Magic Maker: Artist as Magician with Pam Grossman

Magic Maker: Artist as Magician

A visual presentation by Pam Grossman, followed by a conversation with Pam and Jessica Hundley

Artists are Magic Makers. They embody the archetype of the Magician, becoming a bridge between realms, and collaborating with invisible entities to conjure their work. Using the power of their craft, they bring Creative Force into intentional form -- and their imaginations quite literally change the world around them.

In this enchanted evening, bewitching writer and occulture maven Pam Grossman explores the deep relationship between creativity and magic – and puts forth the idea that they are perhaps one and the same.

Creative people often speak of being channels for inspiration, while others refer to communing with their muse. For many, this is more than mere metaphor, as artists throughout history have employed magical techniques to tap into their creativity, express powerful messages, and make contact with the sacred.

From the songwriting divination of David Bowie and the bewitching shapeshifting of Beyoncé, to the Ouija board poetry sessions of Sylvia Plath and the abstract painting séances of Hilma af Klint, to the manifestation method of Octavia E. Butler and the daily meditation of David Lynch, mystical practices have been responsible for generating some of the world’s most beloved creations.

Drawing on a lifetime of research and magical practice, Pam offers an illustrated overview of this esoteric history, highlighting some of her favorite Magic Makers, and sharing techniques that can help anyone unlock their creativity.

This presentation will be followed by a conversation about creative magic between Pam and Library of Esoterica creator, Jessica Hundley.

The evening will conclude with a signing of Pam’s new book, Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity.

Please join us for this celebration of magic, artistry, and Craft.

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Pam Grossman is a writer, curator, and teacher of magical practice and history. She is the host of podcast (“the Terry Gross of Witches” - Vulture) and the author of , , and . She is also co-editor and co-author of the volume of Taschen’s Library of Esoterica series. Her writing has appeared in numerous mediums, including The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Ms. Magazine. Her group art shows and projects, including the blockbuster exhibition , have been featured by such outlets as Artforum, The New Yorker, and Art in America. She is also co-organizer of the biennial Occult Humanities Conference at NYU.

Pam is a frequent speaker at venues such as MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art, Columbia University, and IFC Center. She has appeared in numerous witchcraft documentaries including All of Them Witches (AMC) and WITCH (BBC), and she consults regularly for film, television, and brands in the esoterica space. Her workshops on spellcraft, creativity, and occult history have been attended by thousands of students around the world. More at PamGrossman.com

Jessica Hundley is an author and filmmaker specializing in music, counterculture, magick and psychedelia. Hundley has served as a masthead editor for UK magazine Dazed & Confused, music publication The Fader and continues to freelance for publications such as Vogue, Rolling Stone and The New York Times. In her filmmaking work, she has directed the feature length music doc, Such Hawks, Such Hounds as well as numerous music videos and commercials. As an author, Hundley has published over a dozen books in the last decade, including an acclaimed biography on country rock icon Gram Parsons, a book on music and meditation with the director David Lynch, and an extensive overview of the photography of Dennis Hopper. Hundley is also creator, author and Series Editor for TASCHEN’s multivolume collection, , a book series exploring the visual history of Tarot, Astrology and other esoteric traditions. More info at www.jessicahundley.com

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The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

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