“1962 aged four: I sat in the back of a small transit van driven by Roy White, a warm hearted Caribbean painter and decorator and family friend. We were travelling through Dartmoor during the hours of darkness in the vicinity of Tavistock where my parents, having moved from London, had recently set up home. At some point during our journey my companion glanced up at the night sky and exclaimed:
“Look Aidan! Look up at the stars!”
I gazed skyward and was immediately entranced; awed by the dazzling beauty of starlight witnessed for the very first time.
I deluged Roy with a series of ‘whys?’ His patient answers awakened a wide eyed child’s imagination and triggered a lifelong quest to understand humanity’s place amongst the stars.
Roy turned on the car radio and to his delight had tuned directly to the unforgettable sound of The Tornado’s newly released 45rpm single ‘Telstar’. It was explained to me that the music had a connection with our conversation and the sparkling diamonds in the sky, and I experienced yet another first – synchronicity.
Throughout my life I have been enchanted by the mystery and magic of the stars. My interest in the stars lies with our emotional response to them, their power to ignite our imagination and sense of wonder. The inspiration for StarDisc stems from a vision to create environments where people from all walks of life can gather, contemplate, and connect with whatever resides beyond the sphere of our world. I describe StarDisc as a temple without walls and surmise it will intrigue and fascinate archaeologists of the future in the same way we are captivated by the ancient stone circles our ancestors built.”
Aidan Shingler 2011
Aidan Shingler was born in London and now lives in Derbyshire. He is married to dancer, writer, Tricia Durdey. He has worked as an artist, writer and activist for almost four decades. He conceived and organised the Kissit! XX Campaign – a series of national protests to expose human rights violations in the psychiatric system. He co-authored On the Receiving End which was published to highlight the emotional and psychological impact of psychiatric assault and call for radical reform of the mental health system. His art, questions and challenges common preconceptions and misconceptions and invites those who encounter his work to see the world anew.
Photo by Anthony Fisher
Through creativity Aidan Shingler celebrates life and the universe, emphasises the multi-dimensional nature of reality and conveys the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit. His work is pervaded by signs, symbolism, synchronicity and significance.
His exhibitions have toured the United Kingdom. He was curator of the 1990 Visions show at the Royal College of Art.
His art is included in the permanent collections of:
- Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art
- The University of Nottingham, School of Medicine
- Derbyshire County Hall
Photo by Anthony Fisher
Through creativity Aidan Shingler celebrates life and the universe, emphasises the multi-dimensional nature of reality and conveys the vulnerability and strength of the human spirit. His work is pervaded by signs, symbolism, synchronicity and significance.
His exhibitions have toured the United Kingdom. He was curator of the 1990 Visions show at the Royal College of Art.
His art is included in the permanent collections of:
- Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art
- The University of Nottingham, School of Medicine
- Derbyshire County Hall
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Click here to buy PSYCHE
Reviews: “A shaft of light into the darkness” Arts Journal “Inexplicably beautiful” The Guardian “Sharp, witty and in places very funny” Northern Review “Beyond categorisation” Artesian “Sheer brilliance” Mail-Out Special price from Blackwell’s UK: £10.99 + £2.80 UK delivery (Reduced from RRP £15.95) You Save: £4.96 (31%) Published in 2016 by Thorntree Press ISBN 978-1-9538821-7-2 Paper pack/perfect bound 40 colour images |
PSYCHE is Aidan Shingler's mind-blowing account of the visionary potential of unusual states of consciousness. One person in every hundred is diagnosed schizophrenic. With striking imagery and compelling narrative, the author explores the spiritual and creative aspects of schizophrenia, the way people so labelled are treated by the psychiatric system, and how the senses of those experiencing psychosis are opened to paranormal stimuli. The book validates schizophrenia or ‘Psyche-sensitivity’ as evidence of humankind evolving before us, here and now, and emphasises its positive and transforming potential.
