This is a handcrafted linocut print inspired by the Slavic folktale Katrina and the Falcon, featuring Baba Yaga, the enduring powerful female wilderness creatrix from Russian folklore. This story is about a young girl, Katrina, who undergoes an initiation, or transformation from innocence to experience, and the powerful role the Baba Yaga plays on her developmental journey. It is about staying true to your heart, and this is represented through Katrina’s pursuit of and relationship with a Wild Falcon.

Unlike most folktales of Baba Yaga that represent her as a wicked witch who eats children and decorates her yard with skeletons, in this folktale, the Baba Yaga is a nurturing elder who is key to Katrina’s success. I particularly love how Baba Yaga is beautifully described and redefined by Natalia Clarke in her book Baba Yaga: Slavic Earth Goddess which she writes from her own Siberian heritage. I have used many ideas from this book to inspire this piece.

This handcrafted print includes the following details: Katrina and the falcon at her window; Baba Yaga's little cabin on chicken legs in the forest; the castle where the Falcon lives and where Katrina's journey takes her; the Baba Yaga herself! I have also included a small grove of birch trees because they are associated with magic, mythology, and feminine power and the Baba Yaga is known to live in the heart of a birch forest and she sweeps with a silver birch broom in her hands!

SIZE:

Paper size 16" x 22"

Print size 12" x 18"

MATERIALS:

It is printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) Relief Ink on either handmade Hosho paper or Strathmore Paper, both of which are professional grade. If the specific type of paper matters to you please let me know. You can learn more about each of these paper types here.

COLOR:

It is printed with a hand-mixed dark blue. Photographs have been carefully taken to show the color as closely matched as possible to the actual color.

NEW! CUSTOM COLORS: If you are hesitant to buy a print because you would prefer it in a different color, please message me directly with a proposed color and we can go from there! It will take 3-5 days.

PERSONALIZATION & GIFTING: If you are gifting this to someone, feel free to include a brief message. This will be handwritten on a one-page description of this folktale and included with the print. Gifted prints are handwrapped in Kraft Paper (decorated with white feathers).

ECO-PACKAGING: This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. Learn more about this shop’s sustainable packaging choices.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note* the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.