Mark Faulkner (he/him)

I would describe myself as an illustrator, designer and dealbhadair who’s work is tactile, instinctive and narrative-driven.

My studio output this year has focused on my fascination with the history, landscape and culture of my home turf, Lochaber – it’s history marked by semi-mythical beasts, warring factions and, to this day, tyrannical landlords. I aim to put my own spin on my homeland’s heritage and tradition of oral and visual bardic storytelling through my comic and print works.

My comic, Rìoghachd na Forraiste Fiadhaich or The Wilds of Rùm, encapsulates all these themes and ideas. The narrative framework is based on a research expedition undertook to the biggest Small Isle in the depths of winter.  The volume – drawn in sumi ink and risograph printed – incorporates printmaking, my own typeface design, and utilises repurposed waterproof fabrics – an essential shield from the harsh elements. I collaborated with poet Cameron Wilson on a series of Gàidhlig couplets in the comic, taking form as collagraph prints that add to the visual narrative. I was further inspired by Bansho shashin zufu by Sadahide (1864) – a stab-bound woodblock manga full of vibrant vistas and island landscapes –  after reading it in the GSA special collections, purchased in the late 1800s by the school during an official visit to Japan.

I have also included smaller separate projects from the year in my showcase, including developmental projects, poster work and children’s book illustrations.