Burton Callicott - Revision history

SysopJ at 17:57, 6 February 2026

2026-02-06T17:57:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 6 February 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Burton Callicott.jpg\|500px\|thumb\|Burton Callicott and "3 Triangles and 1 Rhomboid in the Winter Sun"]]		[[File:Burton Callicott.jpg\|500px\|thumb\|Burton Callicott and "3 Triangles and 1 Rhomboid in the Winter Sun"]]
	'''Burton Harry Callicott''' was an art professor from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated [[Theosophy\|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."<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Late in life he also expressed himself in poetry:<ref>Burton Callicott, [poem number] "5" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 12.</ref>		'''Burton Harry Callicott''' (1907-2003) was an art professor from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated [[Theosophy\|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."<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Late in life he also expressed himself in poetry:<ref>Burton Callicott, [poem number] "5" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 12.</ref>

	::::'''My wall daily graced'''		::::'''My wall daily graced'''

SysopJ: /* Involvement with Theosophy */

2023-09-26T16:29:41Z

Involvement with Theosophy

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:29, 26 September 2023
Line 37:		Line 37:
	File:Callicott Antahkarana 1.jpg\|<center>''Antahkarana''</center>		File:Callicott Antahkarana 1.jpg\|<center>''Antahkarana''</center>
	File:Mandorla pastel.jpg\|<center>''Mandorla''</center>		File:Mandorla pastel.jpg\|<center>''Mandorla''</center>
			File:Mandorla 12.jpg\|<center>''Mandorla No. 12''</center>
	</gallery>		</gallery>

SysopJ at 16:07, 26 September 2023

2023-09-26T16:07:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 26 September 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Callicott ~~Antahkarana 1~~.jpg\|~~200px~~\|thumb\|~~right\|''Antahkarana'']]~~		[[File:Burton Callicott.jpg\|500px\|thumb\|Burton Callicott and "3 Triangles and 1 Rhomboid in the Winter Sun"]]
	~~[[File:Mandorla pastel.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|''Mandorla''~~]]
	'''Burton Harry Callicott''' was an art professor from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated [[Theosophy\|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."<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Late in life he also expressed himself in poetry:<ref>Burton Callicott, [poem number] "5" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 12.</ref>		'''Burton Harry Callicott''' was an art professor from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated [[Theosophy\|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."<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Late in life he also expressed himself in poetry:<ref>Burton Callicott, [poem number] "5" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 12.</ref>

Line 7:		Line 6:
	::::'''born of the marriage'''		::::'''born of the marriage'''
	:::::'''of leaf and sun.'''		:::::'''of leaf and sun.'''

	Three of his paintings were donated by the artist and his family for the collection of the [[Theosophical Society in America]]: [[Antahkarana (art work)\|''Antahkarana'']], [[Mandorla (art work)\|''Mandorla'']], and [[Mandorla No. 12 (art work)\|''Mandorla #12'']].

	== Personal life ==		== Personal life ==
Line 35:		Line 32:
	In the several versions, though treated abstractly and in pure prismatic colors, I have intended for the theme to be a clear reference to a sunset sky reflected in a body of water. I find a correspondence in principle between this common natural phenomenon and the idea expressed in the metaphysical philosophy that the physical world is a veiled and distorted reflection of a necessary and antecedent higher world. The theme may be viewed as a visual symbol of that correspondence.<ref>Burton Callicott, "Spectrum and Reflection" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 112.</ref>		In the several versions, though treated abstractly and in pure prismatic colors, I have intended for the theme to be a clear reference to a sunset sky reflected in a body of water. I find a correspondence in principle between this common natural phenomenon and the idea expressed in the metaphysical philosophy that the physical world is a veiled and distorted reflection of a necessary and antecedent higher world. The theme may be viewed as a visual symbol of that correspondence.<ref>Burton Callicott, "Spectrum and Reflection" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 112.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

			Three Callicott paintings were donated by the artist and his family for the collection of the [[Theosophical Society in America]]: [[Antahkarana (art work)\|''Antahkarana'']], [[Mandorla (art work)\|''Mandorla'']], and [[Mandorla No. 12 (art work)\|''Mandorla #12'']].
			<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px" perrow="3">
			File:Callicott Antahkarana 1.jpg\|<center>''Antahkarana''</center>
			File:Mandorla pastel.jpg\|<center>''Mandorla''</center>
			</gallery>

	== Career ==		== Career ==

SysopJ: /* Personal life */

2023-09-26T15:26:38Z

Personal life

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 26 September 2023
Line 12:		Line 12:
	== Personal life ==		== Personal life ==

