A West Dorset sculptor was shortlisted for an award for a prize worth £2,000, with the winner announced on Friday, January 5.

Amelia Sampson of Chetnole, is a graduate in BA Fine Art Sculpture, and was shortlisted alongside two other west country artists for the Ruth Tait award.

The award, which includes prize money, allows the winner to make a piece of sculpture for the 2018 'Celebrating Art in the Garden' which will take place at Urchfont Manor near Devizes in the summer.

Amelia was selected by the judges as well as Alice Jennings and Samual Johnson, with each artist putting forward a a sculpture suited to a specific site in the garden.

Their work will feature in a group show at Pound Arts, 'Celebrating Art by Young Sculptors', and includes some current work together with sketches and models of their proposed exhibition piece.

Amelia's life-size model for the award is called 'She is a Woman', and aims to develop an awareness of the way woman are often victims of conflict.

The sculpture depicts a female manikin dressed only in an army helmet, and would be carved from dark Kilkenny stone and the helmet gold plated to represent the physiological impact of warm on women.

In response to presentations from each of these young artists, Johannes Von Stumm, former president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, commented: "All three show a remarkable level of creative talent, technical ability and maturity in their approach to the brief.

"I very much hope they are able to apply that to a potentially promising career in their chosen medium."

Unfortunately for Amelia, it was Alice Jenning's piece that was picked, with the winner announced at the launch of the 'Celebrating Art by Young Sculptors' show at Pound Arts, Corsham on Friday, January 5.

However that hasn't got her down, as Amelia said: "Whenever there is opportunity there is disappointment.

"I find comfort in knowing there are establishments formed to support young artists, and not being awarded the bursary will not stunt my passion to produce artwork.

"Saying this, I am thrilled to see such a striving artist be awarded the bursary and very much look forward to seeing Alice Jennings Ceramic Artwork at the upcoming exhibition."

Amelia has however, received the Stan Smith Chelsea Arts Club award, as well as a generous materials grant from The Eaton Fund in 2017, which she intends to use to pursue her 'She is a Woman' piece.

Amelia is currently preparing for a three month show at 45 Park Lane in London, where her pieces Rock Face falling, Cave Face and Crash and Sat Firing Squad will be on display.

The exhibition at Pound Arts Corsham is open till Saturday, February 24.

Further details about the Ruth Tait award can be found at friendsofthegarden.org.uk.