While the call for artists of the 5th edition of the Young Masters Art Prize is in full play, we want to highlight our illustrious judges. Today we have talked to Mrs Daniella Wells, Events consultant and ceramic specialist.

1. Why did you decide to support the Young Masters Art Prize?

Ceramics have been a life long love for me and I have been lucky enough that through my professional life I have seen hundreds of contemporary artists working in this field. There’s a huge interest in clay these days from 3D printing to large scale sculptures at blue chip art fairs.

The Maylis Grand Ceramics prize looks back to look forward - considering ceramic traditions and making routed in the past but by artists working today. I like that the artists we shortlist are those with a lot of detailed historical knowledge - something that I think gives a great curatorial thread.

2. What do you get from the experience of judging the Prize?

I really enjoy the conversations with other judges and gaining a deeper knowledge about works I’m less familiar with.

3. What are you most looking forward to this year?

Being introduced to new artists…

And I am really looking froward to the exhibition of the shortlisted works as well the the response to it from the audience. It’s a real pleasure to be part of an experience which brings people to really engage with contemporary work.

4. What advice would you give to artists applying to this year’s prize?

Ensure you give a concise written response to the prize brief, not just an overview of your work. It takes more preparation but worth it. Plus decent images of course and within that image selection, that's where I think you need a visual overview of your practice. Good luck!

Artists wishing to apply to the Young Masters Art Prize are encouraged to do so until 31 May 2019.