Surprise! Welcome back The Magic Hour. The universe decided that Tess and I would meet this year- and it was a fitting alignment being that we both seem to think alot about our relationship to time. In this wild world of connection, it really moved me that somehow she found the Dreamcast at just the right moment-when I was ready to allow for more “letting things happen” and relinquishing control. This kind of magic encounter is what the Dreamcast is all about.Tess is a filmmaker/animator/artist who has lived all around the world and is currently creating and showing work in Rotterdam. She joined me on the dreamcast to talk about her life and artwork. We delve into why we care about time, about a sense of place, about animation and its ability to slow down stories and make us remember to not forget.Please find below stills from her projects, links to her films, and where she will be showing her work in the upcoming months. Please share, connect and support her so she can continue to create her amazing work. Please start here at her website!Feel free to share thoughts and ideas below, and if you ever feel inspired to share you story with me around the fire, let me know.Until next time,PixieLinks to Tess’ films:Currently only one film is publicly available: 'Still Life with Woman, Tea and Letter'The trailer to '1976: Search for Life' is here: This one will be online next summer.The trailer to 'How Now, House?' is here: Her work will be showing At the Sheffield Doc Fest Jun 21st and 22nd! Link to the film.Here is the Italian Film FestivalRotterdam Installation in JuneLinks to the films and other things we discuss in our talk:Yuri Norstein-Tale of TalesI Lost My Body TrailerTango-experimental filmBook: The Order of TimeCaroline LeafNote: Thank you to Ale for helping me with the epic editing hurdles for this one.. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

Ew. Maybe “ew” is how it really is sometimes, but keeping a sense of humor is also important. So is telling the truth. Sarah does both. I hope you enjoy this talk on the Dreamcast- that you laugh, cry, and entertain curiosity all at once.Please follow the links below to request commissions from Sarah, and to see all of her social media accounts. Her work is excellent, but even more importantly she is an excellent person, which makes what she creates all the more special. Thank you for joining us, and see you again soon!Evil Toaster Art Linktree This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

“ Do not laugh! But once upon a time (my crest has long since fallen) I had a mind to make a body of more or less connected legend, ranging from the large and cosmogonic, to the level of romantic fairy story- the larger founded on the lesser in contact with the earth, the lesser drawing splendour from the vast backcloths- which I could dedicate simply to: to England; to my country. It should possess the tone and quality that I desired, somewhat cool and clear, be redolent of our ‘air’ (the clime and soil of the North West, meaning Britain and the hither parts of Europe: not Italy or the Aegean, still less the East), and, while possessing (if I could achieve it) the fair elusive beauty that some call Celtic…it should be ‘high’, purged of the gross, and fit for the more adult mind of a land long now steeped in poetry. I would draw some of the great tales in fullness, and leave many only placed in the scheme, and sketched. The cycles should be linked to a majestic whole, and yet leave scope for other minds and hands, wielding paint and music and drama. Absurd.”From A Letter by J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman, 1951 In the introduction to the 2022 copy of The SilmarillionWelcome back to the fire.What exists in our current reality is only the surface of deep and timeless truths. If we broke ourselves open into the stuff of stars, we would find all of the versions of love and envy and cowardice and light. And what would they look like? Gold or silver, or something indescribable? But isn’t that what art and writing find- the indescribable truths of this timeline. The limitations and then moments when those limitations seem surmountable. Within myth and stories are a code, an ancient mythic code and this saga is one of many. An enchanted spell created just for us- for then, and a few decades ago, and now. Now most of all- since now is where we find ourselves in this moment.I imagine it a glowing book- runes in the twilight, and asking us to open it. Inside, the sacred script that was written on our souls when the universe beganMessages meant for us. I think within the container of this time are the smallest most simple and sweet of momentsthat will, in the end,save the entire world.A kind word. A soft tap at the door. The breathless pause as the candle is lit.Take your armor- and depart. There is more magic than we once supposed.Until next monthpixieShownotes:Ismael Cruz Cordova-interview mentioned in this episode- but it is missing some key information.The interview with more details starts at 1:03 in this videoJoin me on the Cara app: @jesspixie and join us in reclaiming our hearts and minds.The Spell of Social Media EpisodeThe Dark Crystal Episode This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

