A Chester teacher has been shortlisted for a national arts award.

Louisa Boyd, an art teacher at The Queen’s School, is in the running for this year's John Ruskin Prize.

This year's award has the theme of The Artist as Polymath and the jury have selected a shortlist of artists and makers whose works cross boundaries and use varying techniques and materials.

Louisa’s submission, called Cartography 1, uses abstract imagery to evoke ideas of mapping and is part of a series of works that explore ideas of human existence and a sense of place.

Louisa, known as Mrs Poole while teaching in school, said: “It’s a real privilege to have been shortlisted for this year’s John Ruskin Prize.

“My work has become progressively more involved and complex as I have introduced printmaking techniques and leather work into my practice.

“The pieces are a true labour of love and take a long time from inception to creation.

“It’s wonderful to receive recognition and I’m looking forward to seeing the other artworks that have been selected.”

Now in its fourth year, the John Ruskin Prize invites entries from emerging and established UK-based artists.

The winner, who pockets a cheque for £3,000, will be announced on Tuesday, June 20, at a private view and prize-giving ceremony at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield.

Louise has previously won two awards for her artists’ books on landscapes.

She has since worked as an artist with exhibitions both nationally and internationally, selling her paintings, prints and artists’ books through galleries.

Her work has been incorporated into a number of publications and also included in international public collections.