Design and Artwork
Artist and illustrator Irene Mudd created The Guided Hand Tarot, a hand-collaged deck. Self-published through Kickstarter in March 2018, this vibrant and colorful deck has won the hearts of tarot enthusiasts worldwide. Each card features a unique aesthetic, meticulously crafted by hand using collage, painting, and embroidery techniques.
Symbolism and Themes
The deck reinterprets traditional tarot symbolism from a queer and feminist perspective. It blurs rigid gender binaries by featuring queer and androgynous figures instead of conventional "male" or "female" archetypes. Inspired by abstract art visionary Hilma af Klint, who believed in divine guidance, the deck reflects her spirit of creativity. Hilma af Klint even appears as the High Priestess in the deck.
User Experience
The Guided Hand Tarot offers an inclusive and engaging experience for both beginners and experienced readers. The 78-card deck, printed on 300 gsm cardstock, comes in a sturdy 2-part box. Additionally, an 8-sided accordion-fold guidebook provides insights into the symbolism and meaning of each card. The cards measure 120 x 70 mm (4.75 x 2.75 inches), and the box dimensions are 132 x 81 x 32 mm (5.2 x 3.2 x 1.25 inches).
About the Author
Irene Mudd, the creator of The Guided Hand Tarot, received her BFA in painting and fiber art from the Hite Art Institute in 2017. She currently lives and works in Louisville, KY. Irene's diverse artistic background includes painting, drawing, collage, textiles, and embroidery. Her work explores the connections between folklore, women's histories, and craft, as well as the relationship between art and magic. Guided Hand Studio is the illustration and product design arm of her artistic practice.
- Card dimensions: 120 x 70 mm (4.75 x 2.75 inches)
- Box dimensions: 132 x 81 x 32 mm (5.2 x 3.2 x 1.25 inches)
- 78 full-color cards
- 300 gsm cardstock
- Rigid 2-part box
- 8-sided accordion-fold guidebook
- Self-published in March 2018
