Van Gogh Tarot is the culmination of two years of creative exploration and extensive research on Van Gogh's paintings.​ I’ve delved deeply into Vincent’s life, focusing on his ten prolific years of painting, drawing, and writing. My research spans thick volumes on Van Gogh, fascinating podcasts, and numerous documentaries. The cards emerged while I was doing the research. I am currently working on the second draft of the text for all of the cards, and writing the prompts.
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The first time I worked with Tarot was 15 years ago, and I’ve been studying it extensively ever since. In March 2024, I completed an intensive on the Major Arcana with one of my teachers, which significantly supported my writing and re-imagining of the cards.
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Proof of Concept
Over the course of 8 months, I’ve been working with a printer who specializes in Oracle and Tarot cards. We have completed several rounds making working prototypes of the deck + box design. I have been able to test out the deck along the way, and adjust the design. The prototype is finally ready for it's Introduction Tour!
The Lovers Card
In front of Terrace of a Café at Night
by Vincent van Gogh
Kröller-Müller Museum, Netherlands
Painted September 1888
Full Immersion
To fully commit to this project, I took a sabbatical, setting aside all paid design projects to immerse myself entirely in the project. I went to the Netherlands in May 2024 to spend time with the paintings at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and I made a trip to the incredible Kröller-Müller Museum which is located in the middle of an enormous National Park. Helene Kröller-Müller was totally committed to Vincent van Gogh and making sure his work survived. She started buying his paintings in 1910 and felt a very strong spiritual connection to his works. I recommend this film if you want to know more about Helene. The museum is just incredible. One of my all time favorites!
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Do you know about Jo Bonger?
She was married to Theo van Gogh, Vincent's brother and closest friend. When Theo died tragically only 6 months after Vincent, Jo and her son Vincent inherited most of Van Gogh's paintings. She devoted the next 50 years of her life to making sure his paintings got into exhibitions, museums and private collections.
The New York Times writer and historian Russell Shorto wrote a fantastic article on Jo Bonger that I found while doing research. I had never heard of her. She really has been overlooked in the history books! Without her tenacity, there would be NO Van Gogh. There is a biography that just came out in English that I have started to read too.
Last summer I went to New York to see a Van Gogh show at The Met. It was a collection of rare paintings from private collections and museums from all over the world entitled Van Gogh's Cypresses.
I am currently looking to meet with inspired, collaborative publishing partners. The project vision for Van Gogh Tarot is mapped out more in detail in a private area. The info I have gathered is geared towards publishing partners, so let me know if you would like access to it. There is a quick contact form here.
“Creative power can’t be held back. What one feels must come out.”
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– Vincent van Gogh