The Chris Martin Tarot

The Chris Martin Tarot is an ambitious project by artist Chris Alan Martin, conceived as a 78-card deck that would merge the foundational symbolism of the Rider-Waite tradition with the intricate, visionary aesthetic of artist Alex Grey. The creator also noted a "tinge of evilness" as a stylistic element, suggesting a darker or more intense interpretation of the traditional archetypes. The deck was planned to feature a wealth of symbolism and hidden meanings within each card, rendered with intricate details.

The project aimed to be a "classic tarot deck" in its structure and symbolic depth, but with a unique visual twist. Martin had already completed over twenty cards on 11"x14" illustration board and intended to recreate all of them on a larger 16"x20" scale if funding was secured. This suggests a commitment to detailed, large-format original artwork that would then be digitized for printing. The campaign, launched in 2012, sought to fund the completion and self-publication of this deck within an 18 to 24-month timeframe.

Despite the clear artistic vision and detailed plans for the artwork's creation, the campaign did not reach its funding goal. The emphasis on intricate, large-scale mixed media artwork indicates a desire to produce a deck that would stand out for its artistic merit and depth of detail, appealing to collectors and readers who appreciate a more complex and visually rich tarot experience.

This deck would appeal to experienced tarot readers and collectors who appreciate complex, highly symbolic artwork and a darker, more intense aesthetic. Fans of visionary art, particularly those familiar with Alex Grey's style, would likely be drawn to its described visual approach. It would also suit readers looking for a Rider-Waite-based deck that offers a unique artistic interpretation rather than a straightforward clone.

Chris Alan Martin is an artist with over thirty years of experience. His vision for The Chris Martin Tarot was to create a classic deck infused with deep symbolism and intricate details, drawing inspiration from the Rider-Waite and Robin Wood traditions while incorporating the visionary style of Alex Grey and a unique "tinge of evilness." He had already completed over twenty cards on a smaller scale and planned to recreate them on larger 16"x20" illustration boards, indicating a dedicated and meticulous artistic process.