User:Charlie/Graduate Proposal
Project Proposal ~ DRAFT
✧ 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. ❎explain examples via prototype
✼ How do you plan to make it? ✼
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.
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.
❎elaborate on steps for worksheet and protocols (research, elements, components) -> example prototype
Another important part of this project will be the visual presentation of the publication(s). Though I have not entirely figured out my plan for it yet, prototyping will also help to experiment with different designs, illustrations and material elements. Until I develop the final visual form. All parts of the final project should have an overarching visual identity. (Some images of current inspiration below)
✼ 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.
❎
✼ Who can help you and how? ✼
Dr. Justin Sledge - Esoterica (YouTube channel) = I would really like to contact him and ask many questions in regards to Magic practices of the past and his philosophical views on the matter. (maybe maybe)
✼ Relation to previous practice ✼
- BA Project (expand..)
- Ornamenta
- Sneaking-in occult symbolism in all my work
- Publications based on supernatural or superstitious themes
- ...
✼ Relation to a larger context ✼ in progress..
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.
❎Art as a component in magic, religion, occult and cultural, political expression. Art as the medium for the expression of beliefs, ideas, intention etc. A carrier of meaning and connection. Visual force. Material culture and symbols. Aesthetic. etc
In recent years there has been a growing, or one may say a revived interest in Magic, magical and occult practices and eclectic spiritual movements. I believe this has many intersecting reasons.
❎Alienation. Capitalism. Religious extremism. Urbanism. Loss of nature. Community oriented cultural practices.❎
✼ 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