Something Borrowed

Something new for me...using a model supplied by some generous folks at Deviant Art to create an otherwise original photo-painting. 

While it did feel odd to use another photographer's work (Helle Gry, no link available) of a model unknown to me (Maria Amanda), it was terrific fun to work on making it my own and creating a different context.  Please go here to see the original photo that I borrowed.

This is another version that I posted on my Facebook page, Offerings.

There are other versions that happened along the way as well; the process provided a most rewarding realm of experimentation, discovery and learning.

Of course it would be great to have one's own model to dress up and pose, but barring that, this alternative will have to suffice. There is also the distinct possibility that these digital "photo-paintings" could be a jumping off point for making works of paint on canvas or paper. Already I'm thinking of this as fodder for a card in my presently stalled Tarot Series, which are all hand drawn and painted. (I would link to the Tarot Series here but for some reason the pictures are no longer showing, doubtlessly due to some diabolic Google+ machinations!)

Anyway, I hope someone out there likes this detour I took.

I'll be flitting around to visit my blog friends very soon--
am looking forward to seeing what directions you're flying!

XVI The Tower

Things fall apart.  Everything changes.  Change is often painful, difficult, but necessary.

©2011 L. Ciacco, XVI The Tower, Tarot Series, acrylic on paper, 7 x 5 in.

 The Tower indicates that our ego defenses are no longer serving us.  All our old ways of coping aren't doing the trick.  Everything upon which we built our belief system is discovered to be flawed or false.  This is a time of desperation but not despair.  From this "crack up" will come rebuilding and renewal.  We will open to the true self and, with this knew knowledge, create a firmer foundation upon which to build our lives.

I am basically writing this "off the top of my head," having glanced at descriptions of this card in a couple of books.  However, as I imagined this image some time ago and have been carrying it "inside my head" this is what I feel the card represents.

There will be a pause of some months in the creating of my Tarot Series.  In two weeks time I'll be heading to Vancouver and staying there for an extended period.  As I won't have the supplies and books I need to work on this series, I'm going to set it aside, yet again, until I return to my home studio.

Meanwhile, I hope to keep the Maxim of the Week going, and whip up a regular batch of treats to serve  on Ragzedge while I'm away.  And I'll be checking in to see what my creative blog friends are up to.

Please stay tuned!

Bedevilment

Traditionally designated as XV The Devil card in the Tarot , I have renamed it in my own deck as Bedevilment.  This card indicates, much as a line from an old song goes, being "bewitched, bothered and bewildered" by our own obsessions. 

©2011 L.Ciacco, XV Bedevilment, Tarot Series, acrylic on paper, 7 x 5 in.

A dictionary definition of the word "bedevil" states: to harass or torment; to throw into confusion.  When this card pops up in a Tarot reading we'd best ask just what is it we're tormenting ourselves with or are confused about.  Those shoes that we simply have to have?  A lover we can't let go of?  A particular fantasy wherein we save the day or become an overnight sensation in some way?  What illusions, delusions, or substances are we using for false comfort?   Relationships that are keeping us bound in some way must be shed.  The Bedevilment card lets us know that it's time to stop taking our obsessive desires so seriously; to laugh at ourselves (I mean, look at this creature's get-up!), get a grip on reality, and to lighten up.

It's time to examine how we are bedeviled by boundaries and limitations created by our own fear-based beliefs and admit the ways in which we hold ourselves in bondage to physical or material desires.  This card indicates the need to bring light into the darkness of desire and obsession, whether it be through the sobering light of day, the light-heartedness of humour, or the soothing light of Spirit.

We must shed our false identities (illustrated by the mask, gloves, perverse attire) and free the bonds of our limiting beliefs and obsessions (shown in the rope not being actually knotted or tied). 

XIV The Healer (Temperance)

After doing some research on the meaning of the Temperance card in the Tarot, I have decided to rename  it "The Healer"  in my deck.