	Burton Callicott and his fraternal twin brother William were born [[December 28]], 1907 in Terre Haute, Indiana. When he was four years old, ~~his~~ family moved to Memphis. 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 within a federal agency. The Federal Public Works of Art Program commissioned him to paint murals for the stairway of the '''Pink Palace Museum'''. The exploration of the Mississippi River by Hernando de Soto was the subject of the murals.<ref>Ibid.</ref><ref>[https://www.memphismuseums.org/pink-palace-museum/about/the-mansion/ "History of the Mansion"] at Memphis Museums website.</ref>		Burton Callicott and his fraternal twin brother William were born [[December 28]], 1907 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Roscoe and Ethel Callicott. When he was four years old, the family moved to Memphis. 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 within a federal agency. The Federal Public Works of Art Program commissioned him to paint murals for the stairway of the '''Pink Palace Museum'''. The exploration of the Mississippi River by Hernando de Soto was the subject of the murals.<ref>Ibid.</ref><ref>[https://www.memphismuseums.org/pink-palace-museum/about/the-mansion/ "History of the Mansion"] at Memphis Museums website.</ref>

	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.		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.

Janet Kerschner at 20:37, 5 November 2021

2021-11-05T20:37:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:37, 5 November 2021
Line 88:		Line 88:
	[[File:Cover of Art & Soul.png\|right\|230px\|thumb\|Cover of ''Art & Soul'']]		[[File:Cover of Art & Soul.png\|right\|230px\|thumb\|Cover of ''Art & Soul'']]
	In 2020, J. Baird Callicott curated '''''Art & Soul''''', a collection of paintings and poetry by his father, juxtaposed beautifully with prayers and meditations by Burton Carley.		In 2020, J. Baird Callicott curated '''''Art & Soul''''', a collection of paintings and poetry by his father, juxtaposed beautifully with prayers and meditations by Burton Carley.

			== Theosophical writing ==

			* "Albrecht Durer: Knight, Death, and the Devil" ''The American Theosophist'' 38.7 (Autumn, 1996), 18-19.
			* "The Calling of St Matthew" ''The Quest'' 85.1 (January, 1997), 8-9.
			* "Mandorlas, Halos, and Rings of Fire" ''The Quest'' 88.4 (July-August, 2000), 124-127.

	== Additional resources ==		== Additional resources ==

SysopJ at 13:17, 24 September 2021

2021-09-24T13:17:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:17, 24 September 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Callicott Antahkarana 1.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|''Antahkarana'']]		[[File:Callicott Antahkarana 1.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|''Antahkarana'']]
	[[File:Mandorla pastel.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|''Mandorla'']]		[[File:Mandorla pastel.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|right\|''Mandorla'']]
	'''Burton Harry Callicott''' was an art professor from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated [[Theosophy\|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."<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Three of his paintings were donated by the artist and his family for the collection of the [[Theosophical Society in America]]: [[Antahkarana (art work)\|''Antahkarana'']], [[Mandorla (art work)\|''Mandorla'']], and [[Mandorla No. 12 (art work)\|''Mandorla #12'']]. Late in life he also expressed himself in poetry:<ref>Burton Callicott, [poem number] "5" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 12.</ref>		'''Burton Harry Callicott''' was an art professor from Memphis, Tennessee who incorporated [[Theosophy\|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."<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas:Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Late in life he also expressed himself in poetry:<ref>Burton Callicott, [poem number] "5" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), 12.</ref>

	::::'''My wall daily graced'''		::::'''My wall daily graced'''
Line 7:		Line 7:
	::::'''born of the marriage'''		::::'''born of the marriage'''
	:::::'''of leaf and sun.'''		:::::'''of leaf and sun.'''

			Three of his paintings were donated by the artist and his family for the collection of the [[Theosophical Society in America]]: [[Antahkarana (art work)\|''Antahkarana'']], [[Mandorla (art work)\|''Mandorla'']], and [[Mandorla No. 12 (art work)\|''Mandorla #12'']].

	== Personal life ==		== Personal life ==

Janet Kerschner: /* Additional resources */

2021-09-23T21:43:39Z

Additional resources

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:43, 23 September 2021
Line 90:		Line 90:

	* '''''Art & Soul'''''. Memphis: TOOF/American Digital Printing, 2020. A collection of poems and paintings by Burton Callicott, and prayers and meditations by Burton Carley. Edited by J. Baird Callicott.		* '''''Art & Soul'''''. Memphis: TOOF/American Digital Printing, 2020. A collection of poems and paintings by Burton Callicott, and prayers and meditations by Burton Carley. Edited by J. Baird Callicott.
			* Sparks, Jon W. '''[https://memphismagazine.com/culture/the-two-burtons-delve-into-faith-and-life/ "The Two Burtons Delve into Faith and Life"]''' ''Memphis: the City Magazine''. November 23, 2020. Review of ''Art & Soul''.
	* '''"Burton Callicott (1907-2003)"''' by Elizabeth H. Moore. Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, Version 2.0. This biographical sketch of the artist is available [http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1574 at this site].		* '''"Burton Callicott (1907-2003)"''' by Elizabeth H. Moore. Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, Version 2.0. This biographical sketch of the artist is available [http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1574 at this site].
	* '''Callicott's papers''' are in the [http://siris-archives.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001~!216321!0#focus Smithsonian Institution]. See also [http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/burton-callicott-papers-6116 Archives of American Art].		* '''Callicott's papers''' are in the [http://siris-archives.si.edu/ipac20/ipac.jsp?uri=full=3100001~!216321!0#focus Smithsonian Institution]. See also [http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/burton-callicott-papers-6116 Archives of American Art].

