Artist Statement
My research into the historical imagery of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, Medieval Astrology and Alchemy form the conceptual basis of my arts practice and I see it as an inherent part of my own personal journey. As I grasp the Occult wisdom that is at the very heart of this subject matter, I am inspired to persevere with my research at increasingly deeper levels.
When I create Tarot imagery, I assimilate what I have learned through the symbolic process of self-exploration, and I do this through the use of my own body. I feel closest to the operations of Alchemy when using dry pigments on a dark ground and use colour as a way to gently persuade the monochromatic human form to emerge from the darkness.
Within each Tarot artwork, I am searching for a metaphor of integrity, one that is contemporary but still holds strong links to traditional Occult symbolism. I want to present the modern Tarot enthusiast with a collection of Tarot imagery that offers a depth of meaning far beyond an answer to the ever-popular Tarot question “When will I find my soulmate?”
Artist Bio
Amy.B arrived at the Visual Arts in 2018 with a strong interest in realism and dry pigments. She commenced her Visual Arts studies in 2020 and has been working as a Tarot Illustrator from that time.
As part of her Diploma Exhibition in 2021, Amy.B undertook a comprehensive Tarot project. This led to an interview with Beyond the Paint, a podcast that celebrates women artists, and to the publication of her Tarot illustrations in The Nimbin Good Times Newspaper.
At the beginning of 2022, Amy.B was welcomed onto the volunteer Management Committee of The Tarot Guild of Australia (TGA) and she is now the organisations Treasurer. She played a significant role in founding the association’s first Art Prize and yearly Calendar, entitled Tarot Unearthed. Her illustrations featured on the front cover of their inaugural calendar.
Amy.B is now enrolled in the Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Lismore TAFE and writes the monthly Tarot column for The Nimbin Good Times Newspaper. She is currently illustrating the Unveiled: Tarot & Ritual Magick collection from her home studio, nestled in the charming village of Nimbin, Australia.
