THE MAGICIAN

 

The Magician Card 1 of Alaska's Major Arcana

Most magician cards show a man in a robe. Mine has no figure at all, just the altar and it's implied he would stand behind it and the tools are waiting on him.

The four suits of the tarot are laid out on a dark blue tablecloth: a wand, a chalice, a curved blade and a stack of silver coins. The Magicians whole point is that everything you need for your journey is laid out on the altar. Resourcefulness is looking at what's at hand and getting to work. 

Behind the altar, a full moon glows through an arched window, with the infinity symbol worked into the glass above. Infinite potential, eternal power, mastery over time. Roses climb the brick wall on both sides, denoting desire and ambition, and the one petal dropped on the table, a reminder that desire needs to be acted upon, or it withers on the vine.

And then of course the Alaskan Raven, perched on the edge of the altar, watching. In Alaskan lore the Raven caries the wishes, dreams and messages to the other side of the thin veil, the Raven also brings light to the world. He is the right witness for a card about making something manifest out of will and skill.

The FOOL

 

THE FOOL: WHERE THE ALASKA MAJOR ARCANA BEGINS

Every tarot deck has to start somewhere, and it always starts with the fool. Not because he is foolish in the way we usually mean that word (careless, silly, not paying attention) but because he's willing to do the one thing most of us spend our whole lives avoiding: step off the edge without knowing what's underneath.

That's the card. New beginnings. Innocence. Spontaneity. A leap of faith taken before logic has finished arguing against it.

The Fool: He dances on a loop of rope in the sky with a little white kitty along side him and Denali is far below. That's the Alaska in Alaska Major Arcana. The Fool is at the start of the journey, which means he's also pure potential - nothing has happened to him yet. He hasn't succeeded or failed. He hasn't been humbled or proven right.  He's standing at the very beginning of his story and every version of the story is still possible.

I've been thinking about this card a lot as I start this project: A Major Arcana inspired by the Alaska I love, twenty-two paintings, each one built out of the landscape, creatures and the people in it. Starting anything creative is it's own leap of faith. There is no guarantee the deck gets finished, no guarantee anyone connects with it, no guarantee any of this "works". Logic would probably tell you not to start a twenty-two card painting project.

Logic is not always right.

I moved to Alaska about 30 years ago with my own Fool's daydream: a good man, a cabin, some dogs and painting to my hearts content. I am fortunate to have lived it.

Now all 22 cards are finished and my Kickstarter launched on November 11th, one year since the day it all started. Will you take the leap with me? Back the deck, and come along with me on the Fool's journey across Alaska.

Contact me if you are interested in supporting this project and I'll make sure you get the information.

Text, "I'm interested" to Judy Vars 907-355-2219 and I'll make sure you get the link.

Fool Image inspired by and painted with written permission from Michael Parkes.

Yellow

YELLOW 

by

Judy Vars

$600

 This vibrant painting draws the viewer in with its delightful use of color and dynamic composition. The central sunflower, with its bold yellow petals, effectively captures the viewer's attention and serves as a focal point for the piece. The sunflower's presence exudes a sense of warmth and energy, which is enhanced by the contrasting cool tones of the swirling vase. The choice to use blues, greens, and purples in the vase is particularly effective, as it not only complements the sunflower but also adds depth and movement, creating an engaging visual experience.

The setting of the vase on a yellow chair adds an element of whimsy and serves to ground the composition within a cohesive color palette. The yellow of the chair echoes the sunflower, subtly linking the elements of the painting. The woven seat offers an interesting texture, inviting the viewer into the scene with a sense of homely familiarity. The background, with its field of green grass dotted with delicate white flowers, provides a serene contrast to the vibrant foreground, while the sky's transition from pale blue to lavender lends an atmospheric quality that suggests a peaceful twilight or dawn setting.

One of the strengths of this piece is its ability to evoke emotions of joy and tranquility, largely due to the harmonious interplay of colors. The artist has demonstrated a keen eye for balance and contrast, ensuring that each element contributes to the overall narrative. While the composition is lively and full of detail, it stops short of being overwhelming, maintaining a pleasant equilibrium between complexity and simplicity.

In closing, this painting is a testament to the artist's skill in creating a vivid and lively tableau that resonates with viewers on an emotional level. It invites contemplation and admiration through its use of color and form, all while maintaining a lighthearted and joyful presence. The artist is encouraged to continue exploring their unique style and inspirations, knowing that their work has a meaningful impact and the potential to inspire further reflection and appreciation.

When I'm An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

 When I'm An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple

Oil

16X20

Judy Vars

When I was a younger woman I used to wish for wisdom as time passed I realized I was just longing for old age, because with age comes wisdom. 

Like Van Gogh and Frida Kalho I always wanted to paint my self portrait which not an easy task for someone like me. Finding the beauty in my wrinkles and sagging skin is more difficult than I thought it could be. I'm searching for the beauty in growing older. I am searching for radical self acceptance. 

I wonder if I could turn back the hands of time would I? Imaging aging backwards like Benjamin Button. 

I've learned that growing older faint of heart. We are not invisible, We are not irrelevant, We know more about life than we let on!  My we all grow old with love, beauty and grace, 

The Red Queen 

Mixed Media Oil Painting 

24 x 18 

Judy Vars 

$500.00

The inspiration for this painting was the official portrait of King Charles the III, painted  by British artist Jonathan Yeo. This painting is controversial because of the dynamic red the artist used it gives you a jolt of strong feelings, like massacre, hell, love, lust and power, personally I am a big fan of RED.  

I could also call this the "Red Queen meets Bridgerton", you know the lovely British series based on books by Julia Quinn, replete with Queens, Lords, Grand Dames, it transports you to another era with all the elements of a great historical fiction romance novel; sex,  gossip, romance and period fashion   I'm INSPIRE-RED

Inspiration comes from everywhere