Janet Kerschner at 20:53, 23 September 2021

2021-09-23T20:53:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 23 September 2021
Line 69:		Line 69:

	=== Artistic style ===		=== Artistic style ===
			[[File:Callicott_retrospective_cover.jpg\|200px\|right\|thumb\|Cover of Burton retrospective book. Image from TSA Archives.]]
	Early in his career, Callicott painted naturalistic landscapes. He explored many media in his works, using charcoal, pastel, dry color pigments, oils, and glazes. Light contrasted with shadows, and light refracted into rainbows are frequent components of Callicott's art. He prepared his own canvases, acetate stencils, and frames. His technique often involved many layers of translucent glazes, and he often had to restretch his canvas repeatedly. The complexity of his work and his teaching commitments limited the number of works completed. He wrote:		Early in his career, Callicott painted naturalistic landscapes. He explored many media in his works, using charcoal, pastel, dry color pigments, oils, and glazes. Light contrasted with shadows, and light refracted into rainbows are frequent components of Callicott's art. He prepared his own canvases, acetate stencils, and frames. His technique often involved many layers of translucent glazes, and he often had to restretch his canvas repeatedly. The complexity of his work and his teaching commitments limited the number of works completed. He wrote:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
Line 79:		Line 79:

	=== Exhibitions ===		=== Exhibitions ===
	~~[[File:Callicott_retrospective_cover.jpg\|200px\|right\|thumb\|Cover of Burton retrospective book. Image from TSA Archives.]]~~

	The Memphis Academy of Art, now the Memphis College of Art, exhibited Callicott's work in 1971. The artist had many exhibitions in Memphis and throughout the South, and one in 1996 at the Olcott Gallery of the [[Theosophical Society in America]].		The Memphis Academy of Art, now the Memphis College of Art, exhibited Callicott's work in 1971. The artist had many exhibitions in Memphis and throughout the South, and one in 1996 at the Olcott Gallery of the [[Theosophical Society in America]].
Line 85:		Line 84:
	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. About 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.		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. About 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.

			[[File:Cover of Art & Soul.png\|right\|230px\|thumb\|Cover of ''Art & Soul'']]
	In 2020, J. Baird Callicott curated '''''Art & Soul''''', a collection of paintings and poetry by his father, juxtaposed beautifully with prayers and meditations by Burton Carley.		In 2020, J. Baird Callicott curated '''''Art & Soul''''', a collection of paintings and poetry by his father, juxtaposed beautifully with prayers and meditations by Burton Carley.

Janet Kerschner: /* Involvement with Theosophy */

2021-09-23T20:26:41Z

Involvement with Theosophy

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:26, 23 September 2021
Line 22:		Line 22:
	== Involvement with Theosophy ==		== Involvement with Theosophy ==

	Late in the 1950s, Callicott developed an interest in Theosophy. After joining the [[Theosophical Society in America]] in 1959, he became a life member.<ref>Membership ~~database and microfilm~~ records. Theosophical Society in America Archives. Callicott's member ID number was 010810.</ref> For many years he participated in the Memphis Lodge activities as President and in other capacities. In addition to leading classes in [[Theosophy]], he lectured on many topics such as [[Karma\|"Karma"]], "An Introduction to Hinduism," "The Hidden Wisdom of Masterworks," "Intuition in Art," "[[Life after Death]]," and "The Development of the [[Buddhi]]." In 1981 he was a guest speaker at the [[Ozark Theosophical Camp and Educational Center\|Ozark Theosophical Camp]] for the Midwest Theosophical Federation. He also wrote articles for Theosophical periodicals, including "Mandorlas, Halos and Rings of Fire," an analysis of Caravaggio's painting ''The Calling of St. Matthew'', and an analysis of Dürer's ''Knight, Death, and the Devil''.		Late in the 1950s, Callicott developed an interest in Theosophy. After joining the [[Theosophical Society in America]] on November 2, 1959, he became a life member.<ref>Membership records. Microfilm. Ledger Sheets Roll 1. Theosophical Society in America Archives. Callicott's member ID number was 010810.</ref> For many years he participated in the Memphis Lodge activities as President and in other capacities. In addition to leading classes in [[Theosophy]], he lectured on many topics such as [[Karma\|"Karma"]], "An Introduction to Hinduism," "The Hidden Wisdom of Masterworks," "Intuition in Art," "[[Life after Death]]," and "The Development of the [[Buddhi]]." In 1981 he was a guest speaker at the [[Ozark Theosophical Camp and Educational Center\|Ozark Theosophical Camp]] for the Midwest Theosophical Federation. He also wrote articles for Theosophical periodicals, including "Mandorlas, Halos and Rings of Fire," an analysis of Caravaggio's painting ''The Calling of St. Matthew'', and an analysis of Dürer's ''Knight, Death, and the Devil''.