Welcome again to the fire. My friend Caitlin Vogel joined The Magic Hour to share her mythic journey with us. Grab something warm, and maybe something to sketch with. Whether you think you are an artist, or not. Maybe you’ll find something at the edges of the light.The truth about the world is that we all must enter the dark forest. Some sooner rather than later. Within those forests are talismans of sorts, and they all are made perfectly for you. Its just knowing how to find them- where to look.Once you find them though, its all about what to actually do with them. Each symbol has its own voice, purpose, power. They have many kinds of power. With them, we can make languages and craft new spells- transforming old ones into empowerment and helping us forge new paths- that are our own.Today Caitlin tells us about the paths she took, the symbols she found- what fell apart, and what she weaved in its place. To see the art from pain or loss or abandonment is one of the most special gifts. Creating takes the intangible weights and shows them the exit. The light gives them context, and helps us see what is there. I was so lucky to know Caitlin in those dark art school days, we saw each others separate universes and gave each other room to process and grow. To have come this far in what is truly another new reality; to have the ability to look back on a body of work and a lifetime of exploration and discovery, to see where it has led us to in this moment, its a magical thing. I am so grateful to her for sharing this with us. The question always is- whats next? I hope you enjoy this epic journey, and the accompanying images of her work. You can also follow Caitlin as she continues to create as a vibrant and unique art teacher here: Caitlin's InstagramThank you for joining us on The Magic Hour and I can’t wait to gather again with you next month.Images in order from top left to bottom right: Brooklyn Studio cerca 2009, Momma Pods and Baby Poops, Line of Communication, Hopeful Gutteral Outpour, Sketch for hope bubbles sculpture, superfeeder, sketch-something about hope and disease, sketch for communication pods, babble hive installation, test woodcuts 5ft x9ft, babble hive/hivemind temporary installation, thought bubbles blown glass, Perception shifter (New Glass review published) Untitled woodcut 4 panels 2’x4’each-8X10 total, Polymer Clay Cane rollout, snowflake cane stepsFire Crackling Sound Effect by Mikhail from PixabayEpisode Notes:A new Magic Hour Theme Song is on its way. Until then, enjoy the fire.For now, episodes will be released the last day of every month.I am always on the lookout for stories. The hard ones.Reach out to me if you’d like to tell yours.Pixie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

As promised, The Magic Hour has returned as the veil thins, in this season of going inwards. Of death, decay, and sowing quietly the seeds of new growth. The seeds so small, we don’t even know what kind they are yet. Easing into the darkness of this hemisphere of the world, I breathe a sigh of relief as I enter this cave with an abundance of love and wisdom. More mystery, more growth, more grief. The real lesson for me is accepting each hard journey and not viewing it as bad- but simply part of everything. Perhaps the hardest rock I’ve had to swallow as I’ve grown older. I offer up today the first episode of Season Three, a pyre for my own mythic cycle. Its not an easy story this one, and it may not be easy for you to hear. So listen when you have the capacity. There is so much in the world outside of my story, and each of our inner and outerworlds weave in and out of each other daily. This is just one small window. The only thing I am certain of is how important we are to each other. I welcome the quiet of night. I need the soft rest of this time, and while we rest, each month I will bring you stories. Stories to tell around the fire. So nice to be with you again.See you soon,PixieResources:Fibroid FoundationSociety for Women's Health ResearchArticle on Fibroids News articles of women dying because medical care was denied:I will keep adding to the listGeorgia Abortion Ban-resulting deathJosseli Barnica died in Texas because of abortion banFire Crackling Sound Effect by Mikhail from Pixabay This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

Ethan’s Dream2024Acrylic on wood panel4’x4’NOTE: Please excuse some recording “icky background noise” that you may hear. I was working with equipment that needs to be upgraded and sounds out of my control. I think it was solved to a point where this is truly fine to listen to, but it is certainly not up to the standards I aim for. xo.Welcome to our final episode of season two. I am here in my apartment on a warm summer day chatting with Taylor, a sweet artist I met one of the first times I ever sold at an event in a little coffee shop around the corner. We sat there talking for a few hours, and I do remember that no one actually bought anything from us. But what I did gain was priceless- a friend and an artist with a vision I was very drawn to. I wanted to bring her on as a guest because I wanted to learn more and share her magic with you.You will find below a few images of Taylors work, her website, and instagram. Also a link to the pdf about color that she speaks about in the podcast. Taylor has many original paintings as well as beautiful prints available for sale- and if you feel so inspired, you can support her by purchasing them. Then you will be able to bring some of her world into your own. You won’t regret it. Thank you again for joining us this season. We will return on October 31st, when the wind has again shifted and the veil is thin once more.With love, Pixie and RudoPassing Through2024Acrylic on wood panel2’x4’Do Not Climb2018Acrylic on wood panel4’x2’Taylor’s Websiteraye_of_light_The 4th Dimension of Color This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

