Today’s post shifts the blog’s focus from photography to art and follows a trail of discovery down a rabbit hole to an exotic new world. How come? Well, it’s all thanks to the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) and the Tarot of the Cat People. [Revised. First Published 2020]
A Tarot? The Cat Writers Association? Let me explain about a serendipitous discovery and the pleasant surprise it might give you.
The CWA Muse® Medallion
As readers may know I was the proud recipient of my first Muse Medallion for a 2019 photograph in the annual Cat Writers’ Association Communication Awards.
The stylish Muse medallion was designed by artist Karen Kuykendall. It is elegant and simple with the figure of a curled up cat looking out at the viewer.
The Discovery Story
Let me go back in time a little while to explain how the discovery came to light.
I have a small and very cute china collection that has been housed in a cramped space and boxes. After we settled here in New Zealand I began looking for a unit that would allow me to display it nicely. After several years of fruitless searching for the perfect display cabinet – I finally found one!
Let me tell you what happened next!
The Outer Regions
As I took the ornaments from their cramped and dusty shelf to prepare them for their new home, I saw a small box far back on the self, hidden deep in the shadows.
I was puzzled because I didn’t recognise the box until I picked it up. Then I remembered why it had been put in a dark corner. The tarot deck was an exciting cat lover’s prize from a Twitter pawty fundraiser. I had wanted to keep it undamaged, away from New Zealand’s very strong sunlight so placed it far back on the shelf out of harm’s way.
Now I had rediscovered its safe hiding place, I noted the title and the name of the artist. The Tarot of the Cat People by Karen Kuykendall. The name sounded familiar to me and I took a moment to think. Wait, I thought, this is the same artist who designed the Muse I had been so delighted to win in 2019.
I had to find out more about this artist so I began to explore online, and this is what I found out about the Tarot of the Cat People and the artist who created the Cat Writers’ Association Muse.
The Cat People Tarot deck is a powerful blend of symbolism and the imagery of science fiction and fantasy, using elaborate design and cats to enhance the symbolism of each card. 64 page book included. 78 cards. Card stack is 4 5/8″ x 2 5/8″ x 1″
Cat Tarot
Karen Kuykendall, Artist
I explored several online biographies and discovered that Karen Kuykendall, a native of San Diego, was a versatile artist who, amongst other things, designed furniture for the Jamestown Lounge Furniture Company (Pinterest). She also taught art in Arizona’s public schools and at the University of Arizona. I visited Arizona for the 2016 Blogpaws® conference and of course, I was thrilled that I had visited the state where she spent so much time.
Karen Kuykendall was a published author who participated in and judged art shows. Her paintings, jewellery and papier-mache have been exhibited at both the Phoenix Art Museum and the Tucson Art Museum and on her death in 1998 the Mesa Historical Museum acquired her collections and jewellery.
In the mid nineteen sixties she worked for the Casa Grande Dispatch as the only female editorial cartoonist in America.
Tarot of the Cat People
I have several tarot decks. Not because I read the cards but I love the ingenuity and inspired design of artists who work with a theme on what can be a huge creative project that includes dozens of themed cards. I have one set of beautiful cards on a feline theme – The Bohemian Cat Tarot from Magic Realist Press. Unbelievably this set now goes for totally unreal prices, thankfully the Cat Tarot has a more realistic price and is still available on Amazon.
Unlike modern designers, who often work with computers and tablets, Karen Kuykendall painted each of the tarot cards on artist’s board 9.5 by 15.5 ins. (24 x 39 cms). The unique backgrounds are hand speckled and each card features an elaborately painted figure and at least one cat. There are 79 cards in total.
The original art was painted in acrylic on board, using a “splatter” technique whereby Kuykendall masked areas and painted around them using a toothbrush. The effect is subtle, almost pointillistic gradations of color.
Learn Tarot
The figures, seen from a 2020 perspective, are a balance of classic 1980’s shapes and colours, and surprisingly contemporary resonances. Gorgeous flowing costumes are embellished with elaborate architectural jewellery and the range of skin tones defies stereotypes, embracing many different ethnicities around the globe. The inclusive nature of the deck is decades ahead of its time.
