Article Title

Beyond the Veil

Authors

Noah S. Constantino, University of North FloridaFollow

Faculty Mentor

Sheila Goloborotko, Associate Professor

Faculty Mentor Department

Art, Art History, and Design

Associated Prize (or Other Information)

Undergraduate Research Travel Grant, Outstanding Graduate Award

Abstract

The philosophy behind my work is accented by this process in the sense of its micro-complexity. The idea of reshaping a flat surface to mimic complex topography coincides with the question I’ve been asking myself throughout making this work: What is outside of our structured and contrived reality and what does that look like? The complexity of depth within the process and the constant re-evaluation of the surface of the print is a parallel attempt to answer this fundamental question. To answer this, the fear of the unknown will always be present, but we must not let its complexity distract from the beauty and love between us. One must appreciate the beauty of our existence to rise up from our fears for the better of our society.

This complex technique approaches Intaglio plates as sculptural surfaces. By applying inks of different viscosity with brayers that have different densities, the ink interacts at varying levels of the plate and expresses the variations and intensities of the image. The process is quite complex, and the expressiveness of imagery is outstanding. In this process, I render digital drawings onto my plate using screen printing, which allows for a solid base of extreme highlights and harsh lines. This image transfer process helps me plan the areas I want to have sitting on the top layer and which areas need to fall back into space. Using a rotary drill tool, I can emboss the highlighted top layer by cutting it into the plate, creating valleys and plateaus to interact with the ink. The variation of mark-making and careful planning of color layering allows for a dynamic sense of space and vibrancy at a micro-level. Developing my work with this method made my practice reach levels I never imagined.

I recently graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in painting, drawing and printmaking. The content of my work questions the unknown of our reality and represents the constant struggle of good and evil. By questioning our fundamental purpose, I hope to encourage the viewer to ponder our existential purpose as beings and radiate the light of love within us.

Recommended Citation

Constantino, Noah S. (2023) "Beyond the Veil," PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas: Vol. 4: No. 1, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/pandion_unf/vol4/iss1/2