Dreary Day

I’ve always found myself utterly enchanted by the art on tarot cards—can you really blame me? Each card tells its own little story, wrapped in symbolism that whispers tales of wisdom and mystery. Eventually, I toyed with the idea of crafting my very own deck. Imagine, designing 78 entirely unique cards. I think my eyes crossed just considering it! But then, I stumbled upon an article by the talented Luke Hickman, sparking fresh excitement. He’s amazing at diving into those rich, layered meanings that make tarot cards not just pretty images but deeply reflective tools for meditation and growth.

So, here I am, breathing new life into that shelved project. Currently, the Justice card is calling my name. I guess something about its call for balance and fairness is really resonating with what’s swirling in my thoughts these days. Did you know it’s traditionally linked to Venus and Libra? No wonder it all feels so harmonious. Somehow, the journey doesn’t seem as overwhelming anymore—or maybe it’s the intrigue of Justice itself, urging me forward on this creative adventure. Now all I need is a good cup of tea, some linoleum, and a touch of bravery!

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Mystical Meanings Of Tarot Cards
Tarot cards, particularly those in the Major Arcana, captivate with their symbolic richness and historical intrigue. Each card carries distinct representations, such as The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess, each embodying unique meanings rooted in esoteric and archetypal imagery from various mystical traditions. This narrative journey through tarot explores not only their symbolic language but also their uses in meditation, reflection, and personal growth, offering a universal canvas for reflecting on the human condition.

Artist: Not applicable
Medium: Tarot Card Design
Themes: Symbolism, Spiritual Growth, Human Experience Exploration
Credit: Hickman Design

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Tarot Justice Card Insights
The Justice tarot card, a major arcana card numbered VIII or XI, symbolizes fairness, balance, and equitable decision-making. Typically depicted with scales, it signifies triumph in legal matters and is associated with Venus and Libra in astrology. The Rider–Waite–Smith tarot deck famously altered its position, swapping it with the Strength card to align with astrological traditions. Reversed, the card indicates bias and complications. Justice is part of a trio of virtues in the major arcana, alongside Temperance and Strength.

Artist: Not Applicable
Medium: Tarot Card
Themes: Fairness, Equity, Astrology (Venus, Libra)
Credit: Wikipedia

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Creating Your Tarot Deck
Artist: Greg White
Medium: Tarot Deck Creation
Themes: Tarot symbolism, Thematic Cohesion, Artistic Consistency
Credit: Gregory White

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AI Image has been automatically generated with ChatGPT and Midjourney.

linocut print depicting the Justice tarot card, a figure balanced on a scale holding a sword, embodying the essence of fairness and harmony, muted gray tones with bold black ink lines, mystical symbolism in the background, –ar 16:9

The chill of the early morning mist bore witness to my thwarted attempt at civic action as I stood watching the winding line of patient voters. I couldn’t shake the metaphor of woodcutters’ patient toil from my mind—willing to carve out their space in the narrative of democracy. It got me musing about how art, like printmaking, acts as both a historical record and a seed for future change. Through the ages, from Yugoslavian woodcuts to 1960s silkscreens, printmaking has been the fierce heartbeat of protest. Artists like Saad Ghosn embody this, their sharp cuts into wood peeling away layers to reveal images that speak more resonantly than speeches when addressing isolation and injustice. It’s a reminder of how the visual language profoundly communicates the collective demand for accountability. Now, inspired by our modern crucible, visionaries like Shepard Fairey and Carrie Mae Weems utilize art not just as expression, but as a vehicle for galvanizing participation in democracy. They cloak cities with billboards and digital canvases, reflecting the struggles etched in protests past and urging a rallying call for change. In these artworks, I see not just a reprisal but a continuation—the evolution of art in action, a tangible echo encouraging all those lined along sidewalks to hold their ground for the democracy they envision.