This episode is an energizing bolt of lightning in the dreary caverns of the everyday. As Neil says- “a crash course in possiblity”. If you want to make things happen but the thing you want doesn’t exist, what if you created it so that it would?Neil Martin is an example of a weaver of the fabric of place. What does it mean to be an artist in Pittsburgh, who are the people here? What stories do they have to tell? Neil makes sure they get to tell their stories. This episode is about accessibility, breaking down elitist gatekeeping, hard work, authenticity and the way community is essential to change. The way we can clear the barriers to being a part of a new kind of art scene. One that doesn’t belong only to the wealthy, or well connected.This talk with inspire you to make that piece, call that contact, reach out to someone else. Lately I feel drained by the world; by cruelty, by elitist tropes. This conversation reminded me about what it means to be a part of the world, to believe in each other. Storytelling and art is not just for a select few. Its for all of us.Please check out Neil’s gallery and the many programs he is involved with as well as Center of Life, the not for profit that has made such a difference here in Pittsburgh. If there is anything to fight for in this life, it is for people and places like this. Never take no for an answer. Share your story. We all need it.Links:Wick MonetCenter of Life This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

Meet Chris Hall, a special person with whom I have shared many magical moments over the years. I’m excited that he has agreed to join us and talk about his origins, writing, and experiences, which will inspire and fascinate you. This is an intricately woven tapestry of storytelling, so grab something warm and curl up by the fire. Adventures await.You can listen to Chris’ lecture on The Great Bengal Famine and the Boston Tea Party for the Boston Public Library. As it is not yet published on the site, comment here so he can send it to you. Here is where Chris works (and lives!) - feel free to stop by for a tour!Friends of Parker TavernAnd don’t forget- all of us have a right and ability to access public archives!Massachusets Historical SocietySome Info on John AdamsThe Symbol of the National Park ServiceAnd here are some of Chris’ Poems:Poem 1. I'd never seen you wear black before You're alive. You know that. Of course you know, its no surprise. It's just that dealing with death and the long run makes it worthwhile. I'd tell you but you know you live it more sincerely than I can write. 2. Today you wore white I was right I was rightFire Alarm At the Bach Concert As patrons try to pour out of the hall Singers harmonize with a piercing tone The running lights turn on and off as if everyone is blinking in unison Two ushers work up a sweat trying to heave the weight of the exit doors Behind them, the crowd waits patiently as if in line for the salad bar Above the organ, smoke eases its way through the balcony.Please note:Everything mentioned in this podcast are just Chris’ opinion. Anything said about past, present, or future employers, are strictly his opinion and do not represent the ideas of anyone else or any entity or company. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

Rudo and I talk about Black Holes from a purely artistic perspective, our feelings thoughts and imaginings about these magnificent, terrifying parts of our universe that seem to be integral to our existence.Articles/WebsitesAstronomers have snapped a new photo of the black hole in galaxy M87-January 18, 2024Dr. Ronald S. Gamble Jr.-theoretical physicistJanna Levin- Black Hole ArtSpace Artists on the First Black Hole ImageThe Overview EffectBlack in Astro CommunityEvent Horizon TelescopeFilms we talk about:How the Universe WorksInterstellarContactA little bit about Kip Thorne who worked on Interstellar among other things. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com

