Independent researcher at Oxford University, United Kingdom
Barry Cottrell is a distinguished British artist, researcher, and author whose interdisciplinary pursuits bridge fine art, psychology, and deep ecology. With a career spanning over four decades, Cottrell’s unique blend of visual and intellectual inquiry has positioned him as a notable figure in contemporary art and consciousness studies. Renowned for his distinctive printmaking and scholarly articles, he seamlessly integrates psychological insight and mythological depth into his creative and research practices. His work is widely recognized and has been exhibited internationally across Europe and beyond, earning places in esteemed museum collections and scholarly journals alike.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Cottrell’s academic foundation is rooted in the humanities, beginning with a B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology and Philosophy from Oxford University (1971–1974), which provided a philosophical and cognitive underpinning to his later creative work. He then transitioned to fine art, studying at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Oxford (1976–1979), where his commitment to visual culture deepened. From 2011 to 2014, he pursued doctoral research at Aberystwyth University’s School of Art, investigating the Pleistocene origins of engraving—an ambitious endeavor that reflects his lifelong interest in the intersection of consciousness, art, and prehistory, although the PhD remained unfinished.
Experience
Barry Cottrell’s professional journey is marked by a blend of institutional, collaborative, and curatorial roles. Between 1979 and 1999, he worked in the Department of Western Art at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, specializing in conservation mounting of works on paper—a technical role that sharpened his understanding of historical artistic practices. He was an active member of the Oxford Printmakers’ Co-operative for over a decade (1982–1993) and went on to establish a conservation framing and printmaking studio in Coleshill, Wiltshire. He also curated the notable Totem Body project (2008–2011), which showcased contemporary interpretations of symbolic embodiment. His work has been featured in exhibitions from Cardiff to Cologne and Sofia to New Zealand, often centered on themes of nature, mythology, and symbolism.
Research Interests
Cottrell’s research fuses the symbolic and the primal, particularly focusing on early human artistic expression, shamanic traditions, and states of consciousness. His artistic and scholarly outputs consistently explore how imagery and sound contribute to states of ecstasy, transcendence, and collective memory. This thematic focus is evident in his publications and presentations at psychology and art conferences, such as the Consciousness and Experiential Psychology Conference in Oxford. Cottrell’s intellectual mission aims at recovering a more participatory worldview—what he terms the “primal mind”—that reconnects humans with myth, ritual, and ecological consciousness.
Awards
Among his early accolades, Cottrell received the Ruskin Drawing Prize in 1978, marking his emergence as a talented draftsperson. His art has since gained international acclaim, being included in major collections such as the British Museum (London), Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), the Hermitage (St. Petersburg), and the Smithsonian Institution (Washington D.C.). His selection for numerous international exhibitions, including Global Print Douro in Portugal and the World Art Print Annual in Bulgaria, attests to his continuing global relevance and artistic excellence.
Selected Publications
Barry Cottrell’s writings reflect a deep engagement with consciousness, ritual, and artistic perception. Notable works include:
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“Mind in Deep Time: Original Participation & Re-enchantment of the World”, Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing, Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2017 – Cited for connecting ancient mindsets with modern ecological crises.
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“Only One Mind: An Artist’s Exploration of Consciousness”, Explore, Vol. 11, Issue 2, 2015 – Explores monistic consciousness through the lens of art.
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“Original Participation and the Recovery of Primal Mind”, Minding Nature, Vol. 14, No. 1, 2021 – Investigates human-nature unity in prehistoric and modern contexts.
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“Mind the Gap: Still the Conquistadors”, Explore, Vol. 16, Issue 6, 2021 – A critique of reductionist science in healing and spirituality.
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“Creature Consciousness: The Body’s Power to Create a New Shamanism”, Caduceus Journal, Issue 81, 2011 – Discusses embodied knowledge and ritual art.
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“Beautiful Dream: A Poetics of Ecstasy” (Book, drivenLine) – A lyrical investigation into visionary states.
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“The Way Beyond The Shaman: Birthing A New Earth Consciousness” (Book, 2022, drivenLine) – Merges cosmological insights with artistic and ecological reflections.
These works have been cited in academic articles and conferences that explore topics from transpersonal psychology to aesthetics and spiritual ecology, reinforcing his cross-disciplinary impact.
Conclusion
Barry Cottrell stands as a bridge between artistic creativity and philosophical inquiry. His capacity to draw from diverse intellectual traditions—spanning ancient symbolism, consciousness studies, and contemporary printmaking—has made him a compelling figure in both artistic and academic circles. With international exhibitions, institutional collections, and published writings that challenge and inspire, Cottrell’s contributions offer a rich dialogue between visual expression and spiritual depth. His lifelong dedication to art as a vehicle for consciousness and ecological renewal marks him as a deserving nominee for prestigious recognition such as the Best Researcher Award.