Salem Linocut Series
All prints are 4 in by 6 in with black ink on handmade parchment paper. Printed and carved in June 2025
Background Information
The winged skull is a symbol found on colonial-era gravestones in New England. Symbolizing the saying “memento morí.” At the time, most people were not literate, so they created a visual for the saying instead.
It reminds us that death is inevitable, so you should live your life to the fullest before it is too late.
About the Process
This was actually the very first linocut I made. I carved it in one of those huge comical erasers since I didn’t have any linoleum at the time. It was a bit of a challenge with cuts not being as easy to make, but the thing I love most about linocuts is how I can make all of my prints look weathered and aged. Whenever I make a cut I wasn’t intending, it just adds to the aged look of the print!
Background Information
Crossed brooms symbolize protection and the cleansing of bad energy. In some folklore, crossed brooms are placed at doorways or across thresholds to prevent evil spirits or bad luck from entering a home or space.
In the fall of 2024, I was able to visit Salem with my partner, where we each got to make our own brooms! We now have those brooms crossed & hung in our home.
About the Process
When I created this graphic, I used the two brooms that my partner and I made in Salem as a reference! We both wanted to pick handles with more unique bends.
While carving, I loved making a random pattern for the wood handles. It is so much fun to make little swiveled lines while carving, you just let the natural pull of the linoleum block take you wherever you want!
Background Information
This is a depiction of the Salem Witch House! It has become an iconic image of the town due to the all black front and traditional New England style.
This was once the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1692. The house is the only structure still standing in Salem that has a direct connection to the trials. While it is a beautiful house, it housed an”ugly” individual who heavily participated in the prosecution of innocent lives.
About the Process
As I was carving this image, you can see I carved out a little too much on the lower left side of the panel. When it happened, I was so upset with myself, but I had to remind myself that this was only my 3rd linocut I’ve ever done. In the future, I can always go back and remake it again if I really don’t love it. But, I came to really love this print. It is cool to see “my” depiction of the Witch House since it has been photographed by millions of people where it all looks the same. This, is all uniquely “mine.”
Background Information
Ginkgo leaves are known to be a symbol of peace, hope & strength. They have a beautifully distinct shape compared to other leaves and turn a beautiful golden color in the fall. Ginkgos are also known as “the tree that outlived the dinosaurs.”
In Salem, they are everywhere, specifically there is one planted at Proctor’s Ledge which is the place at which the hangings of the Salem Witch Trial Victims took place.
About the Process
Like the broom, I loved carving the details within the leaves. Trying to randomize them as much as possible, but still make them look uniform and intentional at the same point. Gingko leaves have a special place in my heart as they remind me of my grandfather than I never got to meet. I have a tattoo of one on my hand to remind me that he is always by my side reminding me to have hope and strength!