Fire fork: Falkirk artist Frank hopes his gunpowder work will pick up top prize

Recently elected as a full member of the prestigious Society of Graphic Fine Art in London in recognition of his outstanding draughtsman skills, Frank is also the new co-president of the Society of Scottish Artists, one of Scotland’s oldest artist-led organisations.

The Falkirk artist’s unique gunpowder technique has earned him international recognition as a leading contemporary artist among art critics and high profile collectors alike – with Star Trek legend and actor Sir Patrick Stewart a self-proclaimed fan of his work.

The RBSA Prize Exhibition is a biennial celebration of creativity and innovation showcasing work in at the cutting edge of contemporary art.

Frank’s artwork, For Fork Sake, will go on show in the RBSA Prize Exhibition at RBSA Gallery 4, in Brook Street, Birmingham, from Tuesday September 3 to Saturday, October 12.

Frank said: “It is a massive honour to be shortlisted in this royal institution art prize. The piece is actually a gunpowder observational drawing of a simple kitchen fork – originally exercise piece that was made to test my observational drawing limits both mentally and physically.

“Also to be selected as one of only three Scottish artists is a big deal. For me, it’s a way to show both nationally and internationally that Scottish contemporary drawing is still well regarded and I want to contribute to this in any ways possible even if it means being competitive.”