"The Gilded Witch" Once upon a time, in a small village hidden deep within the enchanted forest, there lived a witch. But she was no ordinary witch; she was known as the Gilded Witch. Her fame spread far and wide for her extraordinary powers and her striking appearance. The Gilded Witch had long, flowing locks of silvery-gold hair that shimmered under the moonlight. Her eyes sparkled with a golden glow, mesmerizing anyone who dared to look into them. She possessed a voice so enchanting that even the birds would stop to listen.
What the process of working together was like:
Jamila and I were living with a lot of stress due to the nature of the degree requirement that shifts all activities at The School of the Art Institute for the week. I offered my studio space across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago, as a free meeting place, but it was difficult to synchronize our schedules especially during Critique Week.
She possessed a voice so enchanting that even the birds would stop to listen. But it was not just her appearance that captured the villagers' attention, it was her kind heart and her willingness to help those in need. Despite her magical abilities, the Gilded Witch did not use her powers for evil.
Disrupting Invisibility: The Disorientation of Invisibility
We worked at our individual homes/studios as we didn’t have access to a convenient shared space dedicated to art making. I offered my studio space across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago, as a free meeting place, but it was difficult to synchronize our schedules especially during Critique Week. Jamila and I were living with a lot of stress due to the nature of the degree requirement that shifts all activities at The School of the Art Institute for the week. I offered for us to meet remotely so we could have tea and make art separately but together. We didn’t limit ourselves to a medium but instead we tried to stay with wood as a surface to work on.
Carol painted, and Jamila painted and collaged, and I sanded, made rope, and braided. Kerry’s work is still in progress, but deals in re-collection. I harvested and dried a witches’ broom, a literal site of trauma. I sanded its rough edges and thanked it for growing. The thing itself is seen as a problem. I identify with this, always already being a thing derided. The hand spun yarn, died with Lavender flowers, and Jamaica tea/Hibiscus flowers are twisted into a rope (the colors of the Transgender flag and Brown), then tied, then braided. It may be a talking stick or a witches’ broom. A tool that facilitates community or a tool that cares for space. Ancient tools of the Original Peoples.
What the process of working together was like:
Working together has been extremely rewarding and difficult at times. Some people need to listen more, and others need to share more. But that is the nature of group dynamics. Elders are a blessing, as is having the space to hold each other’s attentions. Intentionally holding space is reparative in nature. We repaired ourselves because we were allowed to repair ourselves.
What folks learned along the way about each other, themselves, and intergenerational LGBTQ+ relationships:
We learned that we all have inherent value, and when we share our experiences, we collapse the space(s) in between us. We become, Us .
What the final project ended up being:
The final project is four very different pieces of art that each represent Us as unique individuals with infinite wisdoms to share and shoulders to lean and/or to cry on. A painting (Carol), a future photo and fabric collage (Kerry), a painting with collage (Jamila), and a sacred object (Juanx/John). Unique and dynamic, no longer alone in the world.
For My Family/Famlia
Juanx/John Sexton Cornejo
November 20, 2022
We are starlight.
We, are stars.
We are the sand in between our toes.
We, are the land.
We are the dirt, and mud, and worms wriggling.
We are vast, and tough, and soft.
We are so much more than they will ever see. Or know. Or fear.
We have always, already been here.
We aren’t going any–where.
WE—ARE—EVERYWHERE.
Genre: Fantasy
She used them to heal the sick, make barren lands fertile, and bring happiness into the lives of the villagers. Her selflessness had earned her the respect and admiration of everyone who knew her. Every day, the Gilded Witch would be seen in the village, tending to the sick, offering wise counsel, and spreading hope. People from all walks of life sought her guidance, trusting her implicitly. She would offer them potions and spells, but always with the reminder that true magic lies within oneself. If there was ever a problem that seemed insurmountable, the Gilded Witch would find a way to help. She was regarded as a beacon of hope and a symbol of strength in the village. Many stories were told of her extraordinary feats, but she remained humble, rooted in her connection to nature and her desire to protect it. Eventually, news of the Gilded Witch's powers reached the ears of the kingdom's ruler. Intrigued by the tales of the magical witch, the king summoned her to his castle. The king had heard of her ability to restore lands and wanted her assistance in reviving the barren fields surrounding the castle. Upon meeting the Gilded Witch, the king was astonished by her beauty and her presence. He expected her to be arrogant and demanding, like many others in his court, but instead, he found her to be kind and compassionate. She agreed to help him, on the condition that he would protect and preserve the forest, ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants. The king agreed wholeheartedly, recognizing the importance of nature and realizing the error of his ways. With the Gilded Witch's assistance, the fields around the castle blossomed, and the entire kingdom flourished. The king, deeply grateful, offered the witch a place of honor in the palace, but she declined, preferring to return to her beloved village. From then on, the Gilded Witch's legend grew, captivating the hearts of many generations. Her aura of compassion, her healing touch, and her magical abilities turned her into a symbol of hope and inspiration for all. The villagers cherished her and considered themselves blessed to have her in their midst. And so, the tale of the Gilded Witch spread far and wide, reminding everyone that true power lies not in riches or kingdoms but in the ability to use one's gifts for the betterment of all. The Gilded Witch remains an eternal reminder of the beauty of kindness, the magic of compassion, and the importance of preserving the natural world..
Reviews for "The Gilded Witch's Grave: Resting Place of a Legend"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I found "The Gilded Witch" to be disappointing and poorly executed. The characters were one-dimensional and the plot felt disjointed. The author attempted to create a mystical atmosphere but instead, it came across as forced and cliché. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. Overall, I was not impressed with this novel and would not recommend it to others.
2. Joshua - 1 star - "The Gilded Witch" was an absolute waste of time. The writing was mediocre at best, with clunky dialogue and repetitive descriptions. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, offering nothing new to the genre. The main character lacked depth and development, making it difficult to feel invested in her journey. Additionally, there were numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout the book. I was highly disappointed by this novel and would advise others to steer clear.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Gilded Witch" based on the intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt overly convoluted and confusing, with a lack of clear direction. The author attempted to include too many subplots and side characters, resulting in a cluttered narrative. The pacing was uneven, with moments of action followed by long stretches of monotonous dialogue. The writing style was also quite dry, making it difficult to connect with the story on an emotional level. Overall, I found "The Gilded Witch" to be underwhelming and would not recommend it.