SWOON: Linocuts Inspired by Nature

Coralette Damme

In the Community Hall now through April 30, 2025

Swoon (verb): to faint from extreme emotion.

Built upon the thrill of discovery, this collection of linocuts is inspired by many hours spent observing nature, the sensation of being immersed in the woods, and the joy of losing myself in the details of a garden. These images are part of an ongoing series of pattern-like compositions that I’ve labeled “Gothic Botanicals.” Rather than focusing on a hyper-realistic recreation of something, I have tried to develop an expressive interpretation of my subjects, in the hope that these works trigger an emotional response.

I selected “SWOON” as the title for this exhibit because the word evokes the idea of people being swept up in a feeling. Usually, we equate this with feelings of love, but it could also be a wave of surprise or even fear that induces a swoon. This mix of excitement and wonder, with a sprinkling of wariness, is something I want to share with my viewers. It is the feeling you may have when embarking upon an adventure.

As an outdoors enthusiast, I hold equally dear both the traditionally beautiful and the less charismatic aspects of nature. Many of my favorite creatures are misunderstood and shunned, although their important contributions to healthy ecosystems are gradually becoming more mainstream. I include them in my work as a means of elevating their status in the public eye.

Each piece on display has been carefully hand-printed using blocks I’ve carved. I begin with an idea or a feeling and gather all the related stamps I’ve created. The composition evolves as I go, sprouting organically and unexpectedly as I print. I print the black layers of the image first, and once the ink has dried I go back in to add more layers of color as needed. Exploring as I go, I never know exactly how a piece will end up until it is finally finished. Similar to how you see different things when hiking a familiar trail in different seasons, no two pieces ever turn out exactly the same, even when using similar combinations of elements. This joy of discovery is what keeps me coming back to my artistic practice year after year.

Coralette Damme has been exhibiting under the pseudonym The Crafty Hag since 2004. She participates in numerous art festivals each year and teaches art classes. While currently focused on printmaking, she also has extensive experience as a painter, in ceramics, and stained glass. Coralette grew up in Nebraska and graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After college, she lived in the Twin Cities where she fell in love with the North Woods. Her passion for scuba diving took her to Florida, where she lived for twenty years before moving back to St. Paul in 2020. In every place she’s lived, she’s enjoyed the native plants and animals that thrive there and the folklore that celebrates each region’s unique history. You can find more information on her website, www.craftyhag.com, or by following her on social media platforms Instagram @thecraftyhag and Bluesky @thecraftyhag.bsky.social