Ithell Colquhoun: Artist, Occultist, Feminist

British artist Ithell Colquhoun (1906-1988) was a restless creative force who expressed herself both in visual art and in writing. She was also a practicing occultist with a deep knowledge of the esoteric traditions of both East and West. In this lecture, Richard Shillitoe explores how Colquhoun's work reveals a deep mystical immersion in the land and how, for her, painting was a divinatory act that revealed the closeness of women and nature. He will discuss the importance of animism in her work, and consider the origins of her inspiration. It will be illustrated with some memorable images. All are invited to the drinks soirée afterward to meet the speaker.

Dr Richard Shillitoe worked for the NHS for many years. He co-edited the first publication of Colquhoun’s novel I Saw Water and has recently published Medea’s Charms, a volume of Colquhoun’s poems, essays and short stories. He maintains the website www.ithellcolquhoun.co.uk