The Fountain Tarot | A Contemporary Standard

The Fountain Tarot is a 79-card deck that aims to offer a contemporary standard for tarot, featuring original oil paintings by artist Jonathan Saiz. The project was a collaboration between Saiz, writer Jason Gruhl, and designer Andi Todaro, and successfully raised $28,510 from 361 backers on Kickstarter in 2014. The deck includes an extra card, the 'Fountain' card, beyond the traditional 78-card structure, and comes with an in-depth guide to reading tarot, all housed in a custom-designed box.

The creators emphasized the quality of the production, stating that the funding goal was not just to print and send decks, but to create something of lasting value. The artwork, described as museum-quality oil paintings, was a central focus, with updates detailing the final touches on the remaining 40 cards not initially shown in the campaign. The project also highlighted the global reach of its backers, indicating broad interest in its modern approach to tarot.

Designer Andi Todaro contributed to the overall aesthetic, including the card-back design inspired by the Templo de San Cayetano in Guanajuato, Mexico. The deck was presented as a complete package, with the art, interpretive guide, and custom packaging all designed to provide a cohesive and elevated experience for tarot readers.

This deck is suited for tarot enthusiasts who appreciate fine art and a contemporary aesthetic, particularly those drawn to oil painting as a medium. It appeals to readers seeking a modern interpretation of the tarot system without straying too far from its core structure, given its 79-card count (78 plus one extra). Collectors interested in artist-driven projects and high-quality production will also find this deck appealing.

The Fountain Tarot is a collaborative effort by artist Jonathan Saiz, writer Jason Gruhl, and designer Andi Todaro. Saiz, responsible for the original oil paintings, aimed to capture the emotional depth of each card. Gruhl contributed to the in-depth guidebook, while Todaro designed the deck's overall aesthetic, including the card backs inspired by Mexican architecture. Their collective vision was to create a contemporary and high-quality tarot standard.