While working on this, I wrote down all kinds of words (as you can see on the paper hand rest in the video) that flooded my mind. Here is a list of the unedited stream of consciousness I jotted down between pencil strokes. These are unedited and reflect what I was feeling at the moment and not how I necessarily feel all of the time.

To be courageous in art, one should not censor the psyche

Don’t be afraid to expose the unseen

Art is part logic, part insanity

Some art requires courage to execute

Art reveals pain

Art speaks without verbalizing

Art is the unadorned soul

Art is menacing

Art reveals that which is not obvious

Art exposes the ineffable

It’s courageous to draw that which you fear

Art can be ugly

Art is 2% creativity, 98% intuitive impulse

Courage + Art= Penetrating

***
Thank you for watching.
~Lisa

The other day, we found a shivering baby bird on our front step. We looked up at the nest built over one of our hurricane shutters and assumed the worst. We gently picked up the fragile creature and examined it for injuries. Miraculously, other than being half-scared-to-death, it looked fine! Putting it back into the impossibly high nest was out of the question, so we decided to bring it inside for the night in fear that a predator would see it as a convenient meal.

Our family felt such sadness because we honestly didn’t think it would survive, but there is something about a distressed animal that brings out kindness and hope in most people. We had to try and save it.

“Birdie” was panting and shaking, but soon warmed up to us. She reacted positively to my 5 year old cooing at it and seemed content to be snug and dry in a makeshift nest that we made with whatever we had on hand.  Feeling helpless, we called a wildlife specialist and were instructed to return it to the same area where the  parents would be looking for it. At first I felt skeptical assuming the parents would have given up on its baby.

We put it in one of our planters, where it would have some shelter from the elements. As distracting as it was, I kept peeking out at Birdie, praying and hoping for that imminent reunion. Sure enough, the wildlife specialist was right! We spied two doves looking down at Birdie from the rooftop next door (at least now we knew what kind of bird it was).

I checked on Birdie and saw that it was pooping up a storm, so it must have been getting the parental attention it needed. But by nightfall it was still in the planter. Even though it was sprier, preening and trying to spread its tiny wings, we felt it prudent to bring her back inside for the night (where we live, the night creatures rule the land). The next morning, it almost seemed as if Birdie had grown overnight. It was wide eyed and respondent and no longer panted in our presence. We put it back into the planter while mom and dad were waiting nearby. Then we happily saw one of the doves feeding the baby. I cannot even begin to describe the joy I felt when I finally heard it chirping—it felt wonderful knowing that this precious life had a chance (and a voice) despite all the odds against it.

While caring for Birdie, I couldn’t help but reflect on Thumbelina and her desire to help the dying swallow in the tunnel. Everyone around her was dismissive of the creature, but Thumbelina was determined to nurse it back to health. She carefully gave it water and covered it with a straw blanket, tending to her new friend until it was well enough to fly again. Thumbelina saved the swallow and in turn the swallow saved Thumbelina.

Princess of Swords from The Fairy Tale Tarot

What can we learn from this? Birdie gave us a gift. It reminded us how precious every single life is and how much each creature contributes to our fragile ego system. The doves that we hear cooing around our house are nothing short of nature’s own brand of music. They add something to our every day and are reminders of the simple joys in life. Birdie didn’t give up hope on itself. Instead of languishing and dying like we feared it would, it survived and thrived and now has a chance to spread its wings and fly!

For me, this experience was an auspicious one as well. The next project I’m working on after Ghosts & Spirits Tarot will be focusing on birds. Birdie’s spirit will definitely be part of my creative process as I honor these creatures with pencil and paintbrush.

~ Lisa

I’m delighted to be the recipient of so many positive responses to my fairy tale deck. As you know, this project is joy to me. It’s a summation of my creative life in every way—writer, artist, dreamer, lover of fairy tales and all the stories (real life and fantasy) along the way. It’s who I am and it delights me to no end thinking that these stories and art are captivating to others. My deep heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you!

Some generous spirits have emerged with photos and blogs showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot. Here’s a picture of The Fairy Tale Tarot laid out in an inventive spread. The photo was provided by Hearthcricket, omnipresent member of Aeclectic Tarot and now a blogger herself. Check out her blog: faerymusings.blogspot.com

Here’s Hearthcricket’s “Storybook Spread” that she has generously shared with me:
You read the cards in the same order as you would read words on the page of a book, top to bottom, and then flip up to the next page.  The idea is to get the cards to flow and unfold into one story, thus the querent’s reading!

