78 Tarot Nautical

The 78 Tarot Nautical is the second collaborative deck from the 78 Tarot project, bringing together 80 international artists to create a unique 80-card tarot deck centered around a "Tarot of the Water" theme. This deck includes the traditional 78 tarot cards plus two bonus cards, offering a comprehensive system with diverse artistic interpretations. The project successfully raised over $30,000 on Kickstarter in 2015, demonstrating strong community interest in its unique collaborative model.

Each artist contributed their individual style to a specific card, resulting in a visually eclectic collection that reinterprets classic Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) symbolism through a nautical lens. The theme allows for a wide range of imagery, from deep-sea creatures and mythical beings to maritime adventures and serene waterscapes. This collaborative approach ensures that no two cards look exactly alike, providing a rich and varied visual experience for readers.

Beyond the cards, the project also included an accompanying art book, which likely delves into the artists' inspirations and the meanings behind their interpretations. This makes the 78 Tarot Nautical not just a divination tool, but also a collectible art piece that showcases the talents of a global artistic community. The deck is designed to appeal to both seasoned tarot enthusiasts and art collectors who appreciate diverse styles and a cohesive theme.

The artwork in the 78 Tarot Nautical is highly diverse, reflecting the contributions of 80 different artists. The visible cards showcase a range of styles, from the dark, intricate, and somewhat grotesque digital painting of David Van Gough's "The Devil" with its octopus tentacles and skull imagery, to Jasmine Becket-Griffith's signature big-eyed, melancholic figure holding a globe in "The World." Amy Brown's "Whimsy" card features a delicate, ethereal jellyfish-like figure in watercolors, while Selina Fenech's "Queen of Wands" presents a more classical, digitally painted woman surrounded by lions and water lilies. This variety means there is no single dominant art medium or style, but rather a rich tapestry of digital painting, watercolor, and illustrative techniques, all unified by the overarching water theme and the standard tarot structure.

This deck is ideal for tarot collectors who appreciate collaborative art projects and diverse artistic styles within a single deck. It appeals to readers interested in nautical themes, mythology, and fantasy, offering fresh interpretations of traditional tarot meanings. Experienced readers who enjoy a visually stimulating and varied deck will find it engaging, while its adherence to the 78-card structure makes it accessible for those familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith system, despite the artistic variations.

The 78 Tarot project, spearheaded by Kayti Welsh, is known for its collaborative model, bringing together numerous artists from around the globe to create unique tarot decks. The 78 Tarot Nautical was their second such endeavor, following a successful first deck. The project emphasizes community and artistic diversity, allowing each artist to interpret a specific card within a unifying theme. This approach fosters a rich visual experience and highlights the varied talents within the international art community.