Coralette Damme


The Crafty Hag


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PICK-A-PRINT



2019





Pop-Up Solo Exhibition at The Studio@620

The inspiration for this short-lived display was to share the sensation of being in the artist's studio while removing the traditional barriers of being in a gallery. It also addressed the topic of artwork as commodity



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





Pop-Up Solo Exhibition at The Studio@620

The inspiration for this short-lived display was to share the sensation of being in the artist's studio while removing the traditional barriers of being in a gallery. It also addressed the topic of artwork as comodotity.



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





When working on prints, the pages of wet ink are hung to dry much like laundry, on lines crossing my studio. Walking between the lines of pages is thrilling to me, so I translated that experience to a larger setting by criss-crossing the gallery with long lines filled with artwork.



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





Standing in a space surrounded by artwork is not something that many people get to experience. As an artist I love being in a studio filled with images and wanted people to feel that same excitement for themselves.



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





This unusual approach to displaying artworks gave viewers an opportunity to engage with the art in a new way. They were literally invited to "pick a print" and take their selected item for purchase directly off the line. This erased that feeling of separation one often has when seeing images in a gallery or museum.



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





Artwork was grouped by size, technique, and sales price instead of by subject matter or theme. This brought to the forefront the fact that artists are workers creating a product and need to be recognized and compensated for their efforts. What makes something art? What makes it valuable?



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





This exhibit could easily be scaled up or down in order to be replicated at any venue.



PICK-A-PRINT



2019





I always appreciate the flexibility of The Studio@620 and the opportunity to share my work in new ways with the community



ROOTWORKER



2017





Solo Exhibition

The body of work for this exhbition was connected through the use of symbolism and natural elements. Works were created by hand pressing carved blocks onto wooden panels in addition to more traditional methods of printing on paper. ROOTWORKER is a reflection on the study of origins. Themes evolved from a curiosity about my Germanic heritage, folk lore and folk beliefs, and the resulting spirit of intention that is found where these paths intersect. This exhibit was made possible in part by grants from the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and PAVA



ROOTWORKER



2017





ROOTWORKER was exhibited at The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Artworks included 2D linocuts and screen prints, 3D installation and hands-on interactive elements.



ROOTWORKER



2017





Intricately carved relief prints contained symbolic natural images such as oak leaves (strength and wisdom), acorns (health and good luck), and a German derived Hex Sign with a six pointed stas (six points stand for the six days of creation, and are also represent the six attributes of God: power, wisdom, majesty, love, mercy and justice).


STRENGTH

linocut on wooden panel

9" x 12"



ROOTWORKER



2017





Intricately carved relief prints contained symbolic natural images such as a snake (flexibility, transformation, creative life force), the full moon (enlightenment, eternity, inner knowledge), runes (life force, potential, a new beginning), candles (the four elements, the four directions, lighting one's way), and the Latin word POTENTIA (feminine power, potential)


POTENTIA

limited edition linocut on paper

14" x 30"



ROOTWORKER



2017





Due to the style and subject matter, work from this exhibition has a mystical old world feel to it. This piece, with hidden eyes in the fingers, symbolized the way in which the artist experiences the world through the hands-on work of creating art. Background symbols represent celestial bodies related to the date of the artist's birth.


THE ARTIST'S HAND

monoprint on wooden panel

14"x18"



ROOTWORKER



2017





Gallery visitors were invited to create their own charm for good luck using a simple root working technique in which a desire is written on paper that is then wrapped around a licorice root and bound with red string. After the intention has been absorbed into the root, it is then chewed or made into tea and consumed, aiding in the manifestation of this wish.



ROOTWORKER



2017





Even the largest images created for this exhibition were carved and printed by hand without a press in the artist's home studio.



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





Part of the CONTAIN IT event sponsored by the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

The Shadow Gallery is the second immersive installation experience I've created in a moving storage container. Guests were invited inside to see an art exhibit created by shadows



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





The installation consisted of several layers of large paper cut out shapes as well as symbols and patterns screen printed onto semi opaque sheeting which was then back lit to create the silhouetted shadow effects when viewed at night.



