Where I grew up (1971)

Lions, tigers and bears oh my! The mysterious forest is full of unknowns and teeming with mysterious life.  As a symbol of the unconscious, it is a place inhabited by wild things, often obscured by the shadows of tree branches and layered with the remnants of seasons gone by. When we walk into a forest, we step into a world full of adventure and trepidation. We leave the comfort of paths familiar and cross the threshold into a realm  full of challenges and unpredictability. Who knows what monsters lie in wait and who knows where the wayward path will lead. Myths and fairy tales often use the woods as a stage for the evolving protagonist. The character leaves the safety of home and wanders into the realm of the psyche, where growth is inevitable.

Drawing from the 80's

When I was in high school, I often sketched the forest using the wells of my imagination as reference. These forests were alive with spirits and elusive beings, there to provide me with messages. They dwelled  in a place that offered  temporary refuge from the province of a chaotic reality . I loved exploring the twisting tree limbs and fortifying roots that helped me to feel grounded in a world of teenage confusion.  I was wandering into the path of the unknown and these fantasy tree drawings helped me to manifest the deep-seated worries I was experiencing as I approached adulthood.

Pencil drawing done in my teenage years

My Mom as the Hermit (Fantastical Creatures Tarot)

Lisa as a teenager

Lisa in the snowy woods of northern New England, 1990s

Fairy tales often employ these settings as metaphors of the shadow. They are the wild, untamed symbols of our own inner landscapes, where creative thinking and intrinsic energies reside and beg to be released. It is here where we meet frog princes, wise old men, a golden goose, a ravenous wolf, imposing giants, spirit messengers and all manner of creatures that help us shed the constraints of a rational mind. It is here where we let go and become more self-aware. It is under the dappling light that we recognize our full potentials and find our way through the tangle of brush.  Through the darkness of paths unknown, we have the possibility of seeing the light.

Forest images from The Fairy Tale Tarot

Here is a neat “forest” video from friend and fellow artist Carisa Swenson:

The Forest

~ Lisa

Now a fairy tale-loving mama like myself was delighted to learn that fairy tales are alive and well in school curricula! And given my son’s penchant for drawing, though he prefers to render robots to maidens-in-distress, this was just the homework project that would hold his distracted brain captive for more than five minutes. And he thoroughly enjoyed himself as he drew the protagonist encountering all manner of challenges. It really wasn’t so different than the themes he visits through his robot stories: the basic emotions and elements of virtue, good versus evil, and a triumphant ending were all there.

I’m hoping the Cinderella assignment has finally helped him to embrace these wondrous stories as true treasures of the imagination. Maybe they will even assimilate into his own unique creative journey as he continues to crank out his robot stories. Who knows?  But I would like to think that even on a subconscious level, they will influence his narratives in a positive way, making for rich storytelling. I know they have inspired me!

In honor of his school assignment, I am posting a few Cinderella-like images that appear in The Fairy Tale Tarot. I must deliver a big thank you to Connor’s amazing 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Quintero!

Here are paintings representing the Brazilian story “Why the Sea Moans” and the English “Cap O Rushes”. Both tales utilize uncannily similar motifs (even though the stories originated from disparate cultures) suggesting that they are variants of Cinderella and arguably extensions of the collective unconscious.

Fairy Godmother

“Cinderella-like tales are probably the most common. The earliest version was recorded in China around AD 850-860 (Warner, 202). Similar tales such as The Goose Girl and Cap O Rushes concern the banishment of the heroine, a storyline found in almost every culture around the world.” ~From the Fairy Tale companion book Once Upon a Time.

And how about you, friends? Has a fairy tale story inspired you along your journey?

~Lisa

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - Early sketch

Usually I’m the conversationalist, the girl who engages herself in the free flowing exchange of ideas, happily segueing from one topic into another with tangential inflections in between. As a former art college teacher, the balance of talking and listening was a wonderful exercise in human interaction.

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - final sketch

Now I was the quiet observer and instead of being enslaved by a protraction of oral recitations, I found just listening to be strangely freeing. Though I couldn’t talk, I could gesticulate and express myself in other ways, a good reminder of the nuances that we tend to take for granted. To smile, put a hand on a shoulder, to hug, pause and look people in the eyes; subtle deliveries full of human sensitivity, compassion and nurturing—universal expressions that transcend language. The good handshake can speak volumes and a smile is wonderfully contagious. I don’t think losing my voice had been a nuisance. Rather it has helped me to be more demonstrative in important, meaningful ways.

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - B&W Drawing

This week I’ve chosen the Little Mermaid (Princess of Cups). This was a piece that flowed like the powerful waves sweeping over the drowning prince. My paintbrush had a voice of its own and spread the watercolor washes with gratifying effect. As I continued painting, everything about the piece felt animated; with the Little Mermaid, prince and sea all coming together in a confluence of divine energy. All the while, the dawning sun emblazons the scene with warmth that hints of what is to come.

The Little Mermaid, Princess of Cups - Final Painting

Be open to the messages of others as you connect with your heart. Listen, feel and show how you feel. And remember, always help others to shine.

~Lisa

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Little Red Riding Hood Sketches

This past week was one that tested my will and made me look upon the arena of positive thinking with skepticism. I had someone attempt to exploit me while someone else exhibited irrational behavior that resulted in inexplicable actions. I thought to myself,“Is the world going crazy?”. In both situations, I trusted and believed. I had faith in the goodness of others. But that faith was shaken when the rug was pulled out from under my vulnerable being and I was left to question the validity of my own supposed good judgment. Intuition had let me down.

