Featured Artist – Andrew J Bourke aka Sirum

Tasmanian devil painted

Firstly who are you and where & how did you grow up?

My Name is Andrew J Bourke and I am from Melbourne, Australia. I spent a great deal of my childhood growing up in country Victoria where a lot of my time was spent out bush learning about nature, the forest and many of the animals that live within it.

How do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?

I think having grown up half way between the big city and the bush, I have found myself in my later years inspired by both surroundings. I love the architectural nature of urban sprawl… Yet Ill always be drawn back to nature. Its simply where I feel my best. Australian forests, both wet and dry, the outback… The oceans, I find so much inspiration from being outdoors.

When/How did you know you wanted to be a graffiti artist?

I feel it was a natural evolution from my love for drawing and comic books as a kid. When I first discovered graffiti in my early teens it felt like I was looking at a double page spread of a comic book only on a large scale and I said to myself – ” Thats what I want to do!”

How did you learn to do what you do?

By being persistent… Patience is always key and of course by being very very sneaky when I was younger.

red belly snake painted

andrew j bourke melbourne artist

What is your dream project?

Hmm, to be honest I have worked on many dream projects over the years. As a kid I had always wanted to work for Marvel Comics. ?As an adult i have worked freelance for them now on a handful of occasions! But to be honest, Im pretty lucky. I feel roughly 80% of the work I take on board these days are dream projects as clients now seek me out for the work i’m interested in producing. It doesn’t get much better then that.

Your favourite or most inspirational place/spot you have painted?

For Graffiti it is without a doubt New York City! Like making a pilgrimage back home to where it all began. For my contemporary art / street art it would be central Australia. The colours, the space, the wildlife… It is all so inspiring!

What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art?

Im inspired by many things throughout my day to day life. Whether it be nature or architecture, there is so much awesome artwork and good design happening in the world inspiration isn’t hard to find.

Did this help guide you to where you are today?

100%

sirum graffiti

What are your personal goals now and in the future as a professional graffiti artist?

Firstly, I wouldn’t say “professional graffiti artist.” Graffiti is something that I enjoy doing with my friends. It keeps me connected to my roots. Where it all began and in a way is a very personal and meditative experience for me. As a professional artist my goals are just to keep progressing my style, my creativity and my ideas. To never become stagnant / always evolving.

Tell us a little about how you like to work. (Alone, with others, in phases, details, etc…)

I personally prefer to work alone. Ive always struggled in group studios as i find it distracting. My best work comes from solitude, finding space and becoming reflective.

What direction do you feel your art is going?

I would say i’m a technical artist. Id like to find a way to fuck up my own routine a little. Perhaps become a little more spontaneous as i’m usually a big planner.

iron man graffiti art

andrew j bourke artist

What’s the biggest misconception other people have of graffiti artists?

Society dictates that graffiti is a nuisance form of creative expression. That its vandalism and the masses are to blind to see its true beauty of freedom and expression that it is. Graffiti is raw, honest. Therefore it is confrontational and much of society cant deal with what they don’t understand or possibly don’t want to confront.

What are your thoughts on the whole graffiti vs street art battle?

There is a time and a place for everything. Both are free forms of creative expression. Both have their place… People from both sides of the fence ruin it for everyone else.

If you could share a message with the next generation of graffiti artists, what would it be?

Think about what it is you enjoy from the from of art you are pursuing and follow that direction. Don’t be lead by others… Be productive for the love of it. Its very easy to get caught up in trends.

graffiti artist sirum

There any up and coming artists that we should keep an eye out for?

A mate of mine from Darwin that writes Tikls… He is a gun. Also – young feller from Melbourne Resio. This kid will be amazing once he refines his style a little! ( Keep em coming mate )

Any shouts out you you would like to give?

To all my brothers from MSA & F1 crews – Much love and respect always! And to my wonderful partner Georgie Seccull to whom id find it hard pressed to find a greater source of inspiration x