Burton Callicott
Burton Harry Callicott was a Theosophist from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated Theosophical concepts into his paintings and drawings. His work has been described as "the relationship between nature and the human spirit, epitomized in the effects of light."[1] Three of his paintings are in the collection of the Theosophical Society in America: Antahkarana, Mandorla, and Mandorla #12.
Early life and education
Callicott was born December 28, 1907 in Terre Haute, Indiana. After graduation from the Cleveland School of Art in 1931, he returned to Memphis to teach in public schools. Like many Depression-era artists, he found temporary employment under a federal agency. The Federal Public Works of Art Program commissioned him to paint murals for the stairway of the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. The exploration of the Mississippi River by Hernando de Soto was the subject of the murals.[2]
During this period, Callicott began working with his stepfather Michael Abt in the design of floats for the Memphis Cotton Carnival and Christmas parades. They shared this activity for 20 years beginning in 1932.
Personal life
Evelyne Baird married Burton Callicott in 1932, and they spent more than 60 years together. Thee couple had two children. Their small house in Memphis had an artist's studio with north-facing skylight and rainbows hanging in the window.[3]
Involvement with Theosophy
Early in the 1960s, Callicott developed in interest in Theosophy. He joined the Theosophical Society in America in _____ and became a life member, according to membership records of the Society.[4] Memphis Lodge in He considered himself to be mystically inclined, but not a mystic.[5] For many years he participated in the Memphis Lodge activities, and he wrote articles for Theosophical periodicals.
Art works
Light contrasted with shadows, and light refracted into rainbows are frequent components of Callicott's art.
Exhibitions
The Memphis Academy of Art, now the Memphis College of Art, exhibited Callicott's work in 1971
In 1991, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art held a retrospective exhibition of the artist's work, curated by Patricia P. Bladon. Callicott was then 83 years old. Forty-works?? were exhibited and a beautiful exhibition catalog was issued. The cover shows a fragment of Callicott's 1980 work, Moonrise Over Nauset Beach, which is executed in oil on canvas.
Notes
- ↑ Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.
- ↑ Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.
- ↑ Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.
- ↑ Theosophical Society in America Archives, membership database and microfilm records.
- ↑ Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.