Year 9 artist Max had the ‘edge’ over the competition when he was awarded first prize in Living Edge magazine’s Schools Art Competition – his third time as winner over the last 4 years!
Max took first place in the U14 category, for his painting ‘Pride’ – a visual and metaphorical depiction of the role CHS’s older students have in mentoring younger year groups at School.
He said: “I’m really made up. So many different pieces of artwork were entered so it’s good to be recognised among the entries.
“It’s great to be part of the competition because it’s nice when people say they like my paintings and there’s a social side too, going to the exhibitions and saying hello to people.”
CHS Head of Art, Mr Adam Hayley said: “The fact it’s the third time Max has won the award in four years is testament to his incredible skill. What a talent.”
Max first won the competition aged 10 entering with his primary school, after submitting a pencil drawing of an owl.
And now, he is already taking portrait requests from his fellow classmates; after a “nerve-wracking” experience live-painting as part of CHS’s exhibition at Manchester Art Fair, Max is currently working on a piece of a friend which, he says, is taking a long time to complete:
“I’m never completely happy with my artwork when it’s finished. I’ll always spot something I want to change, even after it’s been varnished.”
Taking his inspiration from many places, Max says he enjoys painting everything from self-portraits to animals, and putting his own spin on them.
“Mr Hayley has been really inspiring, looking at the pieces of work he has created and how he makes them look a bit different. I try to do that with my own artwork, bringing in different shapes and perspectives.”
Max’s previous Living Edge prize-winning piece was mixed-media self-portrait, ‘Boy with the Pearl Earring,’ inspired by Johannes Vermeer’s similarly-named famous piece. It developed his passion for creating work in paint, his favourite medium.
His recent Day of the Dead piece (pictured) reflects his own image after first painting his face in the Mexican style. He said: “I messed up the make-up but am really pleased with the painting. It’s much harder to paint on something that’s not a flat surface.”
After being given a glimpse of life as an artist through a family friend, Max is edging closer to his ambition of becoming a professional artist. “I want to keep painting and it would be great to do it for a living, I really love it.”
Also taking home a prize in the competition, Old Waconian Hannah Wolowacz, Class of 2018, was ‘Highly Commended’ in the U18 category for her portrayal of friend Megan as good and evil fairies. This piece contributed to her incredibly successful A Level in which she achieved an A* award.
Now in its 19th year Living Edge’s annual Schools Art Competition attracts entries from talented young artists from across the region and the winners receive art supplies provided by Fred Aldous.
Winning artwork is selected by a panel of judges including; Geoffrey Key, one of the UK’s most collected living artists, Martin Heaps, owner of Collect Art in Lymm, the Living Edge magazine team and competition sponsors.
Congratulations to both of our amazing artists!