1   2      5   6
3   4      7   8

1&2 read together as the past events, both physical and emotional.
3&4 read together as the querent and the present situation.
5&6 read together as the obstacles one must overcome and actions to be taken.
7&8 read together as the path one should consider and the final outcome.

And here’s a wonderful blog dedicated to The Fairy Tale Tarot and fairy tales in general, started by Ginger. Her insightful posts and thoughtful interludes demonstrate the richness of these tales and how they can mean so many things to different people. This is one reason why I love fairy tales so much—they’re endlessly fascinating, poignant and thought provoking. And Ginger’s site is full of fairy tale candor that simply whets one’s palate for more…

enchantedfairytales

And if you missed it, here’s a wonderful review posted at the American Tarot Association site:

Lisa Hunt Talks Tarot Art

In further news, though I may be a self-proclaimed studio hermit, I’m emerging out of my shell to give two live radio blog interviews in September. It has been years since I’ve spoken in public (partially because of the all-consuming nature of this project!).  I’m excited (and a little anxious) to discuss the inspiring and riveting nature of The Fairy Tale Tarot project… and whatever else the interviewers decide to throw my way during these “live” appearances. It should be great fun!

First up, the Dawn and Laura show (9/14/2009 11:00 AM ):

www.blogtalkradio.com

And in September, I will have the chance to interview with Misha:

www.themixtalk.com

I hope you’ll be able to tune into both shows!

And finally, Llewellyn is going to have a wonderful giveaway: signed uncut press sheets of the deck. Here’s a photo of these frameable and collectible sheets. They’re highly sought after because of their rarity. Even I am only in possession of one or two of these “hot-off-the-press galleries” showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot cards on one large poster-like sheet.

Here’s how you can win one of these coveted “posters”:
Llewellyn is going to have 3 drawings for Tarot Update subscribers and 3 Facebook, 3 Twitter contests. Be on the lookout for future announcements on Twitter and Facebook (follow/friend me to get the latest). And stay tuned right here for further details!

~ Lisa

Rumpelstiltskin Rough Sketch

How are you handling these challenging times? Personally, I try to focus on simplicity to help balance the complexity of modern life. I keep my tech acquisitions at a minimum –no laptop, no blackberry — content with a hand-me-down TV and aging cars. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, try to appreciate my family more, read more books and more letters and take my studio activities one day at a time. I try not to think about what I don’t have but rather all that I am blessed with. I have wishes, dreams and ambitions, …but as I get older they’re becoming modified. The only thing certain is the moment. I no longer think about the next train station. Rather, I’m happy with the one I’m at.

Simplicity helps me to deal with aspects of life that are unavoidably complicated and complication is everywhere! When burdens start to pollute my positive thinking, I find the best thing to do is let go and just be satisfied with knowing I’m doing the best I can. I’m not going to make the situation better by obsessing about those things I can’t control, but I can take pause, breathe and slowly tackle those dreaded items that need tending to without relinquishing a sense of well being.

Rumpelstiltskin Drawing

In the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, a poor miller made the fallacious claim that his daughter could spin straw into gold. When the King heard of her unique talents, he ordered her to his castle and commanded her to spin straw into gold or else she would die. The poor miller’s daughter was locked in a chamber piled high with straw not knowing what to do. Not knowing what to do until Rumpelstiltskin comes along that is.

Rumpelstiltskin Final Watercolor Painting

This card suggests that you feel smothered and weighed down–as though you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders with very little relief in sight. Be open to assistance and try to determine what you need to do to live in a more balanced manner.

From time to time, we may feel very “10 of Wands” — a card that suggests heavy burdens. Rather than being crushed under the heaviness of what we perceive as insurmountable trials and tribulations, sometimes we just need to take a breath, gather perspective and think of all the good things that are, before getting back to those aspects of life that present challenges.

~Lisa

(concept sketch)

In the Frost King, the story contrasts the virtuousness of the stepdaughter with the contemptuous “real” daughter (A similar theme also appears in the story Diamonds and Toads). Here the stepmother exploited the goodness of her stepchild before demanding that her husband, the father, take her to the wood and leave her for the Frost King. After an agonizing goodbye, the wretched girl was left by the stream without protective cover. It wasn’t long before the Frost King emerged from hiding, expecting to hear cold-induced moaning from his potential victim. But when he snapped his ice fingers and gnashed his teeth with tempting questions about the creeping cold, the girl responded sweetly that she was warm. The Frost King pulled back. He was so impressed with the girl’s uncomplaining nature that he covered her with a blanket and left her jewels.

