Artwork description:

This is an original large-scale, hand-carved and hand-burnished linocut. This piece explores cultural identity within a regional context, focusing on my native North-East of England. References to the digital age of social media are juxtaposed around images of the industrial heritage of the region. The 'X' referring to the popular show 'The X-Factor'. In the bottom left corner a silhouette of a coal miner stood near a coal carriage can be seen, while diagonally opposite on the right side are two ships and cranes. You might need to look closer though which is what I want to encourage with my work. This a nod to the rich tradition of shipbuilding particularly in my home city of Sunderland. The 'Bigg Market' is a well-known drinking spot in Newcastle, at one time full of bars and nightlife, maybe not so much these days. The drinking culture of this part of the world is alluded to again with the word 'Kiss' - a popular bar at one time in Newcastle and in the bottom right corner, a self-portrait of the artist by a table full of drinks completes this theme.

The work is strong, bold and graphic. A unique blend of words and imagery.

This is a limited edition linocut, printed on 315gsm Heritage Bookwhite printmaking paper.

If you have any questions relating to the work before purchase please don't hesitate to ask me.

Materials used:

linoleum, printmaking ink, carving tools

Tags:

#xfactor #shipbuilding #industrial #limited edition print #self-portrait #mining #large print #nightlife #newcastle upon tyne #newcastle #northeast #sunderland #regional #coalminer