Construction of a Spell
Ya’ara Eshet, 2021
5 pieces, 22cm x 22cm each
Ink & watercolour
Witchcraft is found in everyday life, within the work that changes one thing to another.
A series of movements and energy cause things to change - a thread becomes a garment. Flour and water become bread, ink on paper creates new worlds, words create a new reality.
Our ability to connect and imagine things leads to the creation of something new that would not be here without us.
2 of Swords; Justice; The Hermit
Ivanka Haney, 2021
Digital Print, from the ongoing Slavic Tarot series
I began this Tarot series with the question "what would I like to leave behind in this world?" The patterns, colours, and practices used in this deck are original to the Hutsul region of Ukraine, where my ancestors are from. Much of this knowledge was kept hidden during Soviet rule and only became available somewhat recently. I've chosen these three cards as a "chain of knowledge" to tell a story and continue the path.
Themes addressed in this series include folk traditions, medicine, magic, ancestral reconnection and generational healing.
Magic Pride Flag
Lisa Cristinzo, 2020
36” x 24”, print
The Magic Pride flag is based on Daniel Quasar’s redesign of the pride flag, inclusive of black and brown for queer people of colour and pink, blue and white for the trans community. The flag includes esoteric symbols and the representation of the 4 elements, earth, air, water, fire plus spirit. This flag was inspired by the art and magic of queerness. How art and magic can be used as a tool for transformation into ones true self and to build a safe space for that identity to exist. Flags are about displaying ones identity, values and beliefs. The Magic Pride Flag is about making that queer witch visible!
Pele – Fire Keeper from the Guardian series
Rowena Katigbak, 2021
2 1/4" x 1 3/8" x 1", Flame scorched Tagua Nut, Fossilized Coral, glass vial with rubber stopper, Painted Jasper beads, waxed cotton cord
Pele’s fluid lines celebrate the element of Fire. Bold carvings inspired by the flow of lava represent the energy of transformation while Painted Jasper beads support the fiery energy of inspiration and creation. Ancient coral guards the entrance of a concealed chamber which holds a tiny glass vial. It contains the bearer’s sacred intentions and connection with the elements. Only the bearer knows what rests inside - a flame being nurtured or a spell waiting to be released. The choice to reveal or conceal is up to Pele’s wearer.
The Magic of the Universe
Ella Mazur, 2018
8” x 10”, Limited Edition Glow-in-the-Dark Print, Pen and Ink + Digital Collage
My pieces explore a spiritual connection to the universe that I feel has largely disappeared in today's culture. Much of the ancient wisdom of our ancestors has been lost, and the magic reverence we have for the miracle of our world has been lost with it. But we are made of stardust, of the universe, and I think anyone, whether they identify as a witch or not, can connect with that knowledge, even if it is just to spend a moment marvelling at the miracle of our being on this planet, on a rock hurtling through the vastness of space, filled with the consciousness to recognize our own existence.
The Summoning
Lydia Knox, 2021
36” x 24”, Oil paint on stretched canvas, gallery edged
When I was a child, I would go into the woods to cast spells. I had no doubt as to my identity as a witch, no division of what was perceived real, and what was not. I was called a “daydreamer, someone who has a great imagination, who’s not aware of what’s around me, because I was lost in an imaginary world”. A child is a visible witch because they are open to the voice of the invisibles, and when they reach out their clear and powerful magic is heard and answered.
Yes I am a Witch; The Coven; Luna
Duchess of Lore, 2019-2021
Yes I am a Witch (2019), 12” x 12", digital print
The Coven (2019), 8” x 10”, digital print
Luna (2021), 12” x 12", digital print
In October 2019, during a Halloween themed October drawing challenge, I found my voice as an artist. It felt like everything I had learned and experienced finally came together into a cohesive, witchy aesthetic. As someone who is rediscovering the craft after a long hiatus, the very act of researching and creating my artwork is a way for me to take a stand for what I believe in and who I am, and a way to claim my identity as a witch with a visual declaration. The pieces here all represent important expressions of my craft, both artistic and spiritual.
Portal
Churla Mitchell, 2020 (wands) to 2021 (paintings)
Wax encaustic on plywood panel, wood, linen and wool flannel, stones and crystals.
The image of the Portal as a means of transpiring to an alternate dimension available to those who can access the transcendental realm, speaks to the history of the witch accessor to the other. The four wand one for each direction speak to the manifestation of one's energies as a witch to make yourself known in intention. Using the images of the portals and the fabrication of the wands for their intent is an embracement of witchoodism in our modern society.
From left to right:
North wand approximately 20" length, apple wood shaft wool flannel with embroidery hilt, Herkimer diamond, blue lace agate, Rhodonite, White Calcite and clear quartz tip.
Portal1 9x11 , wax encaustic on plywood panel
South wand approximately 20 " length, apple wood shaft, embroidery on indigo dyed linen, hilt Herkimer Diamond , Rhodonite, Black Jade x 3, Citron crystal tip,
Portal 2 9x11, wax encaustic on plywood panel
East wand approximately 20 " length, apple wood shaft, figure of eight Celtic knot , embroidery on wool flannel hilt Black Jade, Iron Pyrite, Rhodonite, White Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Pink Tormeline and Clear Quartz tip,
Portal 3 9x11 wax encaustic on plywood panel
West wand approximately 20" length apple wood hilt, indigo dyed linen with red blanket stitch hilt, Black Jade, Citron, Herkimer Diamond, Pyrite, Amythyst tip.
Documentation of a Spiritual Awakening
Esther Rabinovitch, 2016-2021
5 pieces, 18” x 24” each
Acrylic, Mixed media on Masonite
This painting has been evolving for the last 5 years or so. When I started creating this piece, I was in the midst of a Dark Night of the Soul. I felt little passion for life and the art-making process. Spurts of inspiration would come to me here and there and I persisted in modifying this work until it felt “right”, in April 2021. As I put the finishing touches on the painting, I realized the face gazing back at me was an embodiment of my Higher Self. I had evolved completely as a person and this piece reflected that back to me. The images of this work’s evolution now serve as a documentation of my spiritual awakening.
Scissors/Earth Portal
Susan Clarahan, 2021
35mm colour film, double exposure
I am growing my powers of visibility both as a Witch and as a lesbian. I have been using the theme of the serpent to represent this growing power. This piece uses magnolia blossoms and the mating knot of snakes to make this unseen dimension visible.