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





Several vignettes contained imagery that is frequently found in my work.



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





Several vignettes contained imagery that is frequently found in my work.



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





Several vignettes contained imagery that is frequently found in my work.



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





Guests found the atmosphere to be both whimsical and somewhat tinged with creepiness... a very carnival atmosphere but with a bit of an edge.



SHADOW GALLERY



2016





A selfie station encouraged visitors to commemorate their experience with a photograph.



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





Duo Exhibition with Polly Johnson

This exhibition grew from two artists who are equally influenced by symbology, text elements in visual art, the bold contrast of black and white, and the dreamlike wonderland of the subconscious



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





SHADOWSPEAK was exhibited at The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Artworks included 2D and 3D pieces as well as installation elements.



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





Collaborative spaces in the exhibit meshed elements from both artists. Text as part of a visual image and repetition of images were frequent themes.



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





Polly Johnson's POLE SITTING DEAR (ceramic) and Coralette Damme's MOTHER (mixed media on wood) both reflect a shared reverence for nature and the impact of color on the viewer.



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





This piece draws upon Victorian symbolism of hands, with fingers crossed for good luck but also pointing towards heaven. The old fashioned lacy feel is in stark contrast with the harsh modern red text. Who is the winner and what exactly did they win? This is up to the viewer to decide.


YOU WIN

block print and color pencil on wood

9" x 12"



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





Keeping with the themes of the subconscious and hidden inner truths, this piece listed people and places of memory, lost to the past and faded by time, but not forgotten by the artist.


GHOSTS

block print, pencil and watercolor on wood

9" x 12"



SHADOWSPEAK



2015





LUCK

block print, color pencil, wax crayon on wood

12" x 9"



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





Solo Exhibition

Subject matter from this exhibition was derived from a variety of sources as the artist seeks the answers to questions we all have: Where do I belong? What is my purpose here? What do I value? Where am I going next



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





LOST IN THE WILDERNESS was exhibited at The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Artworks included 2D and 3D block prints and screen prints with installation elements.

Visitors were invited to walk a path lined by logs and luminaria while a soundtrack of natural sounds played as they contemplated their own paths in life and the directions they were heading.



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





Much of the imagery for this exhibition was inspired by the artist's love of being outdoors and the creatures and plants found there.



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





Folded hand printed art books were akin to maps one might use to find their way home.



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





Several experimental works on wood combined etched plexiglass fronts adding depth and layers to stylized and symbolic imagery. This untitled piece combines symbols for way-finding such as the moon and stars, the four directions and an all seeing eye held inside a bear paw.



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





Gallery over-view with lighted luminaria. Each bag had a symbol printed onto it designating another direction or meaningful path of thought.



LOST IN THE WILDERNESS



2013





Exhibition statement



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





Part of the First Night Celebrations in St. Petersburg, FL

My first walk through immersive public art installation created in a portable moving storage container



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





The installation focused on images inspired by Germany's Black Forest, Grimm Fairy Tales, and bears!

Elements included screen printed wall paper and hand drawn, free standing cut outs.



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





As with most fairy tales, things started out nice enough, with friendly bears and blue lights and the word "WILLKOMMEN" written on stars overhead. But as you walked deeper into the forest the light changed to red and the bears got a little more sinister.



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





Donors that supported the creation of the installation received a special, hand printed, limited edition original linocut featuring a black forest bear.



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





First night is a family event and to add to the fun a volunteer dressed up as a bear lurked around handing out small packages of German gummi bears to make the scene less scary for little visitors.



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





My goal to create an engaging, playful atmosphere to be enjoyed by big kids like myself was a huge success. Visitors got to walk through an original illustration that temporarily suspended reality, taking them to a wild imaginary place, and rekindling playfulness. What a great way to start a new year, right?



FIRST NIGHT IN THE BLACK FOREST



2011





First Night celebrations are held each year in Straub Park near the Vinoy Basin on St. Petersburg downtown waterfront area.



