Construction Paper Tarot

The Construction Paper Tarot is a complete 78-card deck, each card individually created by hand from construction paper. Artist John Withee dedicated two years to cutting each piece by sight, resulting in a unique, tactile interpretation of a standard tarot system. The deck is described as a "clone deck," indicating it likely follows the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) imagery and structure, but rendered in a distinct, simplified, and colorful medium.

This project emphasizes the handmade quality and the artist's direct engagement with the materials. The use of construction paper suggests a vibrant, possibly multi-layered aesthetic, where different colors are cut and assembled to form the card images. This approach offers a departure from digitally produced or conventionally illustrated decks, providing a more grounded and artisanal feel. The simplicity of the medium contrasts with the complexity of tarot symbolism, creating an intriguing balance.

While the campaign was for a physical deck, the creator also offered custom gloss posters of individual cards, highlighting the visual appeal of the artwork. The emphasis on a "one-of-a-kind hand-made collector's deck" suggests it appeals to those who value unique artistic creations and the personal touch of the artist's craft.

This deck is ideal for collectors who appreciate unique, handmade art objects and those drawn to folk art or collage aesthetics. It would appeal to tarot enthusiasts seeking a distinctive, tactile reading experience that deviates from mass-produced decks. Readers who value the personal touch of an artist's craft and a simplified, yet recognizable, interpretation of traditional tarot imagery would find this deck particularly engaging.

John Withee is a poet, writer, and artist based in Kalamazoo. His creative journey includes this Construction Paper Tarot, a project that took two years to complete. He is also developing a larger project called Mosaic Tarot, which is described as being over 2,500 square feet and will also be available as a deck, similar in concept to the Construction Paper Tarot. This indicates a consistent artistic interest in large-scale, tactile, and visually impactful interpretations of tarot.