Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) alumni Kirsty MacDonald showed ‘home is where the art is’ after receiving plaudits and prizes for her honours degree exhibition.
Kirsty, from Stranraer, is currently studying at Gray’s School of Art (GSA) in Aberdeen after starting her journey, firstly on DGC’s HNC, followed by the HND Art and Design course, where she was voted Most Supportive Student in 2021.
The 24-year-old decided to base her Gray’s dissertation on the Rhins of Galloway – featuring the history, agriculture, folklore and flora of the Rhins – and created an incredible sculpture of a Galloway drystone dyke as part of her project, as well as making plinths out of recycled wood.
This innovative concept and Kirsty’s skills were quickly recognised, earning her first-class honours and two prestigious prizes – a Robert Gordon University Heritage Purchase Award and a Royal Scottish Academy New Contemporaries Award. She is now set to begin studying for her Masters at GSA next term.
The Scotsman recently featured Gray’s annual degree shows in an article by Susan Mansfield, who remarked: “Eco-issues are present in the work of many students, whether as the subject matter or because they have given a lot of thought to developing sustainable practices. Kirsty Macdonald does both, making plant life her subject and creating her paintings and sculptures from recyclable materials and watercolours made from locally sourced natural substances.”
Joanna Campbell, Principal, Dumfries and Galloway College, said: “Everyone at Dumfries and Galloway College is delighted to see one of our former students excel in their chosen career path.
“Kirsty should be incredibly proud of the interesting and creative designs she has created – and her achievements and awards are very much deserved.”
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