stencilling a legacy
World-renowned stencil artist Luke Cornish, a.k.a. ELK, has found his home – and his peace – in the Illawarra. And now he’s bringing global acclaim to a local canvas.
Words Lauren Pomphrey, laurenpomphrey.com
Luke Cornish, also known as ELK, has broken the traditional boundaries of street art, bringing it into the revered halls of galleries and collections around the world. From a disenchanted Canberra kid to the first ever stencil artist to become an Archibald Prize finalist, Luke’s path was anything but simple. But as with most things worth pursuing, it’s the layers of complexity that make life – and art – interesting.
In Cornish’s case, layers of complexity are quite literally his calling card as the “Australian stencil king”. Using intricately cut handmade stencils, some works contain over 100 layers, and double again the number of colours. This depth of thought continues through his chosen subjects, each representing a social commentary on global current affairs.
Growing up in the nation’s capital, political themes were embedded in Luke’s psyche from an early age, despite the city not providing much creative inspiration. With no real street scene to draw from at the time, Cornish happened across his artistic passion by chance in his 20s while working on a degree project. Something clicked; and Luke blocked out distractions as he honed his craft, pushing the boundaries of himself and the medium.
However, being detached from the popular scenes of the big cities made stencilling somewhat of a solitary calling. It was only when the internet exploded that a world of inspiration opened to Luke – and with it, a world of opportunity.
Over the following years, Luke’s ground-breaking moments included his 2012 Archibald final work of Father Bob Maguire and the National Portrait Gallery acquiring his depiction of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. He also received the 2017 Holding Redlich People's Choice Award at the Archibald Prize Salon des Refusés; an achievement he holds especially dear as it’s judged by audiences, rather than insiders of the art world.
In fact, despite numerous awards and accolades, Luke is still a self-confessed outsider; and it’s this lack of conformity that drives his exploration of human conflict and resilience. Rather than create commentaries from the comfort of his studio however, Cornish walks his talk by immersing himself into his environment and supporting humanitarian change through his art.
This pursuit took him to Syria three times during the height of the conflict, where he used art as a tool to raise money and help local children. His work included a portrait of Khaled al-Asaad, a curator of antiquity at the historic Museum of Palmyra, who was later murdered by Islamic State combatants for protecting museum artefacts. The amphitheatre containing Luke’s portrait was destroyed; however the artwork survived. It is now the only portrait displayed in the Museum at Palmyra – a lasting dedication to another man who risked it all for his art.
“It’s good to embrace making mistakes, it’s 90% of the journey. That’s how you learn and grow, as an artist, and human being”
This remains one of Luke’s proudest, and most humbling, moments, prompting reflection from both artist and viewer. And it is through this transformative power of art that Cornish challenges perceptions – both of his subject matter, and the medium of stencil and spray paint itself.
As Luke turns to his next stage of life, he’s also finding transformation in his own perceptions and creative output. Moving to Wollongong two years ago, he has rediscovered family roots on the South Coast, giving him a newfound sense of belonging. And as a recent newlywed in March, Luke has found another source of inspiration; one that comes with contentment.
With much of his work stemming from disdain for the world’s injustices – “I’m really just documenting the apocalypse” – a glimmer of hope is breaking through. This sentiment is reflected in his recent series of astronaut stencils that can be found on traffic signal boxes around the Illawarra, as well as other unassuming public spaces across the country. At its heart, the astronaut series is about spreading positive imagery, expanding horizons, and maybe even influencing the next generation to pursue their own dreams, whether they be as astronauts or artists. Because as Luke says, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it”.
So what’s next for ELK? After exhibiting full time for nearly 15 years, Luke is taking a break to return to his street art roots, rediscovering and refreshing his passion for the craft. This May will also see the result of his latest submission for the Archibald Prize, and a new exhibition is coming soon-ish… just not quite yet.
For now, you can commission your very own artwork, or at least spot an astronaut while waiting at the traffic lights. Either way, it won’t be long until we see more of ELK; after all, the world is still a mess. But now, there’s just a little more light on the horizon.
Luke Cornish is available and welcoming commissions and murals. Contact info@elkstencils.com.au, or follow @e.l.k on Instagram to stay up to date with Luke’s art and exhibition dates.