—Printmakings Protest Legacy Unveiled
Printmaking has long been a vital art form in political and social movements, tracing back to ancient times and flourishing in China’s 1400 era. It spans techniques like relief printing, intaglio, lithography, and screen printing, effectively amplifying propaganda, protest, and activism through the years. Highlighted movements include Yugoslavia’s Socialist Woodcuts, Latin American political prints, lithography’s political caricature in the USSR, and silkscreen’s impact on 1960s protest culture. Today, printmaking persists in tackling contemporary issues such as animal rights, environmental protection, and social justice, showcasing artists as advocates for societal change.

Artist: Various Artists
Medium: Printmaking
Themes: Political Protest, Social Justice
Credit: Hickman Design

—Printmaking For Social Change
Saad Ghosn, a retired medical doctor and visual artist from Greater Cincinnati, creates woodcut prints that delve into sociopolitical issues. Influenced by his experiences with political and social injustices, as well as events like 9/11 and Cincinnati riots, Ghosn uses his art for activism, founding SOS Art to promote peace and justice through creativity. His work often highlights isolated figures amid symbols of power, reflecting themes of political oppression and societal inequality.

Artist: Saad Ghosn
Medium: Woodcut Printmaking
Themes: Sociopolitical Issues, Isolation, Injustice
Credit: Artists Network

—Artistic Activism to Inspire Votes
Artists Shepard Fairey, Carrie Mae Weems, and others are collaborating with People For The American Way’s project, Artists for Democracy 2024, to inspire voting against Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. This artistic initiative aims to use art across multiple media as a tool for political mobilization and commentary, despite the usual criticism of such endeavors. Efforts include a Kickstarter for billboards in strategic locations. Highlighted contributions include Alyson Shotz’s civil rights-themed work and Beverly McIver’s piece focusing on women’s rights, all advocating for Biden’s reelection and promoting engagement with democratic values.

Artist: Shepard Fairey, Carrie Mae Weems, Alyson Shotz, Beverly McIver
Medium: Mixed Media
Themes: Political Mobilization, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, Patriotism
Credit: Artnet

—Artists Empower Voters For Democracy
Prominent artists Shepard Fairey and Carrie Mae Weems join the Artists For Democracy 2024 campaign to encourage voter engagement in the US election, advocating for democracy over fascism. Partnering with People for the American Way, the initiative uses art installations, billboards, and digital ads to target swing states like Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The campaign focuses on preventing authoritarianism with potential expansion into other battleground states.

Artist: Shepard Fairey, Carrie Mae Weems
Medium: Art Installations, Billboards, Digital Ads
Themes: Democracy, Anti-Authoritarianism, Voter Engagement
Credit: The Guardian

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AI Image has been automatically generated with ChatGPT and Midjourney.A linocut print depicting a solitary, tall tree surrounded by morning mist, symbolizing resilience and democracy, with intricate details in the bark resembling historical woodcuts, muted greys and blues accenting a white background, –ar 16:9

This weekend, as I watch my four-year-old son learn to ride his bike, wobbling bravely into balance, I’m struck by how the bicycle can be such a poignant symbol of adventure and art. In the delightful world of linocut printmaking, bicycles whisk their way into our creative minds in the most vibrant and whimsical manners. Inspired by the fluid color fields of Henri Matisse, Lisa Takahashi paints a moving picture titled ‘The Cyclist’ with Caligo inks, capturing the youthful spirit of pedal-driven freedom. Meanwhile, Ken Swinson’s ‘Bear on Bike’ adds a whimsical touch, with a teddy bear finding its path on a two-wheeled journey, inviting us to smile and explore the playful side of our artistic muse. These bicycles aren’t just for children: they’re about remembrances and vitality, much like the tricycles beautifully linocut by an unnamed artist, who echoes themes of nostalgia with every print, each cycling us back to simpler, carefree days of our own childhoods. And let’s not forget the art of drawing bicycles, as Chaz Hutton’s cheeky manual reminds us to embrace the imperfections in both life and art—because even a wobbly wheel can roll us forward on this delightful creative ride. As my son’s training wheels roll over the pavement, I find inspiration in these pieces—eager to carve its essence into my own prints, embracing each line and texture, much like life’s own joyful, imperfect path.

