My practice has always been and remains, firmly rooted in drawing, painting and printmaking. I love to employ a mixed media approach in my work, often combining traditional drawing techniques with different forms of printmaking and text. I believe that drawing is a direct line to the intuitive aspects of the brain, where ideas can come alive! Thematically, my work is concerned with the human figure, nature, science, transformation and magic. Although it mostly depicts people, many other things inform my imagery – often a scene I have witnessed, a story I have read, or a historical character or event.
Education
MA Hons Fine Art, Edinburgh College of Art & University 1992-1997
Postgraduate Certificate, Philosophy, Science & Religion, University of Edinburgh 2021-2023
Selected Solo Exhibitions
The Fool’s Journey, Union Gallery Oct 2020
Elements at The Byre Theatre April 2016
Molecular Self, St Andrews University Oct-Nov 2014
Bianco Nero Gallery, Yorkshire May-June 2011
Amber Arts, Edinburgh Nov 2010– Jan 2011
The Leith Gallery Oct 2008 & 2011
The Randolph Gallery, Edinburgh Nov 2005
The Scottish Arts Club (Prize) Oct-Nov 2005
The Campden Gallery, Cotswolds April-May 2005
Balance, The SoLo Gallery, Edinburgh Oct-Nov 2004
Group Exhibitions
Since graduating I have had work in a number of group exhibitions throughout the UK, including The Compass Gallery, The Campden Gallery, Red Rag Gallery, The Green Gallery, Frames Gallery, The Torrance Gallery, Colours Gallery Edinburgh, the Royal Scottish Academy (VAS & RSW), the Whitehouse Gallery, Coast Gallery, the Union Gallery, the Velvet Easel Gallery.
Prizes and Awards
Turcan Connell Award (RSW at RSA) November 2021
FCAC creative research award November 2018
Wellcome Image Award for Hidden Learning March 2017
Biochemical Society Funding Nov 2015
for Chrysalis, Women in Science project April 2016
FCAC Creative Research Award August 2013
Inclusion in Who’s Who in Art October 2012
Hope Scott Trust Award June 2008
Scottish Arts Club Award January 2005
Best painting Prize (VAS at RSA) December 2003
Jerwood Drawing Competition (commendation) July 1999
Selected Press
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2015/oct/09/a-look-inside-the-artists-studio-sophie-mckay-knight-paints-sara-sheridan
https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/12/fair-botanists-brought-to-life/
https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fife-artists-win-awards-at-rsw-exhibition-3513263
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06ynkmv
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/figuring-out-why-women-don-t-figure-in-stem-industries-1.3792633
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18811963.galleries-mother-daughter-create-city-airbnb-venue-artists/
I have also worked professionally with St Andrews University, Art in Healthcare, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Fife Cultural Trust, Perth & Kinross Council and Tate Gallery, Liverpool. I have been a committee member with Visual Arts Scotland, and given workshops across a variety of venues for adults and children.
My studio is one of a number of B listed station outbuildings converted by Fife Historic Buildings Trust in 2012. These redundant buildings were formerly the waiting rooms, offices and railwaymen’s club of Burntisland Station, (next door). Burntisland is a 35 minute train journey from Edinburgh, running every half hour between Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy.
