The Deck Thus Far

So far I have made significant progress in creating The Fool (0) through Strength (8) tarot cards. Each card has been a unique challenge, but the most challenging one has undoubtedly been The Emperor. I have been struggling to capture the essence of this card, and the details are not coming out as I had envisioned. Despite this, I continue to work on The Emperor, pulling him off the wall and revisiting him every now and then when the inspiration strikes.

As you may already know, I recently sold the Strength card. Although my goal is to keep most of the Major Arcana together so that I can display them as a cohesive collection, I couldn't resist the opportunity to make a sale.

Moving forward, I plan to share more detailed information about each tarot card in the coming sessions. My aim is to create one post per week to document my progress and provide insight into my creative process. I am excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me.

So why the Phantasmagoria?

When I first heard the word "phantasmagoria," it immediately struck a chord with me. It perfectly describes the shifting scenes and optical illusions that I want to incorporate into my upcoming art project - a tarot deck. While I only have about a dozen cards completed so far, I'm excited to share my progress and vision with you.

phan·tas·ma·go·ri·a
/ˌfanˌtazməˈɡôrēə/
a sequence of real or imaginary images, like those in a dream.
"What happened next was a phantasmagoria of horror and mystery."

Even when you're awake, you might see something that feels like a phantasmagoria. It's like a magic trick, where things aren't always what they seem. And that's exactly what I want my tarot deck to evoke – a sense of wonder and mystery that takes you to another world.

Did you know that the word "phantasmagoria" was first used by a French dramatist in 1801 to describe a popular display of projected images known as a "magic lantern" show? It's amazing how words can have such a rich history and meaning.

As an artist, I bring a different perspective to phantasmagoria. My artwork is inspired by my dreams and imagination, as well as the world around me. While I only have a dozen cards completed for my tarot deck, each one is like a window into another world.

Creating a tarot deck has been a dream of mine for years, and I'm finally making it a reality. I'm carefully crafting each card to bring my vision to life - from the symbols and colors to the intricate details. My goal is to create a deck that not only serves as a tool for divination, but also as a work of art that you can appreciate and connect with.

Through my phantasmagoric tarot deck, I hope you can find a sense of wonder and inspiration. Each card is a journey into a world of magic and mystery, where anything is possible. And while I still have a ways to go in completing the deck, I'm excited to share my progress and vision with you every step of the way.

Hello and Welcome to the Phantasmagoria!

Welcome! Join me on a quest of self-discovery through the creation of a new tarot deck, which we can tentatively call the Phantasmagoria cards. My name is Cecelia Ivy Price and you can follow my journey right here.

I first became interested in tarot many years ago. I was drawn to the mystical and spiritual aspects of the cards and the artistry involved in tarot. But as I continued to explore tarot, I realized it was a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth.

I've always been drawn to the gothic aesthetic and themes, and I wanted to create a meaningful deck in that style. One of the cards I've created so far is the Strength card, which has already been sold as an original painting. This card is one of my favorites because it represents inner strength and courage, qualities I strive for in my own life.

(Excuse the poor photo but a better one will be uploaded later)

The Strength card is about inner power and resilience. The female figure kneels, holding a staff, with two subdued lions before her, a male and female facing each other in the foreground. The image evokes a sense of authority, as if the figure is the leader of a pride of lions.

But what is strength? Is it physical prowess or the power of the mind and spirit? We often equate strength with physical might in today's world, but the Strength card challenges us to rethink the word's definition. It reminds us that true strength comes from within, from the power of our thoughts and emotions and the discipline of self-control.

As an artist, creating the Strength card was a deeply personal experience. It forced me to confront my struggles with self-doubt and insecurity and tap into my own inner strength. I realized strength is not about being fearless, but about having the courage to face our fears and overcome them.

Creating the Phantasmagoria tarot deck will be a journey of self-discovery. Through the images and symbols in the cards, I can explore my thoughts and feelings, and connect with my own spirit. It has already been a powerful tool for personal growth, and I'm only getting started. I hope the new deck will help others on their own journey of self-discovery. Thank you for coming along. Together, we can tap into our inner strength and wisdom.