Journeys in Oregon

Reduction Linocut Prints by Connie Mueller

Connie Mueller is a master at evoking a sense of place. From the vast blue gray sky over Peoria Road right before a storm to the crystalline waters of the Willamette River reflecting the clouds on a bright day, the atmosphere in her work is palpable. Like the artist herself, there is a warmth, grace, and tranquility to her art that is both refreshing and comforting. Raised in Eugene, Connie creates prints that exude an unrestrained joy in the natural beauty of her hometown and the varied landscapes, from desert to coast, of Oregon.

The familiarity and often deep affection people have for the places Connie depicts along with the impressively challenging nature of the reduction linocut process she uses have made her work extremely sought after. Flourishing as an artist later in life after raising a family and having a career, Connie continues to surprise and delight with her art in both aesthetic and technical finesse.

Reduction Linocut Printmaking

A single linoleum block is used in the process of reduction linocut printing. After the composition is drawn onto the block with a black permanent Sharpie marker, the first cuts are made in the block to remove areas that Connie wants to be white in the print. Then the first color of ink, usually a light color, is rolled on the entire block with a brayer, the first sheet of paper is laid on top of the block, and this is rolled through the printing press. The process of inking and printing is repeated with each paper. This process is repeated—the cutting, inking, and printing—as many times as it takes to complete the image desired. Each time the block is cut away, it allows the next ink printed to cover only the remaining surface, therefore the colors of previous inks are preserved.

Opening Reception: June 14, Saturday, 1 – 3 p.m.
Conversation with Connie: 1:30 p.m.

Exhibition Dates:  June 13 – August 2, 2025

Please click on the thumbnails for larger images.