In the heart of a bustling city lies an urban center of obscure spells, a hidden gem known only to a select few. This place is a sanctuary for those who are drawn to the mystic arts, where the ancient and arcane are embraced and celebrated. Within these walls, the boundaries of reality blur and the possibilities are endless. The urban center of obscure spells is a haven for those seeking to delve into the depths of magic that are often overlooked or forgotten. Here, enchantments, rituals, and incantations that have been passed down through generations find a place to thrive. It is a place of wisdom and discovery, where scholars and practitioners alike come to learn, experiment, and unravel the secrets hidden in the whispers of forgotten spellbooks.
Tyler Lormel, also known by her stage name, Crystal Marie Tyler, is a New York & New Jersey based drag performer, author, and fine artist. She grew up in Staten Island where she started drag at age 15 before becoming president of her high school’s Gay Straight Alliance, sparking her passion for queer activism. Queer liberation and its history became important in Lormel’s work, specifically in one of her first painting’s made at FIT, depicting Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera titled Liberation. Lormel started her time at FIT in 2017 and performed in FIT’s Drag Pageant three times before winning the title of Mx FIT 2022, the same year she started her own digital drag show, Dragging Faery Tales, featuring drag artists from around the world using drag as a storytelling medium. She graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts in 2023.
On the semifinal of Dragging Faery Tales Season 1, the final four performed in a challenge called the Oz Ball where they used three looks to retell The Wizard of Oz. Although the character is now one of the most well-known fictional villains of all time, in the novel, the Wicked Witch of the West only appears in one chapter in the middle of the story.
It is a place of wisdom and discovery, where scholars and practitioners alike come to learn, experiment, and unravel the secrets hidden in the whispers of forgotten spellbooks. **The main attraction of this urban center is its collection of rare and obscure spells. These are spells that most practitioners have never even heard of or believed to be lost to time.
Wicked Witch of the West, 2022
On the semifinal of Dragging Faery Tales Season 1, the final four performed in a challenge called the Oz Ball where they used three looks to retell The Wizard of Oz. Apart from playing the Scarecrow, Texas based drag king, Justin Tyme, also performed as the Wicked Witch of the West, ultimately winning the challenge before advancing to the finale.
* This creation is framed
Tyler Lormel
About
Tyler Lormel, also known by her stage name, Crystal Marie Tyler, is a New York & New Jersey based drag performer, author, and fine artist. She grew up in Staten Island where she started drag at age 15 before becoming president of her high school’s Gay Straight Alliance, sparking her passion for queer activism. Queer liberation and its history became important in Lormel’s work, specifically in one of her first painting’s made at FIT, depicting Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera titled Liberation. Lormel started her time at FIT in 2017 and performed in FIT’s Drag Pageant three times before winning the title of Mx FIT 2022, the same year she started her own digital drag show, Dragging Faery Tales, featuring drag artists from around the world using drag as a storytelling medium. She graduated with a BFA in Fine Arts in 2023.
approvedfirst Imperial MetricMeasurements (Width X Height X Depth)
12.7 X 17.78 X 0.76 Cm
Acrylic Paint, Paper Collage on Canvas
Crafting New Beginnings.
Connecting the next generation of great artists & designers with those who appreciate them.
WICKED: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST
The novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire is the first reversioning of Baum’s novel that has the Wicked Witch of the West as the protagonist of the story.
The story starts with the birth of the character, named Elphaba, and finishes not long after she is melted by Dorothy. Maguire uses aspects from both the original novel and the 1939 film, as well as including some of his own ideas.
Elphaba has green skin, fitting the archetype of the character, and it is a large plot point in the beginning of the novel. Similar to the 1939 film, the colour of her skin alienates her, especially when she attends university.
Following many years of her life, the story shows how the Wicked Witch of the West is not truly evil, having been labelled that by society. She fights for the rights of oppressed animals, cares for her disabled sister, and even falls in love. However, she is not wholly good either: Maguire “highlights the multi-dimensionality of his heroine” (Burger 2012 p. 64), showing both her violent and charitable sides.
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West is an important reversioning, due to the character of the Wicked Witch of the West being the hero rather than the villain, as well as the character having a backstory.
** From spells of divination that can glimpse into the future to spells of protection that can ward off malevolent forces, every corner of the magical spectrum is explored and embraced. Potions bubble and simmer in cauldrons, emanating vibrant hues and intoxicating fragrances. The air is thick with the scent of ancient herbs and arcane ingredients. The shelves are filled with jars and vials, each holding a precious component necessary for a particular spell. **This urban center serves as a gathering place for spellcasters, alchemists, and enthusiasts, all seeking to expand their knowledge and forge connections with like-minded individuals.** It is a hub of creativity and collaboration, where ideas and spells are shared freely, leading to new breakthroughs and discoveries. As the sun sets and the city's vibrant lights illuminate the night sky, the urban center of obscure spells comes alive in a different way. Glowstones embedded in the walls and ceilings cast an ethereal glow, creating an otherworldly ambiance. The sound of incantations and magical energy fills the air, creating a symphony of whispers and crackles. **Those who are fortunate enough to stumble upon this hidden gem are welcomed into a realm of possibilities, where the impossible becomes possible and dreams transforms into reality.** Visiting the urban center of obscure spells is a transformative experience. It is a place where one can immerse themselves in the wonders of the magical arts and find inspiration in the vastness of the unknown. Whether you are an experienced spellcaster or a novice just beginning your journey, this urban center offers a space to explore, learn, and grow. **It is a testament to the human desire for understanding, connection, and the boundless power that lies within the realms of magic and the imagination.**.
Reviews for "Secrets of the Urban Center of Obscure Spells: Uncovering Hidden Spellcraft"
1. Lisa - 2 stars
The Urban Center of Obscure Spells was a disappointing read for me. I found the plot to be convoluted and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary twists and turns. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with. The writing style was also quite dense and made it challenging to engage with the story. Overall, I was left feeling confused and unsatisfied after reading this book.
2. Michael - 1 star
I couldn't finish The Urban Center of Obscure Spells. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took too long for the story to get interesting. The author kept introducing new characters and subplots without giving them proper development, making it hard to care about what was happening. Furthermore, the writing itself was full of clichés and glaring grammatical errors, which made it even more difficult to enjoy the book. I had high hopes for this novel, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
While The Urban Center of Obscure Spells had an intriguing concept, I found the execution to be lacking. The world-building was shallow, and I never got a clear sense of the setting. The main character was also quite bland and had little personality. The writing was overly descriptive, which often took away from the action and made the story drag. Overall, I didn't feel invested in the plot or the characters, and I was left disappointed by the end.