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Linocut Printing Adventure With Inks
Artist: Lisa Takahashi
Medium: Linocut Printmaking
Themes: Cyclist, inspired by Henri Matisse, Gillian Ayres, and Patrick Heron

Lisa Takahashi shares her experience creating a print titled ‘The Cyclist’ using Caligo Safe Wash Relief Inks. Transitioning from traditional oil paints and Daler Rowney Georgian Block printing medium, she discovers the ease and vibrancy of these inks, which require no solvents. Despite challenges with color layering and cleanup, Takahashi appreciates the outcome and influences from artists like Henri Matisse, Gillian Ayres, and Patrick Heron.
Credit: Jackson’s Art Blog

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Reduction Linocut Artistry Unveiled
Kentucky artist Ken Swinson showcases his inventive skill in a vibrant, multi-colored reduction linocut titled ‘Bear on Bike’. This artwork, crafted on heavyweight, 100% post-consumer recycled paper using a traditional press, comes from a signed and limited edition of 25 prints. The piece measures 4.5×6 inches, with the paper size being 8×10 inches. Each print features unique variations in ink texture and alignment due to hand printing, enhancing its collectible charm. ‘Bear on Bike’ is available for purchase with free shipping within the USA.

Artist: Ken Swinson
Medium: Reduction Linocut Print
Themes: Animal Imagery
Credit: Ken Swinson

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Tricycle Memories In Linocut Art
An artist is creating a series of linocut prints centered around tricycles, inspired by their own childhood memories and those of others. Initially crafted as a wedding gift, these hand-colored prints evoke nostalgia and joy, connecting viewers to their childhood experiences of freedom and independence. The artist began the series after realizing the universal fondness for trikes, with each piece aimed at capturing those simple, delightful moments of riding. This collection not only highlights personal memories of independence and joy but also invites others to reminisce about their own tricycle adventures.

Artist: [Artist’s Name Not Provided]
Medium: Linocut Printmaking
Themes: Childhood Memories, Tricycles, Nostalgia
Credit: Shana James on WordPress

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Embrace Bicycle Drawing Imperfection
Chaz Hutton invites readers on a humorous journey through the complexities of drawing a bicycle, offering a step-by-step guide filled with amusing commentary. With a lighthearted approach, he critiques his own instructions and encourages embracing imperfections. This playful piece uses bicycle drawing as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability, reminding us that things aren’t always as simple as they seem. Accompanied by illustrative images and witty asides, the article underscores both the challenge of artistic endeavors and the joy found in imperfection.

Artist: Chaz Hutton
Medium: Illustration
Themes: Humor, Life’s Challenges
Credit: Chaz Hutton on Substack

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AI Image has been automatically generated with ChatGPT and Midjourney.

linocut print depicting a single vintage tricycle from the 1960s, rendered in a nostalgic and whimsical style, simple black and white inked image, capturing the essence of childhood adventure and freedom, –ar 16:9