©2011 L.Ciacco, XIV The Healer, Tarot Series, acrylic on watercolour paper, 7 x 5 in.

Generally if I think of "temperance" I associate it with not overdoing anything (especially drinking alcohol).  But the Tarot card's meaning has more to do with the ability to remix the ways in which one lives one's life into a more harmonious combination.  New solutions to old challenges can be found through careful analysis and patience while maintaining a well-balanced outlook on life.  No going off the deep end here; no gnashing of teeth or rending of garments.  We have the knowledge and ability within ourselves to heal those aspects of our lives that are out of balance.  "Balance" is the key:  bringing body, mind, heart, soul into a harmonious flow of energy and thereby being well in the world, no matter what the circumstances.  The Healer gives us the opportunity to  blend opposing elements that we have been struggling with in a seemingly leaden present into a  new and harmonious combination, in order to produce a golden future. 

In other words, "Physician, heal thyself!"

Tarot Series: XIII Death

Here's the latest installation in my ongoing series

© L.Ciacco XIII Death, Tarot Series, acrylic on paper, 7 x 5 in.

Not altogether fearsome.  Rather friendly and stylish-- for Death, that is.  And proferring a lovely bunch of roses, signalling life in the blood red of the petals, and hope/love in the green leaves.  So, yes, a death of  situations and/or relationships that were once, and perhaps still are, held dear.

The time has come to let certain things go...whether we really want to or not.  And out of this death of sorts, new beginnings and opportunities for growth and change will arise.

Hang-ups

The latest addition to my Tarot cards series is the one traditionally known as The Hanged Man, but I preferred to interpret it with a more sexually ambiguous personnage.  After all, it's not just the males of our species that have all the hang-ups.

©2011 L.Ciacco, The Tarot Series: XII Hang-ups, acrylic on paper, 7 x 5 in.

While the card indicates being hung up about certain matters, or feeling stuck in an uncomfortable place in one's life, it also suggests it could be time to take a different viewpoint of one's situation.  I painted the clothing all in earth tones to indicate a rather quietly traditional approach to life, but supplied a juicy red apple to symbolize the potential for new knowledge.  The brightly coloured umbrella hints at a vibrant new world at hand, just waiting to be opened.  Our hung up friend here holds the potential to turn his/her life around.  At least that's the way I see it. 

(doesn't this card make you want to grab your computer screen and turn it upside down?!)

Allow me!

Wheel of Fortune

As promised, I continued work on my Tarot Card series, and here is the latest addition.  The border of the card and the circle shape are actually a shiny copper, and I couldn't make either my scanner or Photoshop tampering reproduce the more purplish tone of the girl's shirt.  But you get the idea, yes?

©2011 L.Ciacco, Wheel of Fortune, Tarot Cards Series, acrylic on paper, 7 x 5 in.

The wheel generally indicates a change in one's fortunes, for better or worse.  Movement and change in one's circumstances.  The time I had this for my Year Card, the year started out well but ended...not so great.  It can indicate a change in direction, or being at a turning point in one's life, or perhaps even going around in circles.  At any rate, hang on tight and stay focused when the wheel is in motion! 

Lest Not Ye Be Judged

After a very lengthy hiatus, I'm getting back to working on my Tarot Series. 

©2011 L.Ciacco, XI Justice, acrylic on paper, 7.5 x 5 in.

"Justice/Adjustment:  Legal and financial considerations, balance and harmony, learing to to get along with others yet be true to yourself, partnerships, contracts."
Mary K. Greer, Tarot for Your Self, Newcastle 1984


  I've not yet written texts to go with my cards but there is a lot of information online about the Tarot for anyone who might be interested in delving further.

I'm planning to make the 22 cards of the Major Arcana.  Thus far I have:

More on these as they develop.  They will be available as individual greeting cards as well as a deck of the Major Arcana.  (There, I've said it out loud in front of witnesses: now I have to do it!)