Executive, unveiled the winning piece and congratulated Fin on her achievement: “The theme of Energy in Art is intended to fire the imagination, and the winning piece reflects our celebration of 10 years of the local natural gas industry. It will be a breath of fresh air in our reception area, and it certainly represents the benefits natural gas has brought to Northern Ireland.”

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter