Enchanted: A Journey Through Memories by Savannah Spence

Savannah Spence interviews her family friend, Lady Rhea, a Wiccan priestess, who deeply influenced and inspired her.

Dear Lady Rhea

I hope this letter finds you well! It's been a while since we last spoke, and I find myself thinking of you often. Your presence has always been a guiding light in my life, and I cherish the warmth and advice you've shared with me over the years.

I'm currently working on a video project that I believe could greatly benefit from your unique perspective and talents. I've always admired you for your extraordinary empathy and the artistic vision you bring to everything you do.

Growing up, I was fascinated by your lovely little magic shop in Pelham Bay. It was more than just a place of business; it was somewhere where people confided in you. The shop, with its enchanting atmosphere and your kind, welcoming presence, was a significant part of my childhood. I remember being particularly enchanted by that black cat decoration you put out for halloween. I loved that cat, and would funny enough rescue my own black cat and name him Salem.

One memory that stands out is the Halloween event where I first laid eyes on that captivating black cat decoration. It had a certain charm and mystique that stayed with me long after the festivities were over. Inspired by that memory, I decided to adopt a black cat of my own, whom I lovingly named Salem. He has brought so much joy into my life, and I often think of that magical Halloween event when I see him lounging around my apartment.

Lady Rhea, you have always been a trailblazer, not just in the realm of spirituality but also in your approach to life. You have a way of crossing boundaries, whether they be cultural, emotional, or artistic, with grace and empathy. Your ability to connect with people on such a deep level is truly remarkable and has been a guiding star for me in my own creative journey.

I would be honored if you would consider collaborating with me on this project. Your insights and experiences would bring a depth and authenticity that I believe could resonate with many. I'm so eager and excited to hear more about your life, your journey with spirituality, and how you view the world.

Please let me know if you would be interested in working together. I look forward to catching up and possibly creating something beautiful together.

Warm regards,

Savannah Spence

SYMBOLS AND OBJECTS FROM LADY RHEA'S SHOP

A black cat surrounded by a dried flower and various crystals. © Spence

Lady Rhea’s candles at San Marcos Botanica. © Spence

ENCHANTED: A JOURNEY THROUGH MEMORIES (A FILM)

"Ancient Winds" © Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“You know, it was beautiful. It was a struggle."

Growing up, my family was very relaxed with religion, especially my mother who explored a lot of different religious communities. I end up being pulled along with her to some of them. One outstanding one was Magickal Realms, located in Pelham Bay owned by Lady Rhea. My mother would often bring me to Lady Rhea’s store and I loved going there. I don’t remember much of it, but it was such a beautiful magical store (outside of it being an occult store). There used to be these Barbies that were sold across the street, they were mermaids and they were all around her in the front as well as wisterias hanging from the ceiling. My memories are pretty hazy from back then but I loved that store since I had a large love of fantasy and Lady Rhea was so kind to me that she would give me crystals since I was a large fan of pretty rocks. They’re great memories of going there on Halloween. Not quite sure about the year, but Lady Rhea and her business partner put on a Halloween story time, and they dressed up as classical witches. I remember the Halloween decoration cat in the window. I always wanted a black cat. I end up with my cat years later, after literally rescuing him as a kitten near Halloween. Lady Rhea would be a staple figure in my family’s life, especially mine and since I like to go to her for advice, (and tarot card reading is cheaper than therapy). It’s very difficult to describe memories that only you experienced.

“You know, I created miracles out of dimes really in my life."

Lady Rhea has achieved so much in her life, and I hold deep respect and admiration for her because she reminds me of my family. We share a profound respect for each other's religions, and her journey has always resonated. We share a profound respect for each other's religions, and her journey has always resonated with me. Lady Rhea was the catalyst who set me firmly on the path to becoming a filmmaker. Her advice has always been a guiding light for me.

Reflecting on an interview I had with her, she shared invaluable insights that profoundly shaped my approach to filmmaking. One pivotal story she recounted was about her original store in Pelham Bay. Financial struggles forced her to leave that community in search of better economic opportunities. As a creator, she wanted to sustain her lifestyle, a challenge I deeply empathize with.

Juggling the resources in the management of a store that you specialize in is very difficult. And having to leave behind that store is heartbreaking and while moving to another area is a large benefit it’s still not the same. The people are different, what you sell is different. But it’s not less amazing how she made it work. I’ve come to learn that being flexible and open to new experiences can lead to growth and success, adapting to new rules and embracing different areas is a crucial ability that is needed to evolve. Not just finance, but also creativity. Change isthe part of life's natural ebb and flow, I find myself shifting roles and exploring new avenues to grow as someone creative. It’s about finding that balance between staying true to your passion and adapting to the demands of your environment and making the best of it. I’ve also come to understand the deeper connection that we have to place and the challenges that can come with pursuing a dream. Which is something I’m struggling to juggle as well. Finding economic stability as an artist is very difficult, more so now. Change is part of life's natural ebb and flow, I find myself shifting roles and exploring new avenues to grow as someone creative myself. It’s about finding that balance between staying true to your passion and adapting to the demands of your environment and making the best of it.

“I'm happy. I have a beautiful life…We love it. We're all happy."

MORE ABOUT SAVANNAH SPENCE + ARTIST STATEMENT

For this project, I didn’t face a lot of struggle. I knew what I wanted to do and set out to do it. Originally I wanted a top-down view of a table with a lot of animation on cards, to animate Lady Rhea's interview. That did not work! And was not going to work the amount of time to create something would take a long time, it wasn’t very realistic, but was a pretty idea. So, my friend Kevin, who took on an adventure through the northern forest in Central Park, captured a ton of video, at least five hours worth. The main pain came through. How did I want everything to look at the end I’m pretty happy with it and I wanted the project to just sit on a very ‘dreamy’ and ‘magical’ type of look. Happy to say I achieved that this is one of my prouder videos that I’ve done editing work on with coloring. I might not be able to have someone experience what it’s like to relive memories even when you tell them but with the way the video is edited, I think that magical nostalgic dream manages to come forth.

I would like to very much thank Professor Tram and Bijoyeta for making this multi-generation project happen. I had a lot of frustrations and some parts but in others a lot of fun, especially getting to know other students from Hostos.

I lie to give a very large thank you to Professor Schaefer, for contacting me about this! I really cannot thank him enough for the opportunity to let me know something like this was happening.

I would also like to get a very large thanks to my friend and collaborator Kevin Liu, not only for the advice and feedback but also for tracking with me practically all over Manhattan in the Bronx to get footage for this video project.

And thank you to Lady Rhea! I’m so happy I got to do this with you. You’ve been an inspiration to me as a little girl. I’m happy we got to sit for a few hours. Talk about your life. I truly hope that you’ll love the outcome, this project is very much dedicated to you.