This project is the culmination of over two years of writing, design, creative exploration, and deep research into Van Gogh’s paintings, letters, and life. It sits at the intersection of art history, Tarot, and the philosophy of creativity—designed not just for artists, but for anyone navigating their own creative process.
Vincent van Gogh’s work has long been a source of inspiration for me. His creative brilliance sparked the idea for this deck, which is entirely focused on the creative process from the reader’s perspective. To bring it to life, I took a year-long sabbatical, stepping away from client work to immerse myself in research and writing. His paintings serve as a bridge to deeper insights on creativity, forming the heart of this deck.
Credits: Sunflowers, Vincent van Gogh
Arles, January 1889,
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
(Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
I knew I had to see Vincent’s paintings in person. After 18 months of studying his work up close on my screen and in books, I made a pilgrimage to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. I took the prototype of deck with me and had fun taking photographs of people looking at the original artwork! It was amazing to see his work in person after working with his paintings so closely.
I’ve spent years studying the Tarot, learning from renowned teachers and my own lived experience and using it as a tool for insight. While reimagining the Major Arcana, I also developed the Oracle Cards which are all rooted in real-life experiences that fuse the emotions in Vincent's paintings with the things we all experience when we make the decision to prioritize our creativity.
I have gifted several decks to friends to take it for a test run as I continue writing the Guidebook. Everyone says the same thing: "It's GORGEOUS!" and "Wow, I've never seen cards that talk about this kind of stuff before."
I think it’s important to acknowledge the realities that shape our work and lives—procrastination, self-doubt, mental health, isolation—as well as the moments of connection, hope, and the decision to take creative risks by exploring unknown territory in our work.
This deck covers a wide range of emotions and experiences that come up when we make things that we care about. The cards truly act as a mirror for what's going on with you at that very moment and they are a catalyst. I am amazed at how this deck helps me on a day to day basis.