The Fool - Little Red Riding Hood B&W

I thought I was following the path, aligned with floral sanguinity when suddenly the big bad wolf emerged. And this wolf was not good. He was ravenous and potentially harmful. I did not see the indiscretions that lurked just beyond the shadows, but rather continued along my merry way assuming that all was right with the world. Once again, I’m reminded that the path does have the occasional beast, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. But do you know what? Despite these unexpected trials, I find myself looking down the path with the same optimism that has always possessed me. Instead of allowing shadows to overwhelm and obscure my journey, I’m able to decipher the good that lay beyond the immediacy of adversity. I’m able to see that it is the monsters along the way that help us to become more creative and defiant travelers. And at the end of momentary darkness and emotional paralyses, I am able to see the light and how important it is to never relinquish the innocence that is our adventurous spirit. If we allow ourselves to lose hope when the shadows grow large upon us, we will be swallowed up by darkness. And in order to proceed down the path of growth and self-awareness, we must try to discern the light. I believe in the light, the good. And by believing in those things, I can create my own illumination as I proceed forward on this journey that is called life.

The Fool - Little Red Riding Hood Color

In Little Red Riding Hood (as the Fool card) the Wolf represents the shadow: our wild untamed nature. It is “the devouring” and has the ability to keep us in the dark, but it can also serve to help us become more aware of ourselves.

Kort & Connor, the model for Little Red. TKD test Feb. 09.

When traveling down the path of life, there is the possibility of encountering dark forces that may lurk in the shadows. The path is full of unknowns and as we wander down the trail, our adventurous spirits will help us cross into thresholds of new possibilities. But be aware of tricksters that may cross your path along the way—tricksters that may test your spirit but may also help to facilitate growth, compassion and deeper understanding.

~Lisa

The Lovers - B&W

Simply said: by letting go of the ego and endorsing the efforts of others, good things will come in return. It seems like a simple formula for positive living, but in this dog-eat-dog world mentality that persists, some may resist the path of emotional generosity and benevolence. It may seem counterintuitive to put one’s ego in a humble place, but the rewards for making that choice will be surprisingly fulfilling. Some of the basic tenets I’ve learned in publishing and Tae Kwon Do is the idea of teamwork, helping others and giving back (i.e. thank the editor for all of his/her efforts—such courtesies go a long way! Encourage color belts to reach for their black belt dreams etc.). By giving, we can become better versions of ourselves. By helping others find their path, we’re in essence reinforcing our own paths. And by doing so, we can live a more passionate life. But you have to make that initial effort to help others shine. Give it a try and see what happens!

The Lovers, Final Watercolor

Jorinda and Joringel is a story that reinforces the power of love and commitment. In the process of creating my particular interpretation of the famous Brothers Grimm story, I summoned the help of my husband Kort and Kris to pose for the piece. I wanted to include two individuals who have continually acted in selfless ways to help others. Both have been most encouraging and supportive of the Fairy Tale Tarot since its inception and both have been watching me journey through the creative process. Therefore, the Lovers piece is genuinely infused with love and dedicated to Kort and Kris on this Valentine’s Day!

~Lisa

Kris and Kort posing at the Morikami Gardens

Prince of Cups Final Painting

Animal bride stories are plentiful in fairy tale collections and appear several times in my own Fairy Tale Tarot. I don’t know exactly why, but I’m drawn to the idea of animals testing humans to see if their hearts are truly in the right place. Let’s face it, many (not all) modern humans tend to see themselves as the most superior of sentient creatures (otherwise we wouldn’t be obliterating their natural habitats left and right), but many myths and stories throughout history have presented animals as divine entities. All manner of animal worship has existed and still exists today. Why is this? Are they symbols of our conscience? Who doesn’t have animal visitors in their dreams? What explains their ubiquity in cartoons? Why do they appear as authorities in product advertising? Why do we ooh and ahh whenever there is an anomalous animal encounter? In stories, they almost seem omniscient with their intuitive rapport and demonstrative ways. Perhaps they’re one step ahead of Homo sapiens, recognizing the very fallibilities that prevent us silly humans from attaining a higher sense of self. From what I can tell, animals are born enlightened and live the moment in ways we can only strive to do. Therefore, I believe animal-messengers in fairy tales make total sense. And when animals personified or anthropomorphised are vested with an emotional quality like love, the results to the reader can be quite sublime. It’s hard not to cry about the crestfallen beast, or the injured deer, or the mistreated frog!

Prince of Cups sketch

When the princess bargains with the frog, she does so with a non-consequential mindset–symptomatic of humanity’s ignorance? But when the frog appears at her father’s palace to be part of the princess’ domicile, the princess who sees him as nothing but a repugnant amphibian rejects him. Much to her disgust, she is required to eat and sleep with the frog, after all, her wise father reminds her, “Honor it you must—a promise is a promise!” But in the end, after a particularly violent tantrum, the princess realizes her mistake when her impetuosity results in the frog’s transformation into a prince. Thus the princess’ destiny is changed forever.

Prince of Cups B&W

I have small frog statues and a dragon gargoyle along my front walkway. I’ve seen frogs sitting on their resin likenesses and lizards perched on the sculpted dragon as if they know they’re sacred creatures on this sacred planet—interlocutors in a world where time is no faster than the moment in which they exist. Of course, this makes me wonder why a frog would want to turn back into a human prince in the first place!

Lizard on Frog Photo: Kort Kramer