Can you guess what happened next?
Well, the girl returned home with the treasure prompting her surprised stepmother to send her own daughter into the freezing wood. “Imagine what great gifts the Frost King will bestow on her!”
But when the Frost King approached the child, she was so miserable and ill tempered that he slowly froze her to death.
*******
Symbols

The resolute girl wears the color red, representing life. The hardness of the ice melts, echoing her own abilities to overcome the coldness of her surroundings. The Frost King is illuminated with warm spirals. He is there to summon respect and offer relief to a desperate situation. His bag contains the secrets of his power and wisdom. The crown, spiked with high-rising icicles is a symbol of his connection to higher thought processes. The tree is adorned with more spirals, symbols of hope for continuation.

~ Lisa

“To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.”
~ Schopenhauer

Most readers of fairy tales will agree: without a quest or challenge, there wouldn’t be much of a story. If we just rolled from one passive day to the next without any input from the dark side, we would quickly languish into states of irrevocable apathy. But do not fear, there is no such thing as sustained bliss; the road of life is filled with potholes and puddles, ready to shake us out of contentment without notice. Just when you think you’re riding smoothly along, you suddenly get thrown off your horse. We’ve all felt the stings of those falls. And usually after dusting off from the blow, we climb right back in that saddle and continue through passageways of uncertainty. We have our survival instincts to thank for that, but we also have our intractable human spirit that has the ability to thrive under challenging circumstances. Still, despite our ability to endure great tests of will, sometimes we can be lead astray by potential defeat or simply lose focus along the way. This can amplify fear, the true monster lurking in the forest ready to swallow up dreams; and it reminds me of one of the articles we must recite in nearly every Taekwondo class:

“Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the strength to overcome our fears.”

(photos from Lisa's black belt tes)

This is an important ingredient of any hero’s successful ride through hazardous terrain. Courage is the enabler of great feats! If we don’t let that fear monster overwhelm us, we’ll be okay.

Fairy tales serve a multi-tiered function. Not only are they entertaining narratives, but they are reassuring stories that serve to instill hope and possibilities in the face of extraordinary challenges. During the times these tales were told, people were imprisoned in caste systems, faced starvation, were reliant on the movement of the stars and the mercy of mother nature, and subject to all manner of day to day (and often life threatening) difficulties. This is the human condition and it still persists today. Therefore, we still need fairy tales! But under the shadows of stress and sadness awaits the resilient human spirit. Many big achievers rose from the ashes of a distilled society, where illusionary barriers were erected before unreachable glass ceilings. But it did not matter, the perspicacious hero remained transfixed by the possibility of reaching for his/her shining star, undaunted by the risks that would be an inevitable part of the courageous ride.

We can see a wonderful example of this in recent history. During the 2008 presidential season, former President Bill Clinton made a comment during Barack Obama’s quick ascendancy through the primaries: “This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I’ve seen.” From my perspective, I thought that remark was a vote of confidence for then Senator Obama. We all know what happens in fairy tales! And we all know how the primaries ended! The unlikely hero conquers alleged insurmountable passes, confronts all manner of obstacles, trials and monsters along the way before finally embracing sweet victory. President-Elect Barack Obama traveled the classic hero’s journey from poverty and social uncertainty, through a primary rife with naysayers before becoming the much-celebrated future leader of the free world.

Fairy tales provide roadmaps for our dreams providing timeless messages that still resonate with us today. They expose the triumphant spirit and the possibilities that lie within everyone’s grasp no matter how unrealistic those dreams may seem.
*******

Dragons, monsters and beasts have always kept me company in my ever-active studio space (and I’m not only talking about my two rambunctious children). The Polish fairy tale Glass Mountain as 7 of Cups, one of my favorite tarot cards symbolically-speaking, provides a wonderful example of difficult climbs navigated by courage and determination. After several attempts by those that failed before him, the hero scales the glass mountain in hopes of a victorious outcome. He encounters all manner of unsavory situations including a ravenous giant bird, the smell of decaying bodies, and a fierce dragon who blocks his entryway to the castle. . .there sat an imposing, smoking dragon eyeing him hungrily. He blocked the path with its mighty tail and looked as though he intended to put an end to the brazen journeyer. The dragon is there to test the youth—it is an illusion and represents obstacles that prevent us from reaching our goals. But the story has a happy ending. The hero exercises courage, passes the test and a big celebration ensues.

