Sally Costen - Rockpools & Rivulets Silver, 2023
Medal Design
Design an Art Medal on the theme of boundaries, frontiers, thresholds, gates, fences and barriers.
This year entrants are invited to design an art medal that considers the different interpretations for any of these concepts: boundaries (people or places); frontiers (crossed or shared); thresholds (two points of view); gates (open or shut); fences and barriers (protecting or preventing).
From land and space to interpersonal relationships and the body, these points of contact or lines of separation may be interpreted through the lens of geopolitics, the environment, personal or physical interactions and many more. This can be realistic or metaphorical.
The art medal is a medium for expressing two contrasting ideas in one artwork, also engaging with its edge to create a complete narrative. Designs should think about how the form of the medal can be used to emphasise their concept in a clever and compelling way.
The art medal is held in the hand, and therefore its texture is an integral part of any design.
The definition of an art medal: a two-sided, low relief medal that fits into the palm of the hand and is not intended to be worn. It is usually cast using the lost-wax technique.
For more information and inspiration on medal design, please visit the British Art Medal Society website.
Participants can download a new online book about making medals here:
Tips
Maximise the surface areas available on the medal using both sides, and the edges of the medal where appropriate, in a fluent and cohesive design.
Bringing your designs to life
Along with winning an Award in this section, the two top prize winners can have their design cast by G. W. Lunt free of charge. For this to be achieved the winning entrant/s must be able to produce a wax or plaster model of their medal design (also creating a mould) for casting by September 2024.
This design brief has been written in liaison with Marcy Leavitt Bourne, who also liaised with G. W. Lunt for this excellent invitation and opportunity and experience.
Guidance & Entry Form Requirements
Entries must comply with the 2D design and submission guidelines:
Good standards of visual communication and presentation will be highly regarded;
Description of your design, the concept and material specifications (gemstones, metals etc) must be provided on the design board.
Outline method/s of manufacture where relevant.
Entrants are requested to declare on the entry form if they have had their design rendered by a CAD technician or a digital artist.
Techniques & Technology used: It is important that you explain the techniques you have used to make your piece i.e. gouache, CAD, Illustrator, watercolours, Procreate etc. (Max 50 words)
Presentation
- Designs are to be presented on one side only and mounted on card, foam board or equivalent backing board.
- Paper only entries are not acceptable.
- For all entries: x1 design board per entry.
Maximum presentation dimensions
x1 A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Anonymity
- Do not put your name or identity/logos on the front of the design to ensure anonymity;
- Please ensure your name is on the reverse of your design board;
- Entries that don’t conform to the above requirements may be disqualified.
14 Jan
Deadline for all entry forms (midnight) - CLOSED FOR ENTRIED
16 - 18 Jan
Entry submission days @ the Goldsmiths' Centre, Farringdon.
04 Mar
Awards Ceremony @ The Goldsmiths' Hall
5 - 8 Mar
Awards Exhibition @ The Goldsmiths' Hall
13-14 Mar
Entry return & post back days