Let us ask it in the form of a question…what is it about a good villain? Isn’t it juicy sometimes to think about what sort of villain you’d be? And what do villains represent, what do they teach us?We’re going to have a look at some stories, scope out our favourite characters and attributes. We hope you enjoy the show!Now some notes…firstly, our list* Yzma* Magneto* “Man” as portrayed in Fern Gully, Julie of the Wolves, Avatar, * Agent Smith* The Skeksi * Jafar* Ursula * Maleficent * The Nothing* Sauron* The Jana’ata- the Reshtar (from The Sparrow)* The White Witch and The Snow Queen* Boyd Crowder from Justified* Donald Whitfield from 1923Self reflection prompts:* What makes a good villain and how do they get made?* What do they represent? * What can they teach us?* What parts of them make them well rounded?* Talk about the difference between “real life” villains and story book ones* What are healthy ways we can resolve pain and shame outside of violence and retribution?The music we use for our podcast entitled “Whimsical Aliens”  was written and performed by Alejandro Bernard from Ithaca NY.  Subscribe and like his music tutorials on Youtube they are so charming. You can become a patron to his work tooOur podcast project is edited and produced by Bjorn. Rudo’s first encounter with chat GPTchat GPT transcript: Rudo’s prompt- Who are some good villains? Darth Vader (Star Wars) - A powerful Sith Lord with a tragic backstory.Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter series) - The dark wizard seeking power and immortality.The Joker (Batman) - An anarchic and unpredictable criminal mastermind.Sauron (The Lord of the Rings) - The dark lord seeking to conquer Middle-earth.Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs) - A brilliant and cannibalistic serial killer.Iago (Othello by William Shakespeare) - The manipulative and scheming antagonist.Count Dracula (Dracula by Bram Stoker) - The classic vampire villain.Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith) - The infamous dog-napper with a penchant for fur.Wicked Witch of the West (The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum) - The iconic antagonist in the magical land of Oz.Norman Bates (Psycho by Robert Bloch) - The disturbed hotel owner with a sinister secret.These characters have left a lasting impact on literature, film, and popular culture. Keep in mind that opinions on the "greatest" villains may vary, and there are many other memorable villains not included in this list.Pick the top villains from all the largest civilisations in history from all timeChatGPTSelecting the top villains from the largest civilizations in history is a complex task, as it involves considering different time periods, cultures, and perspectives. Additionally, what may be considered a villainous figure in one culture could be viewed differently in another. Nevertheless, here are some figures from various civilizations who are often considered significant antagonists:* Ancient Egypt: Set (Seth) - The god of chaos and storms in Egyptian mythology, often portrayed as a disruptive force.* Ancient Greece: Medea - The sorceress and wife of Jason who commits heinous acts, including killing her own children, in revenge.* Roman Empire: Nero - The Roman Emperor known for his tyrannical rule and alleged persecution of Christians.* Ancient China: Empress Wu Zetian - The only female emperor in Chinese history, known for her ruthless tactics and consolidating power.* Mesopotamia: King Hammurabi - While known for his code of laws, Hammurabi's methods of enforcing justice were often brutal and tyrannical.* Persian Empire: Xerxes I - The Persian king who led the invasion of Greece, depicted as a formidable adversary in Greek history.* Indian Civilization: Ravana - The antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana, a powerful demon king with ten heads.* Mongol Empire: Genghis Khan - While a great military leader, Genghis Khan is often viewed as a ruthless conqueror who caused widespread destruction.* Aztec Empire: Moctezuma II - The emperor during the Spanish conquest, whose actions and decisions are debated among historians.* Inca Empire: Atahualpa - The last emperor of the Inca Empire, captured and executed by the Spanish conquistadors.Certainly! Here are villains from folk tales representing each continent:* Africa: Anansi (Various African cultures) - Anansi the spider is a trickster figure in African folklore, known for his cunning and deceitful behavior.* Asia: Ravana (Hindu mythology, India) - The ten-headed demon king from the Ramayana, who kidnaps Sita and is defeated by Lord Rama.* Europe: The Big Bad Wolf (Various European cultures) - A common antagonist in European fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs.* North America: Wendigo (Algonquian folklore, Native American) - A mythical creature or evil spirit associated with cannibalism and greed in Algonquian mythology.* South America: El Chupacabra (Latin American folklore) - A creature said to attack and drink the blood of livestock, often portrayed as a villain in Latin American folklore.* Australia: Bunyip (Aboriginal Australian folklore) - A mythical creature in Australian Aboriginal mythology, often associated with waterholes and depicted as a dangerous spirit.* Antarctica: N/A (No indigenous population) - Antarctica doesn't have indigenous human populations, so it lacks specific folk tales with villains.Remember that folk tales can vary widely within continents, and different regions may have their own unique stories and characters. Additionally, interpretations of these characters can differ across cultures and storytelling traditions.pick villains that are people from folk tales, from all continentsChatGPTCertainly! Here are villains from folk tales who are people from various continents:* Africa: Anansi's Son (Various African cultures) - Anansi's son is often portrayed as a mischievous and cunning character who creates trouble for others.