One of Australia’s most decorated stencil artist ELK has spent over 20 years perfecting his craft.  His predominantly hand cut photorealistic stencil work, ranging in subject matter from political and controversial to satirical and lighthearted, have landed him numerous awards and art prizes including being the first stencil artists named as a finalist for the Archibold Awards, Australias most prestigious art prize. In our conversation with ELK we discuss current views on stencil art in the contemporary art scene, the opportunities and pitfalls that come along with being recognised by the art establishment with prestigious awards, his interest and involvement in politics and global social justice, and life as self-employed artists in a time of global economic uncertainty.