Esoterica? Oh yes.

Original artwork by Laurence Ranger

Hubby Laurence, being an esoteric artist, has been a long-time follower of Robert Ansell - who is obviously immortal because he looks younger now than he did 30 years ago. Hell, that's alchemy for you. And he's still only twelve.

Ansell's extraordinary Fulgur Press produces exquisitely bound, limited edition books containing words from wondrous minds and artwork by, or inspired by Austin Osman Spare, Michael Bertiaux, Steffi Grant, Andrew Chumbley, Orryelle Defenestrate-Bascule and Barry William Hale, amongst others.

We came across news of Fulgur at the 2010 Esoteric Book Conference at Ouroboros Press' blog - The Serpent Bites Its Tail - and wished we could have gone along.

Laurence, a printmaker by desire, was particularly taken with an older post from March 2010 showing the print process for Tabula Lunarium. "Sniff it", he said. "I'm there."

Laurence's own artwork will be online soon.

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Esoteric Artwork

Laurence Ranger is an esoteric artist inspired by alchemy, rune lore and Saxon mythology. And that's mild compared to what spouts forth from his brain.

A swordsman and archer Laurence has studied weaponry all his life. He has his own art and lifestyle methodology which incorporates shamanic and magickal practices together with heathen spiritual meditation. From this, and the unfathomable creatures that visit him when he's least expecting them - demanding to be recorded on paper - Laurence has built up a diverse collection of artwork.

He specialises in printmaking, etching and engraving but also works extensively in charcoal, pen and ink and pencil. After decades of working in black and white, he has recently discovered colour.

Laurence is currently working on a twelve-card tarot set - a simple number but a far from simple system - based on his own cosmology and established correspondences. He's asked me to help build his blog so that he can share the design and thought process. He'll also use it as an exhibition space for his existing work.

Give me a few days to get it right, then come back to see what he has to offer. He will also be July's guest interviewee - a serious look into a dark mind.

Magenta's Latest Rejection

Well, I'm rather proud that Magenta Shaman has just been rejected by the late Marion Zimmer Bradley's legacy magazine 'Sword & Sorceress'.

The editor, Elisabeth Waters gave very encouraging comments which I will certainly take on board.

Magenta's currently fighting a cult near Borough Market. She also has plans to dispossess (yes dispossess, not depossess or unpossess) a very nasty child, if the child will let her.

Gruesome is as gruesome does. All in a day's work.

The Dark Monarch Exhibition - Towner, Eastbourne

A new, extraordinary exhibition hit Eastbourne yesterday.

The press release says:
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The Dark Monarch: Magic and Modernity in British Art

23 January – 21 March 2010

This group exhibition explores the influence of folklore, mysticism, mythology and the occult on the development of art in Britain. Focusing on works from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day it will consider, in particular, the relationship they have to the landscape and legends of the British Isles.

Taking its title from the infamous 1962 book by St Ives artist Sven Berlin, the exhibition features major loans from the Tate Collection, regional collections, lenders and artists, and will examine the development of early Modernism, Surrealism and Neo-Romanticism in the UK, as well as the reappearance of esoteric and arcane references in a significant strand of contemporary art practice.
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We went along, by invitation, and were blown away. If you know us, you'll be aware how important this kind of collection is to us.

There were works by geniuses Austin Osman Spare and Graham Sutherland as well as Paul Nash, Barbara Hepworth, Bryan Wynter and Ithell Colquhoun, plus many more, including local artist Eric Ravilious.

We looked at the esoteric bookshelves that are part of the exhibition and almost had to check that our own library hadn't been invaded - which of course it hadn't because, sadly, we don't own first editions.

Towner were holding people back at the door, because they were at capacity. But once we were in, we fell in deep. The exhibition is on the ground and top floors. Much of it left an exquisite taste in our senses, bar a couple of contrived photographs and, sadly, Damien Hirst's Unicorn.

Well worth it. We're going to pay again, and probably again, to go back.

Go see it. Towner Eastbourne.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm; closed Mondays except Bank Holidays.

Admission to The Dark Monarch: £5.50 / £4 concessions / under 18s free. Admission to Towner and other exhibitions: free of charge.

Creatures in my home

This is one of the creatures that lives in my home. We have many of them.

This is Igle Sygle.

If you click on the image (s)he'll volumise and expand (at least, that's our experience).

Comments please - be kind. (S)he's baring all.