An Investigation of the History of Witchcraft, Scapegoating & the Dangers of Superstition
Holly Connick
I am a multi-disciplinary designer, specialising in graphic design and illustration. My work is primarily through digital techniques and I tend to investigate a variety of topics through my diverse practice. These range from comics and publication design to embroidery patches and more.
I have a strong interest in folklore, mythology, the occult and the supernatural. I am also passionate about social issues such as gender equality, the environment, human rights, and many other issues. Although these interests do not seem to directly relate to one another, I like to try and connect ideas as demonstrated by my degree show project. I have investigated the history of witchcraft, the dangers of superstition and scapegoating, exploring how it connects to feminism. I hope to communicate this misunderstood period of history and to emphasise its lingering consequences.
Understanding the Witch. Page spreads. This book's purpose is to give a broader understanding of the term "witch" and the importance of the witch's role in history and society
Each chapter in Understanding the Witch has its own unique colour scheme. The chapter pages here show the 5 different colour gradients applied to the imagery throughout the book
Understanding the Witch. Cover. The painting used on the cover is an edit of 'Witches on the Sabbath' (1878), by Luis Ricardo Falero. The use of classical art in this book was very important as it gave different historical perceptions of witches
VVITCH. Cover. This lookbook showcases the embroideries I designed while also explaining the history of why women were not allowed to have pockets, due to witchcraft superstitions
VVITCH. Spreads. The embroidered clothes were kindly modelled by Lucy Prevo
Embroideries featured in the VVITCH lookbook. Left to right: Hekate the goddess of Witchcraft; Circe, a goddess of sorcery; and Lilith, who in Jewish folklore was the first wife of Adam. Each of these women had their stories twisted throughout history and were demonised for challenging what a woman was expected to be and do
A selection of some of the comics I created, which illustrate many of the reasons I would not have survived the witch hunts. If you wish to view the full collection of comics, please visit @guess_i_must_be_a_witch on Instagram.
Each comic shows a real reason why I would have been accused of witchcraft during the witch hunts and each is accompanied by a passage of text explaining the historical context behind the illustration. To read the comics at your own pace, please visit @guess_i_must_be_a_witch on Instagram
To accompany the comic’s online presence on Instagram (@guess_i_must_be_a_witch) I decided to make an A5 riso printed zine, featuring 10 of the comics
Just like on the @guess_i_must_be_a_witch Instagram page, each comic in the zine was accompanied by a historical context passage, explaining why that particular reason would have had me accused and executed for witchcraft during the witch hunts