My name is Lyell Castonguay, and I’m a professional artist living in Troy, NY. I was first introduced to printmaking in art school. To start, I draw a design onto a piece of plywood. Then, I use carving tools to alter the wood’s surface, thereby creating an intricate handmade stamp. Ink is applied to this stamp, using a rubber brayer. I place fine art paper on the inked stamp. An etching press applies even pressure, and the force transfers ink from the wood to the paper. The result is called a woodblock or woodcut print.
I’m fascinated with how other creatures move through the world. Some of my animal subjects are realistically depicted, others are subjective. My portfolio features a diverse range of avian imagery, as birds have played a significant role in my life. I keep doves and finches as pets, and one of my favorite artists, Leonard Baskin, made many bird-related prints. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including nature writing, documentaries, and folklore centered around human/animal relationships.
My prints are in numerous private and public collections, including the New York Public Library, the Art Complex Museum, and the Aomori Museum. I’ve taught at prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Yellowstone Art Museum. If you are interested in learning woodblock printing, please check out my teaching website, bigink.org.
