Ian Rowley - Mixed Media Artist

Edmonton, Canada

“My stamp/linocut art is influenced by a plethora of different things: science fiction, old video games, optical illusions, video feedback; I love the aesthetics of old technology and how much depth you can create using primitive means. I try to mirror that with simply using stamps and repeated linocut shapes. I’m extremely into the idea of “hidden intention” and allowing mistakes or imperfections to open themselves up in new ways to me as I’m working through different pieces. Many times I’ll have an idea of how I want a piece to look or a specific shape I want to make with linocut, but once I start stamping it reveals new depths and textures I hadn’t anticipated. If I’m surprised as the piece is unfolding, that’s when I know it will come out in an interesting and unexpected way. By contrast, when collaging, I turn to the absurd, grotesque, and surreal. I particularly love old medical and science books to cut up and manipulate.”