But today I'm turning the podium over to Janet Hinkel, who has a lofty and bored-god-sanctioned artistic goal. Off you go, Janet!
Tarot of Delphi: Know Thyself
Created by Janet D.H. Hinkel
On Kickstarter [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/delphi/1563345036?token=279b1cd2]
With much excitement and trepidation, I’ve launched a tarot deck on Kickstarter: the Tarot of Delphi [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/delphi/1563345036?token=279b1cd2]. Anne has been kind enough – and I am thrilled! – to tell you about it on The Gods Are Bored.
The
Tarot of Delphi is illustrated with Neoclassical Victorian art from
1838 to 1913. The deck features masterpieces and hard-to-find works by
over 20 artists, including John William Waterhouse, Henrietta Rae, Dante
Gabriel Rossetti, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and George Frederic Watts.
There
are many rich themes to explore: Classical mythology, ancient gods,
Neoclassical and other art movements, the Victorian Era, historical
antiquity, Classical literature, and of course the tarot. Significantly,
the knowledge you have about these subjects is a bonus, not a
necessity.
As a fine art deck, you can interpret the cards the same way you would view paintings in a museum: what is important is what you
see. What is important is how the art – the tarot card – resonates with
you, your memories, thoughts, emotions and imagination.
Bored Gods and Crazy Gods
If
the gods are bored today, they certainly weren’t bored in the ancient
myths and stories that illustrate the Tarot of Delphi. Gods, goddesses,
mythological creatures, legends and enchantresses walk through the deck,
imparting wisdom and wreaking havoc. Sirens claw at Odysseus’s boat,
threatening his life and crew. The moon goddess Selene descends on a
sleeping shepherd, and Cupid and Psyche fight for love.
Demigods
and enchantresses match wits with gods – and one another. Circe tests
Odysseus. Medea casts spells. Hercules wrestles Death. The cards show
more, as well, including goddesses Venus, Fortuna and Persephone; the
lovers Andromeda and Perseus; and historical figures like Cleopatra,
Diogenes, emperors and the Delphic oracle.
There
are also people, like us, trying to avoid the craziness of the gods.
The Tarot of Delphi depicts people working in their shops, leaving
flowers for a lover, grieving loss, playing sports, tasting wine and
writing poetry. Also like us, they celebrate the gods’ gifts. There are
festivals and worshippers, maenads and priestesses, inspired artists and
tender lovers.
Artistic Vision
My
intention has been to create a deck for a diversity of people, from
Wiccans and atheists to art historians and fantasy fiction readers.
Whatever someone’s beliefs, or non-beliefs, people have rich spiritual
lives. I believe great art helps us articulate the experience of living,
and even glimpse the ineffable. I believe in the transformative power
of art.
I
need help bringing the Tarot of Delphi to fruition, so I’m on
Kickstarter for support. Wonderfully, this has opened avenues for
collaboration. Kickstarter backers can help choose the final images for
several cards, including The Star an the Three of Coins, by joining the
discussion on a private website (open to all Kickstarter backers). A few
backers can also become associate curators of specific cards (by
choosing that reward level).
I invite you to watch the video and learn more about the Tarot of Delphi on my Kickstarter page [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/delphi/1563345036?token=279b1cd2]. Thank you, and thanks to Anne for inviting me to guest post. This is only possible with such kind support.
2 comments:
A worthy project -- good luck!
Cor Stone the crows!!!
Post a Comment