Initially, this project came about as a creative response to frustration with the art & cartomancy world online – I think historically inspired art need not entrench itself in conservatism and pedantry. I wanted to try my hand at proving that! To my mind, the point of loving art history is not to replicate techniques and perspectives that have come before, nor to despair that the masters can never be bettered, but to apply chosen historical techniques with new creative approaches.
As a result, this project has taken on a life of its own and its goals grow and expand. There is the challenge of rendering 78 cards in a considered and cohesive style. There is also the interest in creating a workable system – this will be a medieval & renaissance inspired pip deck, aimed at readability for those familiar with the established tarot systems but created effectively as its own system. It even has a name which I will share when I am ready!
The final format and potential distribution of this project is yet to be determined… but if it is made available I will include sources, copyright license information, and other supplementary material. I will also be creating ‘making of’ blog posts & videos over time for those interested!
