8″ x 10″ Woodblock Print | 9″ x 12″ Japanese Paper
Lyell Castonguay, 2025
The concept of new beginnings inspires this woodblock print. Birds burst forth from a streamer trunk framed by a tumultuous sky. The chaotic energy of their flight is contrasted by those foraging on the ground below.
8″ x 10″ Woodblock Print | 9″ x 12″ Japanese Paper
2025
How does a skunk’s fur stay silky smooth? The secret is good old-fashioned printmaking ink, which restores their coat to a lustrous black. Tidy illustrates that even intensely aromatic creatures need a spa day!
Release: 2024
Size: 12″x9″
The elegant shape of Trumpet Swans inspired me to make this piece. I sketched them hovering over wave patterns while filming a new series of woodblock printmaking instructional videos. Swans and flamingos have also influenced my other artwork, such as my prints Dual Nature and Exodus.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moonpeach paper. The artist signed and titled the artwork in pencil.
Release: 2023
Edition: 16
Proofs: 1
Size: 24″ x 18″ (including margins)
This piece illustrates a fledgling Catbird plunging headlong into the unknown. It captures the moment the bird leaps from its nest, legs outstretched, beak open. The bird is off balance and waiting for its flight instinct to kick in. The bird puts its life on the line by defying gravity but gains the world in return.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moon Peach paper. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
I was inspired to create this work after reading that Magpies recognize their reflection in a mirror. Their ability suggests the theory of mind, which attributes mental states such as beliefs, intents, desires, emotions, and knowledge, among others, to oneself and others. Magpies join an elite group of animals, including Elephants and Dolphins, admired for their brains and beauty.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moon Peach paper. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2023
Size: 12 “x9” (including margins)
The cobra Slinky enjoys a refreshing dip in the ink can. It’s the best way for an artistic serpent to unwind. Slinky remains poised, and the printmaking brayer is ready for when inspiration strikes!
This original artwork is designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2023
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
Behold the mythical Pufferkeet, part pufferfish, part parakeet. As critters go, the Pufferkeet is an enigma. Sure, the spikes are intimidating. They signal to others to stay back! But the eye tells another story. It beckons the viewer closer to gaze upon a pricky countenance. Watch out; this adorable critter will find its way to your heart.
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
This woodblock print is inspired by the theme of opposites: black and white, night and day, ying and yang. The idea took several drawings to refine. The concept was brewing in my subconscious after receiving several requests for a Loon image from clients. I wanted to make an image where the viewer dwells on harmonious opposites. It is signed on the back to hang on the wall in either direction.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Strathmore 300 Series paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
