Melissa Ling, winner of Jackson’s Art Prize 2023, is one of the guest judges for Jackson’s Art Prize 2024. In this interview, she introduces herself and her practice, and explains why she thinks awards and competitions are so important for artists today.
Out of Now, 2021
Melissa Ling
Acrylic on canvas, 91.44 x 60.96 cm | 36 x 24 in
Interview with Melissa Ling
Josephine: Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
Melissa: I’m an artist based in New York City and I received my BFA from the Pratt Institute in 2010. My practice is dedicated to drawing and painting- I work on large scale colored pencil drawings in a single color and paint representational paintings in acrylic. I’ve exhibited in the US, the UK, the Philippines, and I’m incredibly proud to have been the 2023 Jackson’s Painting Prize winner.
The Kans, 2021
Melissa Ling
Acrylic on canvas, 76.2 x 76.2 cm | 30 x 30 in
Josephine: What have been your proudest achievements in your career?
Melissa: Winning Jackson’s Painting Prize 2023 has been one of the biggest achievements in my career. It’s been incredibly helpful for my studio practice, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Josephine: How important do you think awards and competitions are for artists today?
Melissa: I don’t think it’s only route. But it can be really helpful for a lot of artists. I think it’s very easy for artists to get lost in their routine and in their studio practice. So awards and competitions can be a great way to showcase your work to a broader audience. And you never know if it can lead to more opportunities. If not, just encouragement to continue with your journey.
Red 10, 2022
Melissa Ling
Coloured pencil on paper, 81.3 x 121.9 cm | 32 x 48 in
Josephine: This year is the first time that each judge chooses a winner of their own Judges Choice Award. Are you looking forward to making your selection?
Melissa: Yeah, I’m very excited to see all of the entries. I was really impressed with the diverse work that I saw in previous years, both in the longlist and in the shortlist. So I’m just honored that I get to be part of the judging process this year.
Josephine: What will you be looking for in the entries?
Melissa: I’m not looking for anything in particular in terms of theme or style or technique. I think I’m drawn to art that evokes an emotional response, that makes me want to know more. So that’s what I’ll be looking for in the entries.
Supper, 2021
Melissa Ling
Acrylic on canvas, 101.6 x 76.2 cm | 40 x 30 in
Josephine: Do you have any advice for artists out there thinking about entering Jackson’s Art Prize this year?
Melissa: I would encourage anyone that’s interested in painting or just creating art to enter Jackson’s Art Prize. There’s really nothing to lose if selected and it’s a wonderful opportunity to exhibit your work and share your work, which I think is very important for artists these days.
Watch our interview with Melissa Ling on Instagram
Melissa in her studio
Further Reading
Meet Matthew Burrows MBE, Guest Judge for Jackson’s Art Prize 2024
Meet Hugo Barclay, Guest Judge for Jackson’s Art Prize 2024
How to Write an Artist Statement and Artwork Statement
A Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Artwork to Jackson’s Art Prize 2024