	He considered himself to be mystically inclined, but not a mystic.<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas: Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Like most Theosophists, he practiced meditation daily. In a notebook for his daughter, he inscribed these words by his friend Burton Carley:		He considered himself to be mystically inclined, but not a mystic.<ref>Fredric Koeppel, "A Life on Canvas: Callicott Reflects on Limitless Art Career," Memphis Commercial Appeal, February 24, 1991.</ref> Like most Theosophists, he practiced meditation daily. In a notebook for his daughter, he inscribed these words by his friend Burton Carley:

Janet Kerschner at 20:17, 23 September 2021

2021-09-23T20:17:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:17, 23 September 2021
Line 10:		Line 10:
	== Personal life ==		== Personal life ==

	Burton Callicott and his fraternal twin brother William were born December 28, 1907 in Terre Haute, Indiana. When he was four years old, his family moved to Memphis. 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 within a federal agency. The Federal Public Works of Art Program commissioned him to paint murals for the stairway of the '''Pink Palace Museum'''. The exploration of the Mississippi River by Hernando de Soto was the subject of the murals.<ref>Ibid.</ref><ref>[https://www.memphismuseums.org/pink-palace-museum/about/the-mansion/ "History of the Mansion"] at Memphis Museums website.</ref>		Burton Callicott and his fraternal twin brother William were born [[December 28]], 1907 in Terre Haute, Indiana. When he was four years old, his family moved to Memphis. 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 within a federal agency. The Federal Public Works of Art Program commissioned him to paint murals for the stairway of the '''Pink Palace Museum'''. The exploration of the Mississippi River by Hernando de Soto was the subject of the murals.<ref>Ibid.</ref><ref>[https://www.memphismuseums.org/pink-palace-museum/about/the-mansion/ "History of the Mansion"] at Memphis Museums website.</ref>

	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.		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.

	Evelyne Baird married Burton Callicott in 1932, and they spent more than 60 years together. The couple had ~~two children~~. Their small house in Memphis had an artist's studio with north-facing skylight and rainbows hanging in the window.<ref>Ibid.</ref>		Evelyne Baird married Burton Callicott in 1932, and they spent more than 60 years together. The couple had a son and a daughter. Their small house in Memphis had an artist's studio (converted from a garage) with north-facing skylight and rainbows hanging in the window.<ref>Ibid.</ref>

	The Callicotts joined the First Unitarian Church of Memphis, "a big tent for diverse beliefs," ~~and in~~ 1965 to the Church of the River. Reverend Burton Carley became a friend.<ref>J. Baird Callicott, "Foreword" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), x.</ref>		The Callicotts joined the First Unitarian Church of Memphis, "a big tent for diverse beliefs." In 1965 the name was changed to the Church of the River. Its pastor, Reverend Burton Carley became a friend.<ref>J. Baird Callicott, "Foreword" ''Art & Soul'' (2020), x.</ref>

			Mr. Callicott died on [[November 23]], 2003.

	== Involvement with Theosophy ==		== Involvement with Theosophy ==
Line 79:		Line 81:
	[[File:Callicott_retrospective_cover.jpg\|200px\|right\|thumb\|Cover of Burton retrospective book. Image from TSA Archives.]]		[[File:Callicott_retrospective_cover.jpg\|200px\|right\|thumb\|Cover of Burton retrospective book. Image from TSA Archives.]]

	The Memphis Academy of Art, now the Memphis College of Art, exhibited Callicott's work in 1971. The artist had many exhibitions in Memphis and throughout the South.		The Memphis Academy of Art, now the Memphis College of Art, exhibited Callicott's work in 1971. The artist had many exhibitions in Memphis and throughout the South, and one in 1996 at the Olcott Gallery of the [[Theosophical Society in America]].

	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. About 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.		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. About 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.

	~~== Later years ==~~		In 2020, J. Baird Callicott curated '''''Art & Soul''''', a collection of paintings and poetry by his father, juxtaposed beautifully with prayers and meditations by Burton Carley.

	Mr. Callicott ~~died on November 23~~, ~~2003~~.

	== Additional resources ==		== Additional resources ==