“Setting Sail For Somewhere” – Chris Bourke

Worcester based artist and printmaker Chris Bourke first began experimenting with lino printing back in the early 90s. In 2005 he started working almost solely in this labour intensive media, where he cuts and prints each image by hand.

His bold, black and white prints are clearly inspired by the artist’s love of music, tattoo imagery, nature, religious iconography and his interest in political systems and universal rights and freedoms. He’s reluctant to talk too literally about his influences and meaning of his images, wishing instead to leave his work open to interpretation by the viewer. There are however distinct reoccurring themes touching on triumph over adversity, mortality, adventure, awareness, love and ultimate truths.

More recently he has implemented colour in his work, adding a new dimension to the lino cuts by individually, hand colouring prints in watercolour. The prints have a unique appearance with a strong emphasis on craft, technique and being truely handmade.

Over the years Chris has been featured in various books and magazines and has worked commercially for several companies providing designs for skateboards, t-shirts, accessories and bikes, as well as other commissioned pieces, including the artwork for Frank Turner’s album Poetry of the Deed.

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