As Halloween whispers its way through the cobwebbed door of my imagination, I’m enchanted by the silhouetted dance of bats and cats, quintessential midnight companions in the season’s eerie tableau. Imagining these mystical creatures carved into the creamy linoleum fills my studio with anticipation. Firstly, I find myself diving into the simplicity and elegance of crafting bat shapes, their ‘m’ shaped wings reminiscent of mysterious dusk flights. It’s an illuminating exercise for anybody wanting to breathe life into their Halloween-inspired art. Meanwhile, the iconic black cat silhouette, with its sleek curves and mysterious gaze, is another muse. Its shadowy form beckons artists to explore depth through contrast and light. Emily Robertson’s ‘Black Cat’ linocut print is a prime example, drawing us into the realm where feline grace meets gothic allure, offering a masterclass in subtle variation and repetition. The ability of linocutting to capture the essence of Halloween is further exemplified by ‘Halloween Bandit,’ which embraces the layered complexity and rich texture that only a reduction linocut can provide. Lastly, the metaphysical musings of “Boo, Forever” invite us to consider the ethereal and introspective side of Halloween, where ghosts ponder existential conundrums amid Brian Eno’s ambient notes. As I delve into these inspiring worlds, I envision my next linocut coming to life, cloaked in shadows, poised to join this spectral parade of autumnal art.

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Drawing Spooky Bats Simplified
Challenging you to capture the spirit of Halloween, this article guides you through a fun and easy method to draw spooky bats. Utilizing the simplicity of an ‘m’ shape, it lays out step-by-step instructions for crafting eerie bat figures. Start by sketching various angled ‘m’ curves for flying birds, then develop bat wings with a pronounced ‘m’ and elongated tail shape. By mirroring these elements, you’ll transform lines into lively bat designs, perfect for seasonal artwork.

Artist: Not specified
Medium: Drawing
Themes: Halloween, Bats
Credit: Medium

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Black Cat Drawing Guide
The article presents a step-by-step guide to drawing a black cat, emphasizing the creation of a recognizable silhouette. It suggests starting with guides for proper placement and recommends using materials like drawing paper, pencils, black markers, and crayons. A downloadable PDF for the tutorial and a coloring page are available to enhance the process. Careful coloring is encouraged to achieve a bold, solid black effect that stands out.

Artist: N/A
Medium: Drawing Tutorial
Themes: Black Cat Silhouette, Drawing Techniques
Credit: Art Projects for Kids

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Black Cat Lino Print Edition
Emily Robertson has created a limited edition lino cut print titled ‘Black Cat.’ Each of the 50 prints, made with black ink on high-quality paper, is hand-numbered and signed, offering unique variations. This unmounted and unframed piece is a testament to her printmaking skills.

Artist: Emily Robertson
Medium: Lino Cut Print
Themes: Cats
Credit: Emily Robertson Store on Big Cartel

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Linocut Magic Halloween Edition
Linocut artist unveils ‘Halloween Bandit’, a captivating limited edition print, expertly crafted using a 3 color reduction linocut technique. This unique piece, priced at $40, showcases the individuality of handmade art, with each print bearing slight variations. Printed on premium 100lb coverstock, these 8 x 10 inch artworks are signed and numbered for authenticity. More than just a purchase, it’s a celebration of process intricacy, defined by carving and color layering. Note: It’s a final sale, with support for any damage-related issues.

Artist: Unspecified
Medium: Linocut Printmaking
Themes: Halloween, Unique Designs
Credit: Norris Design Company

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Existential Ghosts In Linocut Art
“Boo, Forever” is a linocut print capturing existential themes inspired by Richard Brautigan’s poetry, “A Ghost Story” film, and Brian Eno’s music. It features imagery of sheet ghosts and resonates with watching life pass by and loneliness. This two-layer multiblock piece is hand-printed on Fabriano Tiepolo paper using Caligo oil-based ink, creating unique variations. Available in lilac-to-deep-blue and dark blue, the prints come in two quality tiers, with a limited edition of eighty. Each print is signed, numbered, and shipped in protective tubes.

Artist: Unspecified
Medium: Linocut Printmaking
Themes: Existentialism, Ghost Imagery, Loneliness
Credit: Mat Pringle Illustration

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AI Image has been automatically generated with ChatGPT and Midjourney.

A black and white linocut print depicting a sleek black cat with mysterious gaze and curved silhouette, standing under a crescent moon, with bats flying in the background, creating an eerie Halloween atmosphere, bold inking and strong contrasts, –ar 16:9