User:Charlie/Graduate Proposal

Project Proposal ~ DRAFT

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✧ Draft #1 ✧

✼ What do you want to make? ✼

This project is an experimental exploration into art making for the purpose of engaging with Magic. Informed by varying definitions and understandings of Magic, it aims to merge different approaches and conceptualizations as the basis for forming ritualistic protocols for artistic magical practices. 



These Protocols for Magic would take the shape of a multi-part illustrated publication, separated into different “types” of magic (f.ex.: Artefact magic, textual magic, ritual magic, etc) which would each include the necessary information on the forms of magic presented, as well as applied protocols, worksheets, tutorials or guides.

(...)

✼ How do you plan to make it? ✼

Prototype #1 - Worksheet for Magic circlesThis prototype includes 3 components: A worksheet with a spell (sentence to be turned into a magic circle/visual representation), a "magic key" (diagraph-like magic circle with explanation) and a table of symbols to use in the magic circle.

This project requires a sufficient understanding of Magic as a concept, past and existing practices and its connection to art, i.e. magical art. Both through historic and contemporary examples. Therefore, I shall begin with researching, compiling and documenting theoretical and artistic references (See bibliography for my current reading list) and use these as the basis for creating the protocols. 



Prototypes

The protocols themselves will require thorough prototyping and testing, since my main goal is to publish a series of applicable material. This means, throughout the process I plan to regularly seek test groups (i.e. classmates, friends, strangers, etc) to engage with my project and give me feedback on their experiences and perceptions. I would like these tests to both take-place in workshop settings, as well as autonomous testing by individuals. Audience participation and feedback of the prototypes will give me the necessary insight to refine and finalise my project. It will also be valuable information to write about and reflect on in my thesis, which partly investigates Magic as a “mode-of-thinking” and how personal artistic expression may shape someone’s perception and relation to magic.



Current visual inspiration

Visual Elements & Components

I imagine the publication(s) to contain multiple components, i.e. a table of symbols, a list of correspondences or spell templates that are able to be reused and applied in a variety of ways throughout the protocols and worksheets. As well as other forms of template that may be copied with a printer or by hand and be repurposed/customizable by the reader.

Regarding the visual aesthetic, I have not entirely figured out my plan for it yet. But prototyping will allow me to experiment with different designs, illustrations and material elements. Until I develop the final visual form.
All printed parts/components of the final publication should have their own twist, but should still follow one visual language.
<--left: I Like these composite folder-like publications. Which could fit the overarching idea of "educational" protocols and worksheets.

✼ What is your timetable? ✼

Task	Description	Time
Research:		~ 1 month - preliminary research 2-3 months - back-and-forth with prototypes
Prototyping:		2-4 months - Cyclical testing-reflecting-making
Design:		1-2 months - throughout prototyping
Finalization:		1 month

✼ Why do you want to make it? ✼

The subject for this thesis originated from a personal fascination with magic-themed art and ongoing interest in forming frameworks for my own personal practice of Magic. It also stems from a perceived lack in resources, especially publications, that cover more eclectic forms and frameworks of Magic which are separate from existing systems of belief and/or religion.

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✼ Who can help you and how? ✼

Sarah Bellisario ✧ "Sarah’s research heuristically explores how symbolic objects are understood and used in magical, spiritual and faith healing practices. It asks how contemporary British practitioners are reimagining and reinterpreting healing and ritual through syncretic assemblages and intercultural processes, as well as exploring the materiality and potency of the objects and artifacts used in these practices and the part they play in transformation and healing through symbolic engagement." (https://sarahbellisario.com/)

Dr. Justin Sledge ✧ "Dr. Sledge’s work engages with Religious Studies specifically in the so-called “Western Esoteric Tradition” or Hermetic Tradition in religious and philosophical thought.  In this line of research he seeks to grasps the philosophical commitments which underpin the alleged workings of magic, esoteric influence, spirit possession, alchemy, etc.  This field of inquiry brings him primarily into contact with philosophers and intellectuals regrettably disregarded by the modern philosophic canon." (https://www.justinsledge.com/bio) (Esoterica (YouTube channel))

✼ Relation to previous practice ✼

• BA Project (expand..)
• Ornamenta Magica

• Sneaking-in occult symbolism in all my work
• Publications based on supernatural or superstitious themes
• ...

✼ Relation to a larger context ✼

Art and magic have always been intertwined, since the beginning of time. From cave paintings, carved figurines and ornate ritual tools, decorated shrines and temples, all the way to our modern times.
Wood, clay, stone, metal, cloth, bone, glass…plastic..digital screens — Where there is a surface to adorn, magic may be found.

(...)

Magic represents something inherently human. Most general definitions describe Magic as the tapping into an “invisible force”. Whether this force is of supernatural origin or the “simplified” accessing of the human unconscious, I think all views on what Magic is reflect the same human urge of seeking agency and purpose in life. The wish to access, connect and be in control of something outside (or inside) of ourselves in hopes of transforming and overcoming the material condition that bind us to our current state. As such, magical art is its conduit. It exists in the in-between of the tangible and ephemeral state of being. It can be the tool to, the key for, the material representation of magical intention and transformation. Or it can be the ritual, the performance, the experience that connects us to Magic itself.

The last decade has brought a revived interest in Magic, magical and occult practices and eclectic spiritual beliefs. I think this has many intersecting reasons:

• Alienation
• Technological exhaustion
• Rise in religious extremism
• Loss of connection to nature
• Lack of community oriented cultural practices
• The wish to escape our current economic and political systems

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✼ Bibliography ✼

• Dukes, R., Snell, L. (2000). 'SSOTBME Revised - an essay on magic.', The Mouse That Spins, England. (ISBN: 1-903548-00-4)
• Dk (2020). 'History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult.' Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Incorporated. (ISBN: 978-0-2413-8611-8)
• Nataf, A. (1990). 'Les Maîtres de l’occultisme.' , France Loisirs, (ISBN: 978-2724250015) ‌ ‌

• Haute, L. O., (2023) ' talismans pour celles qui ne savent pas de quoi ils parlent' (translation: Talismans for the ones who don't know what they talk about)
• Per Faxneld (2017). ' Satanic feminism: Lucifer as the liberator of woman in nineteenth-century culture ', New York, Ny: Oxford University Press. ‌

✼ Feedback & Reflections ✼

Feedback session - 16th October w/ Lexie & Wyn

• Clear and concise plan
• Picture of prototype helped -> Visual examples may be important
• Link between Thesis and Project is very clear but a clearer description of the project could be included in the protocols chapter
• Timetable seems chaotic/ like it needs revision
• Wider context could benefit from contemporary examples of Magic practices, and comparisons to past practices
• To think about: How do aesthetic components come into the idea of magic and the occult?

Feedback session - 16th October w/ Lidia

• * Add more references on wider context * Whats the perspective on magic I want to investigate * whats my intervention, goal of the project should be more concrete -> pin-pointing * magic is bigger than artistic practice, depending on intention of thesis/project, should that be? being more * precise will help reformulating these ideas * update timetable! * start taking steps towards pinpointing and narrowing down the focus of the project and thesis * write down my connection of art and magic -> make the abstract connection  in my head more explicit (to the reader) * as I narrow down, the key points will become more hierarchical -> importance will stand out * also pinpoint for whom I am trying to make it and why

✼ Plans & Next steps ✼

• Add prototypes -> description, process/pictures, trial-runs and feedback reflections
• Update section on wider context -> add references/source list and contemporary examples/context
• Update time table to current proposal
• Think about aesthetic components