SB2 Greetings From… | Witch Research

Having chosen four locations that relate to my theme, I made notes of important parts of the historical / mythical stories. I also thought about key themes and imagery that could inform my rough designs.

Zugarramurdi, Spain | Main places are the witch caves, and maybe the meadow.

Things I'd like to pick up on; atmosphere of the caves, mystery, secrecy, gatherings.

I started drawing little figures in cloaks and hats and I really like how they look, I may develop this 'character' of the witches (should it stay the same? change depending on location?).

They are simple in appearance yet there's something weird about them that I enjoy. I like the idea of drawing tiny witch ladies that are just otherworldly and bizarre, not cute or overtly feminine. Just meeting their gal pals under the cover of darkness, talking about spells..

Salem, Massachusetts | The setting that stuck out for me in this place was the idea of a tiny, bleak village. Themes that followed was the idea of alienation and outsiders, or strange characters/happenings in a strict, puritan environment.

The pointy, black-roofed houses are similar to witches hats, so showing that parallel could be interesting. There was also mention of various 'magical' items and practices in the case, so they could also be involved if necessary.

Torsaker, Sweden | I think reading about this trial was one of the most intense. There was a great sense of hysteria and panic attached to it, as well as a few mysterious goings-on.

For me the notable people of this case were Laurentius Hornaeus, a priest that held a lot of authority and ran the trials, and the tale boys, children who were pressured into identifying locals as witches by Laurentius (some of which were later found dead…)

When researching the event and the place itself, pictures of the bare white church, with only a few other buildings scattered nearby looked very miserable and ominous. I'd like to try and put across this feeling.

North Berwick, Scotland | Unique parts to this story included the old kirkyard (where covens would meet), as well as the context of King James VI and his fascination with witchcraft. Agnes Sampson (an alleged elder witch) was also a prominent person mentioned.

I think that with all of my chosen locations, I will have to find the balance between highlighting their own distinctive characters, as well as making sure that they work well together and aren't too dissparate.