David was a tireless supporter of Discerning Eye turning up to every event and meeting with enthusiasm. He was a committed and vocal member of the Educational Advisory Board from its very first meeting. Although he seldom raised his voice during a debate, he always had strong views and was never afraid of communicating his point, which more often than not related to how DE could do more to encourage and assist artists.

In particular he was the main voice behind the need for DE to create meaningful bursaries for artists which we now do on an annual basis. He was also one of the judges responsible for selecting the DE regional prize winners in the annual ING Discerning Eye Exhibition.

In 1998 David was one of the six selectors of the main DE exhibition. That year, I awarded my personal purchase prize for works under £500 to an artist from David's selection (Nigel Bents) for his work 'Postal Novelty'.

David was delighted, not because the prize had been awarded to a work in his section but for the artist who he felt was being creative and doing something different which deserved recognition. That was typical David; modest and always trying to assist others.

The following is from David's 1998 exhibition catalogue entry...   "I am constantly reminded that the boundaries and definitions of fine art are continually challenged and are in a state of flux. The speculative and diverse nature of fine art has intrigued and interested me from my student days."

David wrote these words nine years ago. Since then, Discerning Eye has benefited greatly from his energetic contribution. I am sure that this energy and drive came from the fact that he continued to be intrigued and interested right up until his death. On behalf of the directors and members of the Discerning Eye I would like to say a final thank you to David for his contribution. It was a pleasure and privilege knowing and working with you!

Talking of the directors of DE, I must also say a huge thank you and farewell to Gillian Thalassinos. After more than ten years as a director and company secretary Gillian has decided it is time for a new challenge and will be moving on. Gillian originally stepped into the breach in a DE hour of need and has been a constant ever since, making sure that all the administrative formalities of being a company and a charity have been adhered to properly. I must also thank her on behalf of all those artists whose work she has purchased over the years in true DE spirit! We wish you well Gillian and hope that you will continue to join us at future ING Discerning Eye Exhibitions! Malcolm Wright has generously offered to cover the role of Company Secretary for 2007.

I hope you enjoy the contents of this newsletter and that you will all submit or encourage others to submit works for consideration in the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition 2007, details of which are inside.

 

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