Tarot Cards Major Arcana : The Magician

This Kickstarter project, launched by John Ewen in 2013, focused on creating a single, fully realized color image for 'The Magician' card, number 1 of the Major Arcana. Ewen expressed a long-standing interest in tarot's symbolic visual language and hoped this initial project would pave the way for a complete Major Arcana, and potentially an entire 78-card deck. The campaign successfully raised £39 from 6 backers, exceeding its modest £10 goal.

The project's core ambition was to develop a new interpretation of this foundational tarot card, drawing inspiration from classic decks like the Marseilles and Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) traditions, while also incorporating the artist's unique symbolic elements. For instance, the preliminary study for The Magician card already featured a levitating table and a traditional Taoist symbol, indicating a blend of established and personal iconography. The ultimate goal was to transform the preliminary sketch into a finished painting.

While the project specifically funded only one card, it laid the groundwork for a broader artistic endeavor. Ewen's approach highlights a desire to contribute a fresh perspective to the rich history of tarot art, making the symbolism accessible and engaging through new visual narratives. The project's success, even on a small scale, demonstrated an audience for innovative interpretations of traditional tarot imagery.

This project would appeal to tarot enthusiasts and collectors interested in the creative process behind deck design, particularly those who appreciate early-stage artistic development and unique interpretations of classic cards. It is suited for individuals who value independent artists' contributions to the tarot world and enjoy seeing how traditional symbolism can be reimagined with personal touches. Readers who prefer a more hand-drawn, less polished aesthetic might also find the style intriguing.

John Ewen is an artist with a keen interest in Tarot Cards, viewing them as a fascinating collection of symbolic visual images akin to a 'visual language.' His ambition to design a new set of Tarot cards had been a long-standing consideration. This Kickstarter project for 'The Magician' card was conceived as the inaugural step in a larger series, with the ultimate goal of creating an entire new Major Arcana, and potentially a full 78-card deck. Ewen's process involves referencing classic decks like Marseilles and Rider-Waite while introducing his own unique symbolism, such as the levitating table and Taoist symbol seen in his preliminary study for The Magician.