In the world of woodcut art, each piece tells
a unique story of history, culture, and age-old traditions. A quintessential
example is “L’amoureux Tarot” by Graham Blair, a woodcut artist from
Newfoundland, Canada. This work is not just a painting; it’s a part of the
history of tarot, a game that originated in the 15th century and was later
associated with fortune-telling in the late 18th century.
“L’amoureux
Tarot” is a modern rendition of the Lover’s card in the tarot deck, often
related to choices in relationships and the harmony between personal values and
love to achieve inner balance. Blair has chosen the imagery of three
Newfoundland fairies for his play, creatures that occupy the ambiguous space in
folk stories, symbolizing uncertainty and often associated with transformation.
These fairies are depicted as fully enjoying their ambiguity.
This
woodcut is made on handmade Japanese paper measuring 9” x 12”. Through this,
Blair not only revives the traditional woodcut technique but also combines it
with a special paper material, creating a unique and soulful work of art.
Graham
Blair’s “L’amoureux Tarot” stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional
and modern art, between folk culture and boundless creativity, delivering a
message about the choices and transformations in life that everyone faces.
