Small, queer creative practice based in Western Massachusetts
Hand-made drawings and designs —
I create ambient patterns and landscapes, whimsical figures, natural sketches and scenes…and increasingly queer figure drawings
From the shop and gallery —
Find a print, a drawing or an original design in the Reliableink shop.
Seaside Goldenrod Print
8 1/2” x 12” — mounted print of original seaside goldenrod drawing; part of triptych study of native species of Massachusetts
Crow Print
8 1/2” x 12” — print of original crow drawing, based on corvid resident of Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, Massachusetts
How the story goes
John Mark Lampley started a practice of drawing in pen and ink in earnest the winter of 2020. From a focus on landscapes and ecological subjects the practice grew to include figure drawing, ambient and meditative works, and more
His work is an exploration of the elemental— earth, water, light— using some of the simplest tools available
Pen and ink
To begin with, John Mark worked with pen and ink because—unlike many mediums in visual art—it was affordable and readily available. Over time the medium revealed subtle and powerful themes and moods.
Working in clear lines of more or less absolute value poses interesting challenges in balancing light and dark, and conveying finer subjects like a cloud or a patch of grass. Black and white drawings, or monochromes, invite questions about balance, about how to integrate opposites.
They also provide a salve in times of incessant distraction and disconnection. Pen and ink invites us to engage with things that are slow, hand-made, and analog.
Open to commissions
My Commission Process —
If you have an idea or a vision for a drawing or an original design; if you have a special project or gift in mind I’d love to consult with you!
My style tends towards pen and ink linework, so take a look at my gallery and see if the general style suits what you’re looking for.
All consultations are free, and we can cover all the parameters of a project. Once we have a plan in place I will share pricing and explain my pricing process ( based mostly on time, resources, and level of complexity.)
Connecting with people and places through nature and art.
Artist’s journal and sketchbook —
Join the Reliableink newsletter to keep in the loop on current projects, reflections, and life updates. Sharing written and illustrated updates on my life and creative work is a new and exciting part of my practice! I hope you’ll join me : )
