Exhibit Work
As an artist and writer, I often find myself looking towards classical sources of storytelling through novel and visual format. In my project I sought to merge two sources that I draw from for inspiration, the Bible and tarot cards. To someone unfamiliar with either or both of the aforementioned, it may seem absurd, but there are deeper connections to them once you look a little closer at the two.
Arcana is actually a latin word for “Hidden.” Meaning that the “Major Arcana” are cards that describe the hidden aspects of ourselves that reveal the truth of who we are. By that definition the arcana is the means by which the secrets of humanity are revealed. What is also lesser known about the major arcana is that the cards, in the order that they are numbered, tell the story of the journey of the 0th card, the Fool. The entire 22 card set is the journey of the Fool throughout his life. It was this realization that sparked the idea for this project, but I knew I would need a theme.
As someone who has recently come to learn more about the origins of tarot cards, I have also come to do more research into the biblical origins of some of the cards, namely the Hierophant, Priestess, Devil, and Judgement cards. It was then when I thought to more closely merge the Fool’s Journey with the story of humanity as detailed through the biblical account. To get this point across in my telling of the Arcana I decided that I would base my cards on the heavenly host as they watched over the growth of humanity. This would be my test of both visual storytelling and a test of my artistic capabilities.
In addition, with how many cards there are, I am also being tested in my management capabilities, given that some cards are easy to get carried away with in terms of detail. I have to exercise a modicum of self restraint as not every card is going to be up to my own standard every time. The most important aspect of completing every project is getting it finished over being hyper obsessed with every brush stroke. It is no easy feat, but I have set my sights on finishing this goal and becoming a stronger artist as a result.
