This talk will explore aspects of his visual aesthetic, arguing that it was part of a broader spiritual visionary quest, firmly framed within the Christian theological tradition. Ruskin’s emphasis on seeing aright is a rich resource for theological reflection and practical spirituality. However, it is also seems inextricably linked with his deteriorating mental health manifested in distorted perception and an obsession with the search for meaning and significance. In this light, some reflections on the gift and challenges of psychosis will be offered.
Revd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt studied experimental psychology and (later) theology at Oxford University, and clinical psychology and (later) Christianity and the Arts at King's College, London (where she is still pursuing doctoral studies). After many years working in the National Health Service as a clinical psychologist, Joanna moved into the field of psychology of religion as director of the MA programme in psychology of religion at Heythrop College, University of London. From 2010-2020 she was Karl Jaspers Lecturer in psychology and spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon and Oxford Diocesan Older People’s Adviser.
Recent books include The psychology of Christian character formation (SCM, 2015), Being mindful being Christian (Monarch, 2016), Thinking of you: A theological and practical resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia (BRF, 2017), When you pray (BRF, 2019), Seriously Messy (BRF, 2019), and Neurology and religion (CUP, 2019), So longeth my soul: Classic readings in Christian spirituality (SCM forthcoming).