Acclaim for alumni Frank To's Humanium Metal art

Acclaimed artist and University of Huddersfield alumni Frank To has added more accolades to an already impressive CV.

Frank, who specialises in painting with Humanium Metal made from ground-down illegal firearms, is displaying his work at prestigious locations around the UK and has used his innovative skills to paint a unique portrait of Sir Patrick Stewart.

He is representing the best of contemporary art from his native Scotland at the Royal Ulster Academy exhibition  at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, while ‘Kindest Regards’, his portrait of the University’s Emeritus Chancellor Sir Patrick, has seen Frank put forward for the Guildford House Open Art Prize.

“I had no idea how this portrait of Sir Patrick would turn out,” says Frank. “Years ago when we caught up with each other, I did a couple of studies and photos of the actor while we casually having lunch. I had done some in the past of him, but wanted to do something ever-lasting, impactful and beyond the private commercial sector. 

“I have admit it was a real test to my skill as an artist as trying to capture the energy and character of Sir Patrick Stewart on paper is quite difficult. I'm not portraying him of how others view him. I'm portraying him in gunpowder as who he is."

He has also been officially elected as co vice-president into the Society of Scottish Artists, one of the leading artist-led organisations in the world of Scottish contemporary art, and he has been selected for the South West Academy of Fine & Applied Arts exhibition in Sidmouth, Devon.

Frank graduated from Huddersfield with a BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting and Drawing in 2004 and is now Contemporary Art Practice Lecturer at Inverness College UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands). 

His unique gunpowder drawing technique is garnering him international recognition as a leading contemporary art figure amongst art critics and high-profile collectors alike, including Sir Patrick and New York based Michel Witmer, who hangs Frank’s paintings alongside those of Picasso, Dine and Warhol.

Earlier in 2023, Frank’s work ‘Innovation’ was bought by the University of Cambridge and put on permanent display in Pembroke College. 

“I think if I’m being honest, the whole series of successes I’ve been having is humbling," says Frank. "I know that when it comes to my art, I want to continuously push myself so that I can discover new methods and possibilities such as my portrait of Sir Patrick Stewart who I know personally; this piece was the one that got accepted into the Guildford House Open Art Prize. 

“By exceeding my limits both mentally and physically I’m striving to achieve a level of mastery in my craft which is contemporary art drawing draughtsmanship. My constant need to challenge and better myself in my craft is now recognised by various art establishments.

“I am very honoured and humbled to be officially elected as the co-vice president of the Society of Scottish Artists. I’ve been a professional member of the society for several years and always set myself to promote and represent Scottish contemporary art. I’m hoping with my recent appointment I can actually help contribute to the society and be part of its journey to further enhance its stance on the international contemporary art platform.”

• Frank's work 'Black bird' is on display at the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB until 1st  January 2024.
• ‘Kindest Regards’ , a portrait of Sir Patrick Stewart, will go on show in the Guildford House Open Art prize exhibition at Guildford House, 155 High Street Guildford GU1 3AJ from 25th November to 6th January 2024.