Josie Millwood is a visual artist whose 2D and 3D pieces explore the themes of shamanism, psychedelics and sacred geometry. She works with various painting techniques, materials and processes. She starts with drawing, then painting or screen printing on a large screen bed to develop work. Her practice involves shamanic journeying into the inner world of the psyche and the hidden worlds of consciousness. She combines different styles of art to explore new possibilities, better understanding and healing herself, sharing other perspectives on reality.

Shamanism, psychedelics and sacred geometry, the main themes of Josie’s practice, are intrinsically linked. Psychedelics are used by shamans to help alter states of consciousness, which creates visualisations of geometric patterns. Sacred geometry is mathematical. Maths and the spiritual world are both invisible realms with maths relating to the idea of perfection. The psychedelic experience opens the mind to the geometrical reality of existence. The shaman interacts with the spirit world by journeying into the hidden worlds of consciousness to bring healing or another purpose for oneself or the community, usually using some rhythmic percussion such as a drum or rattle.

The Upper World Shamanic Journey is based on the Laika who tell of five planes, which are inhabited by the collective souls of minerals, plants, animals and our ancestors. They are portrayed in a geometric style from imagination with photos for reference and then developed into screen-prints to incorporate psychedelic patterns.

Conceptually Josie’s work is anchored in her background in the traditions of fine art: line, space, shape, colour, texture and value. Her paintings convey her own experiences while incorporating these elements to create symmetrical psychedelic artwork which portrays her journey with shamanism and healing.