Gothic Architecture Sticker

I can thank a small bookstore in Santa Cruz for inspiring my interest in Gothic architecture. I had no idea when I picked up “The Gothic” by Nick Groom that it would spark this series of mugs and a series of questions I’m still exploring to this day.

Reading though this short history of the word “Gothic”, I was stunned to learn about the roots of Gothic architecture, and intrigued by how associations with this architectural style changed over time.

What began as a tool to create a more light, Heaven-like atmosphere within churches and cathedrals became a visual language associated with ruin, decay, ghosts, and all things macabre. For a modern example, think of a classic haunted castle, or the mansion in Guillermo del Toro’s “Crimson Peak”.

Captivated by this cultural 180, I began thinking more about how associations form, and the hidden through lines between history and popular culture.

How does the idea of a witch cover an old woman on a broomstick, Hermione Granger, and #witchyvibes? Why do we all know that silver hurts werewolves? What historical scaffolding has layered to form our baseline understanding of alchemy, astrology, ghosts, monsters, magic, and all things occult?

I’ve pulled on these threads of history and pop culture in sculptural form through pieces like Animarum and Psychopomp, but I’ve also explored them through wheel-thrown work, and now with this sticker.

Either way, each piece from this series taps into that undercurrent of fascination with the historical and cultural underpinnings of our collective imaginations.

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— 3” Vinyl sticker with matte finish

Information from StickerApp:

• White premium PP film with a permanent adhesive

• PET laminate with UV screening to protect from weather and sunlight

• 2-4 years outdoor life

• PVC free product

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Follow the process on my social media @lindseymdillon