In the world of witchcraft and folklore, there is often discussion about the male equivalent of a witch. While there are various terms used to describe a male practitioner of witchcraft, such as warlock, wizard, or sorcerer, the concept of a direct equivalent to a witch is not quite the same..
This painting (I have called it Witches Pool) is of water lilies I found in Thursley, Surrey. It is a larger painting that deserves a reasonable space. It took a long time to paint and the price reflects this. I have tried to convey not just the obvious elements of light and shade but something of the ecstatic experience that can come from meditating or reflecting (a word chosen consciously) on the natural world.
I have tried to convey not just the obvious elements of light and shade but something of the ecstatic experience that can come from meditating or reflecting a word chosen consciously on the natural world. I have tried to convey not just the obvious elements of light and shade but something of the ecstatic experience that can come from meditating or reflecting a word chosen consciously on the natural world.
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Witches Pool – Water Lilies, Thursley
A larger painting I have called a Witch’s Pool. It is about the ecstasy that comes from reflecting on the natural world. Acrylics on canvas 70 x 70 cm.
This painting (I have called it Witches Pool) is of water lilies I found in Thursley, Surrey. It is a larger painting that deserves a reasonable space. It took a long time to paint and the price reflects this. I have tried to convey not just the obvious elements of light and shade but something of the ecstatic experience that can come from meditating or reflecting (a word chosen consciously) on the natural world.
This may be difficult to convey, but painting is a task that helps one to see hidden depths. So, as I painted, I began to see other forms. A lily pad and the reflection of leaves and branches became a jellyfish. Colours that were not ‘actually’ there mysteriously appeared. The more that I painted each section, the more I realised that nature’s forms repeat themselves in unexpected places. I do not think that our ancestors would have been surprised at this. In fact, they would be shaking their heads at our blindness.
My fanciful title of Witches Pool indicates that the piece is about more than just a painting of waterlilies, it is a painting that channels witchcraft, old lore, hidden truth. It is a painting that I am proud of – but whatever success I had was the outcome of the love and the attention I gave to it, not of any ‘skill’ or ‘talent’.
This painting was longlisted for Jackson’s Painting Prize 2020 and was one of two winning paintings in the Cambridge Invitational Art Contest and Exhibition 2021.
If you like this painting you might also enjoy some of my smaller water lily paintings. Their moods are quite different.
A larger painting I have called a Witch’s Pool. It is about the ecstasy that comes from reflecting on the natural world. Acrylics on canvas 70 x 70 cm.
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Reviews for "Witchcraft Without Borders: The Global Community of Male Witches"
1. Lisa - 2 stars - I found "What is the male substitute for a witch" to be incredibly disappointing. The writing felt disjointed and the plot was underdeveloped. The characters lacked depth and I couldn't connect with any of them. The book seemed to have potential but ultimately fell short. I was hoping for a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles and stereotypes, but instead, it felt like a shallow attempt at humor. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1 star - I have to say, "What is the male substitute for a witch" was a complete waste of time. The jokes were stale and repetitive, and the attempts at humor fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real substance. The whole concept of exploring gender roles seemed forced and unnatural. I expected more depth and complexity, but the story failed to deliver. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful or engaging read.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really hoping to enjoy "What is the male substitute for a witch" but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The writing style was confusing and hard to follow at times. The plot felt irrelevant and didn't offer anything new or interesting. The characters were forgettable, and I struggled to care about their journey. I had hoped for a thought-provoking exploration of gender dynamics, but instead, I found myself bored and uninterested. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.