I don’t talk enough about the magical aspects to my artwork. I discuss the mental health aspects a lot. Especially at shows. But trying to explain my witchy process to normies just makes me nervous. Not to quote the bible, but it feels like casting pearls before swine.

I don’t usually plan my art out ahead of time. Many times I have no idea what it will look like. When I do, its usually something I saw in a dream or vision. Either way, its something coming from beyond myself.

Art is a form of magic. Even though I’m male, I still consider myself a witch. There really isn’t a word for male witches, and warlock doesn’t actually apply. Though it sounds cool. I could go by wizard, but that feels presumptive to call myself that.

When we create art, whether its planned or not, we are conjuring something. Creating something from nothing. With intuitive art, that is taken to a new level. Either through the use of cannabis, or sometimes just my own relaxation techniques (I do both, and there is no wrong way here) I let the universe or spirits, or whatever forces out there speak to me and show me what to draw.

I’ve heard of automatic writing, the art of listening to the spirits and channeling messages through written words. I suppose automatic art is a thing. There are many times I’ve looked at something and wondered where that came from.

When we create art, we are putting the rawest parts of ourselves out there. It can be scary and vulnerable. Doing things like fan art or landscapes is nice and can be fun. I do fan art sometimes, but choose not to rely on it. For one, the whole copyright issue, but two, it helps my skills and its good for practice, but to me its a form of hiding behind someone else’s work.

That way may be safe and sure to get more clicks, but its not really exposing your own spirit or psyche to the world. That is often scary, but i feel my best feedback and responses have been from my scariest pieces.

If your art doesn’t connect with you, you can’t expect it to connect with anyone else. There is a running meme on social media not to use AI for art, but childhood trauma like a real artist. This is facts. Though I would add weed and mania to that list. Although I take medication now for my mania, my creative part of my brain still remains in overdrive.

Contrary to some new age and wellness circles, psychiatric medications do not damper your creativity or your spiritual sensitivity. Its not “low vibrational” I also know meds aren’t for everyone, and it takes time to find the right combination. I’m talking from my own experiences.

When creating magical art, it doesn’t have to be witchcraft related for it to be witchy art. Most of my art is abstract or surreal or something really weird. Its just as witchy and magical as my drawings of crows or skulls. Its the process where the magic is instilled.

Ultimately, don’t overthink your art. Trust your gut and your spirit. Open your mind and instead of straining your brain over fine details, let your mind go and see what you create. You may suprise yourself.