* Asia: Lady White (Chinese folklore) - A malevolent spirit in Chinese folklore, Lady White is known for her supernatural powers and often appears as a beautiful woman who brings tragedy.* Europe: Bluebeard (French folklore) - Bluebeard is a wealthy and violent nobleman who murders his wives. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of curiosity.* North America: La Llorona (Mexican and Southwestern U.S. folklore) - Also known as the Weeping Woman, La Llorona is a ghostly woman who drowned her children and now wanders, crying, in search of them.* South America: El Silbón (Venezuelan folklore) - El Silbón is a malevolent spirit associated with whistling sounds. He is said to carry a bag of bones and torment those who hear his whistle.* Australia: Yowie (Australian Aboriginal folklore) - Yowies are mythical humanoid creatures in Australian Aboriginal folklore, often portrayed as menacing figures.* Antarctica: N/A (No indigenous population) - As mentioned earlier, Antarctica lacks specific folk tales due to the absence of indigenous human populations.Remember that folk tales can have various versions, and the characters may be interpreted differently in different regions and communities. Additionally, the nature of folk tales often involves moral lessons or warningsThere are many memorable villains from TV and movies, and opinions on the "best" can vary. Here's a diverse list of iconic villains known for their complexity, charisma, and impact on popular culture:TV Villains:* Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal) - A brilliant and cultured serial killer with a taste for human flesh.* Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones) - A cunning and power-hungry queen with a complex character arc.* Walter White (Breaking Bad) - While initially a protagonist, Walter White transforms into a morally ambiguous character involved in the drug trade.* Sideshow Bob (The Simpsons) - An intelligent and vengeful character with a deep dislike for Bart Simpson.* The Joker (Batman: The Animated Series) - The animated version of the Joker is often praised for its voice acting and psychological depth.Movie Villains:* Darth Vader (Star Wars) - The iconic Sith Lord with a tragic backstory.* Hannibal Lecter (The Silence of the Lambs) - Also a movie villain, Lecter is portrayed by Anthony Hopkins in this classic psychological thriller.* The Joker (The Dark Knight) - Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is widely acclaimed for its intensity and complexity.* Norman Bates (Psycho) - The disturbed hotel owner with a dark secret.* Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter series) - The dark wizard seeking to conquer the wizarding world.* Hans Gruber (Die Hard) - A sophisticated and intelligent terrorist mastermind.* Anton Chigurh (No Country for Old Men) - A cold and remorseless hitman with a twisted sense of morality.* Keyser Söze (The Usual Suspects) - A mysterious and elusive criminal mastermind.* Scar (The Lion King) - The treacherous uncle of Simba, known for his Shakespearean traits.* Agent Smith (The Matrix trilogy) - A relentless and powerful computer program with a disdain for humanity.These villains have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and continue to be celebrated for their performances and storytelling contributions.n Slavic, Celtic, Romani, and African folktales who are common villainsChatGPTFolktales from Slavic, Celtic, Romani, and African cultures feature a variety of villains and mythical beings. Keep in mind that folklore is rich and diverse, with many variations of stories. Here are some common types of villains or malevolent beings found in the folktales of these cultures:Slavic Folktales:* Baba Yaga - A supernatural, old witch-like character often depicted as living in a hut that stands on chicken legs. She is known for her capricious and unpredictable nature.* Koschei the Deathless - An evil, immortal figure often portrayed as a skeletal, death-like character. He hides his soul in a needle, which is hidden in an egg, which is in a duck, which is in a hare, and so on.* Domovoi - A household spirit in Slavic folklore, the Domovoi is generally protective, but if offended, it can become a malevolent force within the home.Celtic Folktales:* Púca - A shape-shifting creature in Celtic folklore known for its mischievous behavior. It can appear as a horse, goat, cat, or other animals.* Banshee - A female spirit in Irish folklore, the Banshee is often considered an omen of death and is associated with wailing or keening.* Fomorians - In Irish mythology, the Fomorians are a group of supernatural beings often depicted as hostile and monstrous.Romani Folktales:* Chajdaan - In Romani folklore, Chajdaan is a trickster figure, often depicted as a sly and cunning character.* Devel - A Romani term for the Devil, often appearing in Romani folktales as a deceptive and malevolent force.African Folktales:* Anansi the Spider (Akan folklore) - While Anansi is often a trickster figure, his actions can sometimes lead to negative consequences for others.* Mami Wata - A water spirit found in the folklore of various African cultures. Mami Wata can be benevolent or malevolent, often associated with water and enchanting beauty.* Eshu - A trickster and messenger deity in Yoruba mythology, Eshu is known for his mischievous and unpredictable nature.These are just a few examples, and the actual stories can vary significantly across regions and communities within each cultural group. Folktales often serve as a way to convey cultural values, morals, and lessons.End. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagichourdreamcast.substack.com