I was looking at the artwork for 44: A Tarot, and I had the idea to create a Tarot deck of my own. As I mentioned in my previous blog he not only digitised the Tarot but also gave it a new pictorial expression. By doing so, he was able to make it more accessible to a wider audience, which is something I really appreciate. I think it’s great that he was able to take something that can be seen as somewhat esoteric and make it more approachable. I thought it would be a fun and interesting project, and I thought it would be a great way to learn more about the Tarot. I did some research on the Tarot and found that there are a lot of different ways to interpret the cards. I also found that there are a lot of different decks, so I decided to create my own deck that would be unique.
Tarot Analysis：
- The Fool
- The Magician
（Here I will use only two cards to analyze）
1. The Fool
The Fool card can be interpreted as a symbol of new beginnings and the potential for excitement and adventure. It is often associated with the element air, and its image is that of a jester or fool. These images may suggest that the Fool is someone who is not afraid to take risks, or who is willing to be unafraid of new experiences. In terms of metaphors, the Fool can symbolize someone who is naively optimistic and who is not overly concerned with the details of life. They are often seen as someone who is open to new ideas and possibilities, and who is willing to take on new challenges.
Meaning: naivety, innocence, possibility.
Pros: different, lucky, unconventional, pursues new and strange dreams, adventurous, aspires to freedom, artist, straightforward, free love.
Weaknesses: conceited, stubborn, unstable, set in their ways, lack of responsibility, living in a dream, unrealistic, unable to adapt, stagnant, eccentric behaviour, wrong direction, unstable relationships.
The classic Tarot card is rich in symbolism and meaning. The sun is a symbol of hope, joy, and enlightenment, while the man with the parcel represents the need for caution and vigilance. Small animals represent the challenges we must overcome in life, while the cliff and the sea represent the vastness of the unknown. This makes it easier for the reader to understand and follow the argument. In addition, the author’s use of concrete images and examples helps to illustrate the points being made. As a result, the reader is able to gain a clear understanding of the author’s position. If I was to recreate this card, I would need to consider how to connect the various elements. I would also need to consider the aesthetics of the tarot card and how it will fit in with the meaning.
These are the tarot cards I have in my hand, different versions but still showing the similarity of the rows. For example:aa a a the Joker-like costume (hat), the package inside the hand and the animal.
Here are some of my collages used for inspiration as well as sketches for painting.
The Magician
The Magician is a very pro-active and action-oriented card. His actions are clearly thought out, so he is sure and confident, in contrast to the fool’s unthinking and bold actions. The sceptre, chalice, sword and coin in front of him represent the four elements (fire, water, wind and earth), which in Western culture are equivalent to the Chinese five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth), the basic elements that make up everything. Now that the four elements are present, the magician has to use his creativity to transform the elements into something substantial. Thus, the card of the Magician expresses the concept of “transforming dreams into substance”. This is the beginning of an unlimited potential.
Meaning: creation, beginning, first time
Keywords: through and through, in control, in possession of technology, wise, capable, confident, valuing self, in control of resources, in control of strategy, in power of law.
Some elements such as the rose, the red coat and the infinity symbol in the middle of the card (‘♾️’) can be seen quite visually in this classic tarot card. Combined with the meaning of the card The Magician itself, I probably have a general idea of the images and the corresponding metaphors. A few of the elements/meanings that interest me more are: the rose, the ♾️, the beginning. I would consider how the different elements work together and how they can be used to create interesting image.
These are the tarot cards I have in my hand, different versions but still showing the similarity of the rows. For example:Red cloak, four elements, and flowers.
Here are some of my collages used for inspiration as well as sketches for painting.