ABOUT ME





When I'm not making art I'm usually outside hiking, taking photos, and observing nature. OR I'm dancing around in my studio listening to music with my very intelligent tuxedo cats, Dexter and Purrzilla



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Exhibit History, Awards and More



SOLO EXHIBITIONS

Pick-A-Print, Studio@620 2019

Natural Elements, Art Lofts 2018

Rootworker, Studio@620 2017

Shadowspeak, Studio@620 2015

Skin Crawl Art Crawl, Strands of Sunshine 2014

Animal Magnetism, Articles Gallery 2014

Artist Spotlight, Empouria 2013

Lost in the Wilderness, Studio@620 2013

Think Big, Davidson Fine Art 2012

First Night in the Black Forest, 2011

Annual yART Sale, 2008-2020


GROUP SHOWS & FESTIVALS

FLA: The Art of All Things Florida, Mize Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2021

Sounds Good, Mize Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2020

St. Printersburg Printmaking Festival, 2019-2020 24 Hands Group Exhibition, SPC Seminole & The Studio@620, St Petersburg FL 2019

Mini, Mize Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2019

Creep, Mize Gallerym St Petersburg FL 2019

We The People, American Stage, St Petersburg FL 2018

Secret Identities, Outer Space Gallery, Winter Haven, FL 2018

Etch-a-Sketch, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin FL 2018

CraftArt Festival, St Petersburg FL 2017-2018

Pulp Fiction, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin FL 2017

Dia de los Muertos: A Celebration of Life, Florida CraftArt Gallery, St Pete FL 2017

Fruit Bowl, Mize Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2017

Mixed Tape, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2016

Spirit Animals, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2016

Contain It, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin FL 2016

Hauntizaar, Studio@620,St Petersburg FL 2016-2019

St Pete Zine Fest, St Petersburg FL 2015-2018

Beauty and the Beasts, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin FL 2015

Shifty Tricks, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2015

Elements, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2015

Spirits of Sanford, Jeanine Taylor Folk Gallery, Sanford FL 2014-2015

Art on the Trail Festival, Travelers Rest SC 2014

Burg is the Word, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2014

100Films, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2014

,The Art of Women, Oleson Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2014

Gifted, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin FL 2014

Game On, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2013

Eat This, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2013

Mixed Bag, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2013

Dark Arts: Creep St. Pete Local, Station #3, St Petersburg FL 2013

Whimsy, Metropolis Collective Mechanicsburg, PA 2013

Bazaart, American Visionary Arts Museum, Baltimore, MD 2013

Super Fresh Group Show, Clothesline Gallery, Sarasota FL 2012

Scratch The Surface, Blue Lucy Gallery, St Petersburg FL 2012

Florida Museum for Women Artists, DeLand FL 2011

Art on the Bay, FL 2011

Canvas 5, Tampa FL 2010

The Cool Art Show, PAVA St. Petersburg, FL 2010-2017

The Juried Art Show, Studio@620, St Petersburg FL 2009-2010

Historic Kenwood Art in the Park, St. Petersburg, FL 2009-2011

Art Arbor Festival FL 2008-2010

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Sarasota FL 2008-2017

The Holizaar, Studio@620, St Petersburg FL 2008-2019


AWARDS & COLLECTIONS

2019

Bank OZK Innovation Lab Commission, St. Petersburg, FL

Center For Health Equity Commission, St. Petersburg, FL

First Place 2D, Dade City Monarch Project Exhibit, Dade City, FL

Community Shares Art Program, Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL


2018

Collectors Circle, CraftArt Festival, St. Petersburg FL

Honorable Mention, Florida CraftArt Gallery “Dia de los Muertos” Exhibition


2017

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance Individual Artist Grant

PAVA Artist Grant

SHINE Festival Public Art Wrap Program

Featured Festival Artist, First Night St. Petersburg


2015

SHINE Festival Mini-Mural Art on the Pinellas Trail


2014

Best in Show, Art on the Trail Festival


2013

Safety Harbor Mullet Creek Nature Park Public Art Project


2011

People's Choice Award, Historic Kenwood Art in the Park


2009

All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg FL


1990

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, Coleman Award For Printmaking


EDUCATION

BFA University of Nebraska - Lincoln



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