About Robert Balfour Ward

ABOUT

I am an Edinburgh born mixed-media artist based at Patriothall Studios, Stockbridge. I graduated from Edinburgh College of art where I studied hot glass and jewellery but for many years now my work has explored a wide variety of mediums from large-scale drawings to sculpture, printmaking and installations.

Drawing is fundamental to my working process. I use sketchbooks as a way of seeing whether for rapid sketching, close observation or developing ideas. Looking over them across the years I can see that key themes re-occur.

My work makes connections between the contemporary world and the ancient past. Themes of the natural world as well as discovery and exploration continue to be a focus for me.

Wooden arks are symbols of our vanishing wild places and the continuing disappearance of animal species in the wild. These vessels are inspired by beautiful historical references and made to look like objects from a distant past with rust and patinas.

Sculptures of boats and rockets are symbolic of adventure and exploration and may contain layers of meaning with references to contemporary discoveries such as the Exoplanets.

Animals of one sort or another were a huge part of my childhood. My family home was always filled with fascinating creatures not unlike the Durrell’s and today I still sketch and record animals of every kind whenever I get the opportunity.

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

1999-2000 – Glasgow University PGCE (Secondary Education)

1980-1984 – Edinburgh College of Art. BA (Hons)

AWARDS

2016 – Aesthetica Art Prize (Long list)

2014 – Henderson Art Shop Prize

2012 – SSA Web Award

2010 – J.D. Fergusson Travel Award (Voyage to Antarctica)

2007 – Jerwood Drawing Prize (Long list)

Robert Balfour Ward

EXHIBITIONS

2024
Visual Arts Scotland (VAS), RSA Edinburgh. ‘Habitat Map’

2023
Society of Scottish Artists (SSA), RSA Edinburgh. ‘Rocket Engine’

2017
Glasgow Art Club, Main Gallery, Glasgow

2016
Aesthetica Art Prize, St Mary’s, York

2015
Royal Society Marine Artists, Mall galleries, London

2014
Society of Scottish Artists, RSA, Edinburgh
WIN, Fergusson Gallery, Perth

2013
Fife Space, Lochgelly Center, Lochgelly
Society of Scottish Artists, RSA, Edinburgh

2012
Antarctica (Solo Show), WASPS, Patriot Hall, Edinburgh

2008
Wasps collective, The Rope Walk, Kingston upon Hull

2007
Aberdeen Artists Society, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen

2005
Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Visual Arts Scotland, RSA, Edinburgh
The Jerwood Drawing Prize, Mac, Birmingham
The Jerwood Drawing Prize, EICH Gallery, Hull
The Jerwood Drawing Prize, The Lowry, Salford Quays

2004
The Jerwood Drawing Prize, Jerwood Rooms, London
The Jerwood Drawing Prize, Pittville Gallery, Cheltenham
The Jerwood Drawing Prize, Bayart, Cardiff
Royal society of Marine Artists, The Mall Galleries, London
Aberdeen Artists Society, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen

2003
Ships in Monochrome, (Solo Show), Patriothall Gallery, Edinburgh
Contemporary British Glass, Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh
Festival Exhibition, The Ice House, Pittenweem