If you can visualize your dreams, you have already given yourself the basic tools for turning those dreams into reality. Most of my own accomplishments started as pipe dreams: becoming a professional artist and writer (“starving artist” was part of that equation), getting my Masters degree in 18 months while juggling a full-time life, earning a Black Belt in Submission Taekwondo at almost 42 years of age (refer to my last blog entry) and many other challenging undertakings that required an unwavering belief and a strong sense of determination. These may seem like small feats to some people, but for me, they represent something profound and sacred—they’re part of my own hero’s journey driven by hopes, dreams and courage.

~ Lisa

(click here to see the transformation)

After a somewhat sedentary existence following the birth of my daughter, I was cajoled by my son Connor’s Taekwondo Master to take a non-obligatory trial class. Here I was, a chubby post partum mom staring impending middle age in the face and I was being coerced into a situation that I was less than enthusiastic about. I told myself there was no way I can do this. I was clumsy and achy. I had two left feet and I had multiple abdominal traumas after a near fatal appendectomy in my 20s and two cesareans in my 30s; and now I was willing to subject myself to kicks and punches? I suffered from migraines (requiring quietude and darkness), borderline high blood pressure, high sugar levels, being overweight, low self-esteem and an exceptionally high heart rate. Years of concentrated studio and educational efforts took its toll and I had resigned myself to physical mediocrity. In other words, I was a mess! But despite my misgivings and because of the pleas of my young son (who thought it would be cool if his mom did TKD) I put on my sweats and showed up to class: There, are you happy? I thought to myself. The academy was populated by the young and fit, seasoned super people called black belts, and an unrelenting Master who, having survived Vietnam as a Marine, had no mercy for excuse makers. How was I going to be able to do even one stomach crunch? I still couldn’t feel the abdominal surface marred by medical emergencies. I hadn’t done a push up since high school and I had no idea where my withered deltoids, biceps and triceps were hiding…and here I was a bloated spectacle who somehow survived the hardest part of this unexpected journey: taking that first step onto the dojo mats. I came home with a new ghee and a white belt, triumphant in a sort of rebellious way but feeling crazy for abandoning my supposed comfort zone.

That was the beginning of an incredible journey.

Since then I’ve cried in class, I’ve “quit” multiple times, I’ve yelled, I’ve sounded off expletives (and I don’t typically swear), I’ve been bloodied, bruised and battered, I’ve been mangled to the ground, rough and tumbled and pretty much stripped of all dignity. And frankly, if it wasn’t for my wise son’s repeated recitation of the school’s code of conduct policy: “Perseverance: we keep on going in spite of difficulties”, I probably would have caved into defeat long ago. Connor was instrumental in making me see that giving up was not an option. If I did throw in the towel, what message would I be sending my impressionable son? He too was training and he too had his own challenges to face. I needed to keep on going for myself as well as for him. As a result, we were forging a close mother/son bond with our martial arts collective. That alone had been worth the effort.

But also through the physical and mental trials, something subtle began to envelope my being. Mental malaise was surrendering to physical prowess, a part of me that was allowed to languish in my 30s. I was reawakening my long dormant senses. The once competitive cross-country runner in high school, affectionately called “wild horse” by her mother, reacquainted herself with the very spirit that fueled her desire to conquer grueling trails of long ago. I had run like the wind, a wild horse with pony tale flowing behind. I had felt exhilarated and free as I struggled through stitches and discomforts-consequences of pushing a body beyond perceived limitations. Those races were a rite of passage, setting the pace for indefatigable nights at the ever-ambitious drawing table.

But as time went on, the physical accompaniment to a somewhat balanced existence relinquished under the strains of deadlines and life stuff. In an effort to streamline my daily repertoire, I axed physical activity. Not one of my smarter moves. But Wild Horse was still there, deep down inside. I had only hit the pause button while the passing days continued to prove distracting.

