Alchemy, Art and a Rural Residency with Chantal Powell

Deep in rural Dorset, amidst rolling fields and a stone's throw from the history-rich and fossil-strewn Jurassic Coast, artist Chantal Powell has built a practice that is as much about introspection as it is about connection. Her work, deeply rooted in Jungian psychology and the exploration of archetypal symbols, resonates with themes of alchemy, mythology, and the unconscious. But Chantal’s influence extends beyond her creative output; through projects like the Hogchester Arts Residency and The Red Book Club, she fosters a network of collaboration, dialogue, and shared exploration.

“I never expected to merge my background in psychology with my art,” Chantal says, reflecting on her journey. “But during a period of severe chronic ill health, I discovered Jungian thinking. The idea of the collective unconscious really resonated with me, and when I was able to create again, it deeply informed my practice.” This fusion of art and psychology has led to what Chantal describes as “a relationship with symbols.” Her process involves diving into motifs like the vessel or dismemberment, researching across myth, alchemy, and personal active imagination to uncover their living, symbolic language.

Hogchester Arts began as a response to Chantal’s unique circumstances - rural isolation compounded by chronic health challenges. “At the time, I was living in this idyllic place with a beautiful studio, but I felt incredibly disconnected,” she explains. “It seemed like a win-win to invite artists here, especially those used to urban environments, offering them a shift in perspective and allowing me to foster conversation and community.”

Over the past seven years, the residency has welcomed more than 40 artists. Initially open-call, it has since transitioned to an invite-only model. “When I first started, we were looking for proposals related to the environment here. But we found it more interesting to let artists come without a plan and respond organically to the space.” Today, Chantal’s selections often reflect her admiration for an artist’s practice or her desire to have meaningful conversations with them.

These interactions have led to unexpected synergies. “Some artists have formed lasting friendships or even gone on to collaborate,” Chantal notes. “One of my favourite examples is pairing Matt Chivers and Thom Trojanowski. They didn’t know each other before the residency, but their shared interests created an instant bond. It’s wonderful to see connections like that unfold.”

The rural Dorset landscape plays an active role in the residency experience. “I like to think of it as the third or fourth personality in the mix,” Chantal says. “The environment has this almost personified presence, and it’s fascinating to see how artists respond to it.” The impact of the landscape often extends beyond the residency. “It’s always lovely to see my home reflected in someone else’s work,” she shares, referencing Emma Cousin’s and Martyn Cross’s post-residency exhibitions, where Dorset’s influence became a lasting element.

While the residency fosters intimate, face-to-face connections, Chantal’s Red Book Club creates a different community. Founded during the lockdown, the online book club has grown into a vibrant space for discussing Jungian psychology, art, and the imagination. “It started with five people on Zoom,” Chantal recalls, “but it’s now over 600 members worldwide.”

The club has attracted guest speakers like authors Amy Hale, Jennifer Higgie, and Patrick Harper, drawing in a diverse audience of artists, academics, and thinkers. “It’s a mix of perspectives that makes the conversations so rich,” Chantal says. “And although it started out of desire to connect during lockdown, it’s become a joyful part of my practice - another way to connect, share ideas, and foster collaboration.”

Chantal reflects on the contrasting dynamics of her residency and book club: “The residency allows for depth - long, unhurried conversations in person. The book club, on the other hand, offers incredible breadth, reaching a global audience and creating connections that sometimes develop into deeper relationships.”

Her dual approach mirrors her artistic practice, which combines rigorous research with intuitive creation. “Each day starts with reading and making notes,” she explains. “I’m diving deeper into alchemy, exploring its inner, symbolic aspects. It’s a combination of structured research and learning, and intuition, and they’re coming closer together in my work.”

As Chantal embarks on a significant new body of work, she feels a sense of clarity in her practice. “The last couple of years have felt like everything is coming together,” she says. “I’ve found a balance between the research and making, and I’m excited for what’s next.”

Her plans include continuing her archetypal symbol courses - the next focusing on the spiral - and working on a 2026 institutional show that will combine art with academic collaboration. “I’m excited by the alchemical process of bringing different voices and disciplines together,” Chantal says. “There’s so much potential in finding those unexpected synergies.”

Through Hogchester Arts, The Red Book Club, Jungian teaching, and her own artistic evolution, Chantal Powell exemplifies the power of creating connections. Whether it’s a shared conversation under Dorset’s wide skies or a virtual gathering across continents, her work reminds us of the possibilities that emerge when art becomes a bridge between individuals, disciplines, and ideas.