Mark Lord is a lino print artist whose Cornish heritage runs deep. Born and raised just outside Falmouth, he spent 25 years in rural Oxfordshire as both a photographer and printmaker. However, his work remains intrinsically linked to the coastal landscapes of Cornwall, a place that continues to shape his creative expression.
What inspires your lino prints?
My journey into lino printing began in 2019 when I carved my first block, a simple image of our cat, Lottie, curled up asleep on the bed. But as the pandemic kept us isolated, I found myself yearning for the familiar sights of Cornwall. The images that appeared in my work were of the landscapes and coastlines that had always been so close to my heart. While I enjoy creating prints of nostalgic items, such as old record players, or even capturing the bounty from our allotment (my artichoke print is a crowd favourite), it’s the rugged beauty of Cornwall and its coastline that truly captivates my creativity.
Why is the South West Coastal Path so special to you?
The South West Coastal Path has always been a significant part of my life. Growing up just outside Falmouth, it was the place I’d walk as a child, meet friends during my teenage years, and return to for peaceful evening strolls. It was a constant presence, one I often took for granted. Today, I view it through a different lens. The path invites you to look outward, into the horizon, rather than dwelling on the past or focusing on your immediate surroundings. It’s an incredible way to discover the beauty of Cornwall, with new hidden gems around every bend, be it a secluded cove or a quiet harbour. Now, my wife and I walk there regularly, and the sweeping views of the sea have had a profound impact on how I approach the composition of my work.
How do the coast and Coastal Path influence your art?
Lately, I’ve been exploring the concept of perspective in my prints. Combining aerial views with more traditional horizon lines has been a new direction for me, and my Portscatho print is a great example of this approach. Walking the South West Coastal Path has been a key part of my development as an artist, offering me new ways to view the landscape. I’m eager to dive deeper into this technique, and I look forward to more walks along the path for fresh inspiration. There’s something fascinating about the way footpaths shape the land, grooves and indentations carved by the footsteps of generations before me. Whether the coast is stormy and dramatic or calm and peaceful, I find endless inspiration in its changing moods. The coastal path offers a constant opportunity to explore, no matter the weather.
*Prints - Hidden Beach Finds & End of the Day, Portscatho Harbour
How does your Cornish heritage shape your work?
I never expected to leave Cornwall, it’s in my heart and bones. However, as a young man I moved to Oxfordshire, where I worked as a photographer. Though I was far from the sea, I loved my work, and it was through printmaking that I found a way to reconnect with my roots. Over time, my prints, depicting everything from fishing boats to the coastline itself, became a way to bring a piece of Cornwall into my life. Today, printmaking is my primary focus, and in a beautiful turn of events, the success of my prints has allowed me to return to Cornwall. Settling in the Helford area feels like the culmination of a dream, and it’s thanks to my Cornish-inspired art that we were able to make this move. It feels as though we’ve come full circle, returning home to where we truly belong.
*Print - Spring time, Helford Passage