Back at the dojo:
Thoughts of my former life would occasionally taunt me as I struggled through hardcore pushups, having to dig deep inside for assistance from internal Wild Horse. It was hard–really, really hard, almost impossible; the quest beyond white belt seemed insurmountable and foolish. But climb I did and with each belt progression I grew stronger, fitter and most importantly, calmer—the ol’ sense of balance was returning as was my once size 8 physique. That first stomach crunch became 200. That first assisted push up became 50 standard pushups. That first clumsily executed form became a series of eight mellifluous ones. And instead of falling over with each kick, I was now flying… like a wild horse in the wind: white, yellow, gold, orange, green, blue, purple, and then red…fiery red belt before finally making it to the elusive brown belt. And a brown belt evokes exactly what you may think: earthy calm, collected, ripe and ready like the leaves about to fall from the trees. The autumnal leaf analogy came from the mouth of the wise Master himself. I understand what he means now, but would not have comprehended those sagacious words without having traveled the challenging road of his teachings. In a few days, those leaves will fall-December lucky 13 to be exact. I had sprouted, grown, fruited and am now preparing for the end of one cycle only to start a new one as a black belt. Like Jung’s ouroborous, the martial arts path is an infinite one. And the day the black belt is placed around my waist, I will be reborn and ready for the next phase of training, or as my Master poignantly suggests: “Then the real training will begin.”

Although I have not seen it, the Master has informed me that the black belt will have “Wild Horse” emblazoned on it—my indelible identity. I will have found and embraced my inner Wild Horse, now tame, seasoned, free and fully alive.
My spidey senses are tingling!

The black belt test is supposed to be grueling—it is said to be an excruciating mental ordeal in addition to a physically challenging event. The objective: exhibiting an indomitable spirit in the face of adversity using sheer will and discipline as compasses for survival.

Just to make sure, I went for a physical and to my great surprise, was deemed in “excellent shape” (although I still get that rare migraine)—for example my heart rate went from 98 to 65, my blood pressure is 110/70 and my sugar and cholesterol are low. I’ve dropped 40 lbs of fat replacing it with invaluable muscle. I have more energy and endurance and feel empowered and undeterred—these fortifications carry over into all areas of my life and have made me more efficient and balanced with everything that I do. I’m also much more keenly aware of my surroundings, having recently caught a glass that flew out of my cabinet. How about that? I shan’t collapse into cardiac arrest after all like I thought I would the first time I did a rising kick—I’ve trained, prepared, conditioned and am now ready to face whatever challenges await me. Not only have my muscles come out of hiding, sending a photo to my mom turned out to be a mind blowing experience for her. Who is that fit, muscular woman? It’s just me mommy, Wild Horse!

Supposedly, the test starts off with a mile run in under 10 minutes (easiest part of test) and then it escalates from there including standard strength drills, accelerated forms, 30 minutes of sparring with a constant stream of blackbelt brawn bent on making the candidate cry and many surprises in between. I cannot completely imagine what I’m up against—probably better that way. And it has been said no one will hold back from fully engaging me in this hazing process even if I am an almost 42-year-old whose had her share of hard years. I have long since learned there are no excuses. I must take the punishment like all others before me and “persevere despite difficulties”. Earning the black belt will be a monumental achievement that I will carry with me forever. And perhaps, I can be an instrument for inspiring others, who may eye the threshold of the dojo with trepidation. Maybe, just maybe if I can do it, so can almost anyone. To quote a Chinese proverb: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And the first step is most certainly the hardest!
*******

Hok Lee & Tatterhood, click for images

The Chinese fairy tale Hok Lee and the Dwarves as represented by the Three of Wands is a fascinating story about a man cursed by the spirits for living a double life and engaging in misdeeds. In order to alleviate the curse, that had rendered his cheek grotesquely swollen, Hok Lee must successfully perform a dance to an audience of forest dwelling dwarves. His first attempt ends miserably as he stumbles his way through an awkward performance. As a consequence, the curse expanded to his other cheek. This left Hok Lee with little choice but to request another chance to redeem himself. The dwarves agreed and the contest commenced. Hok Lee took a deep breath and decided to let his spirit soar. He raised his arm and then his leg and boldly jumped into a graceful dance. He let go (something I’ve heard my Taekwondo Master say to me over and over again). He kicked and twirled and soon the leaves were spinning along with him. When he finished, the dwarves clapped and cheered. His growths disappeared and from there on in he helped others find a way to their own cures.

Tatterhood is the spunky heroine of a Norwegian folktale. She is an untamed wild child whose resourcefulness leads her to rescue her more prim and proper twin sister from hobgoblins. As you can imagine, I loved painting Tatterhood in all her ragtag glory. She is the princess of wands, with her demonstrative confidence, determination, creative energy and adventurous spirit—all the things I will need to earn my Wild Horse black belt. I also love to a paint goats. Perhaps because I’m a capricorn.

~ Lisa