Stephen Black earned a BFA from Colorado State University and an
MA and MFA in Printmaking from The University of Iowa. He currently
teaches Drawing, Digital Imaging, and Design classes at Vincennes
University in Indiana.

His work features portrait-like compositions using simple objects,
cryptic diagrams and small constructions. These elements take on
iconic meaning related to the human experience. Central themes
include life cycles, regeneration, the nature of creativity,
communication and human motivations. As such, figurative symbols
and forms are often highlighted in his monotypes, intaglio and
lithographic work.

He finds inspiration in a diverse range of sources including old house
restoration, researching and collecting antique toys, and paper
ephemera. Their richly layered history and cultural significance
connect and correlate with his creative work.
"Vice Versa"

2009
Polymer Intaglio and Collagraph
15" x 20"

The portfolio title, Global Fusion, was
inspirational for the form and content
of my imagery.

The central image fuses and
highlights multiple views of the
human figure in one iconic form. The
imagery evokes both the idea of
multiple perspectives explored in
modern art and contemporary
sequential media, with classical
rendering and chiaroscuro effects
explored in more classical
approaches to art.

The diagrammatic drawings provided
by my artist/collaborator Kate
Borcherding, present heads and
hands facing in different directions as
though searching or looking for the
right way to turn.

The decorative banding at the top
and bottom of the print are designs
made from script letterforms spelling
the words “to and fro” and "back and
forth”. These refer to the search for
direction and meaning that is central
to the human experience regardless
of culture, age or historical context.

The rough, undefined framing texture
was deliberately added to contrast
with the seeming clarity and detailed
focus of the central imagery.

My hope is that the print appears
instructive yet cryptic, classic and
modern, rough though refined and
specific yet open to interpretation.