The figures inhabit a world called ‘The Outer Regions’. Like all good fantasy worlds, this one is highly detailed and very believable. Cats play a big part in its traditions and stories (as seen on the tarot cards), and the small book with the Tarot set gives glimpses of the intriguing world and its complex, multilayered structure.
Written together with Andre Norton the books ‘Mark of the Cat‘ and sequel ‘Year of the Rat‘ take place in these Outer Regions. If you look for the books you will often find the two novels combined into one volume.
The Outer Regions are conceived as existing in a parallel universe, a very magical place divided into six kingdoms that are represented by various precious gemstones that serve as the defining emblems for each ecologically distinct territorial entity.
Rambles
- NOTE: The book is available in Kindle and paperback format.
For those who want a closer look at the deck, I discovered the perfect introduction to the Tarot of the Cat People deck on YouTube. I hope you are able to see the slideshow. (Link here) It is from a French site and the slideshow has a simple soundtrack. A selection of the cards is shown in detail.
If you are a winner or aspire to the heights of achieving the Cat Writers’ Association’s most coveted award – the Muse, I hope that you have enjoyed discovering more about the artist who created it – Karen Kuykendall.
One last tidbit to enjoy? Karen lived in the Arizona desert with 10 cats. I don’t feel quite to bad having more than a handful in my clowder.
Tarot of the Cat People Resources
- The Tarot of the Cat People is available on Amazon.
- A full deck is available to view as individual cards here.
- There is a Pinterest page for Jamestown Lounge Furniture here.
Other Posts You Will Enjoy:
Marv, Jo Jo, Kozmo, Cinnamon & and Mom Barb says
I LOVE this deck! And it has been one of the ones that resonates with me when I am doing readings. Alas it is one of the items I lost in the move from Vancouver (It was in the box along with the cat beds). As you probably noticed, Marv’s face looks like the cats in the deck! Thanks for the research on Karen Kuykendall! I learned some things I did not know about her (Like furniture!). Thank YOU! You are awesome.
Kamira G says
Wow! This post is quite different than what I’m used to from you but I love it! I actually enjoy listening to tarot online for entertainment purposes. (Some are really good). Karen is such a talented artist. Watching the YouTube video clip shows a wide range of artistry. I can only hope to get to that level one day. Just beautiful work. Thanks for sharing!
Marjorie Dawson says
Thank you. I felt I had to share this fascinating news once I discovered it.
Allison Hunter-Frederick says
I love going down rabbit holes to discover new ideas and worlds! How fun that the Tarot of the Cat People and the Cat Writers’ Association medallion were designed by the same artist Karen Kuykendall.
Leah says
I remember seeing this before, what beautifully designed artwork in both the cards and the MUSE Award! (And I was so thrilled that my 2019 book got a MUSE.)
Meezer'sMews&TerrieristicalWoofs says
That was a find that must have made your heart stop and then soar!!
Catscue says
That is a coincidence, and what beautiful art to find/rediscover!
Cathy Armato says
This is so interesting! Amazing that you received a piece created by the same artist as these beautiful tarot cards. They are just gorgeous! Tarot reading fascinates me.
Rebecca Sanchez says
Karen Kuykendall‘s Cosmicat book is amazing. I came across it in an Arizona art gallery!
Richard McLeod says
The card NO. 3 of Cups in the Tarot of the Cat People has one cup turned downward which is odd in that it is the only major difference I can find in the cards from the Pamela Colman Smith deck. The meaning is still very similar, just that the complete joyous nature is not as present in this representation as in the Rider Waite Deck by Pamela Colman Smith.
An interesting idea to contemplate as to what the difference could mean although both cards still have a joyous feeling and a happy one. My first feeling is that all of life is not perfect and joyous and there are downtimes even in the best of times.
Annette Hughes says
How serendipitous! And you both also teach/tute at Universities…!
Is the black & white cat image at the bottom right of your article the image you won your award for?
Marjorie Dawson says
It is yes!
Beth says
Congratulations on the Muse award! The Tarot cards are lovely and it is such a fun connection! It sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed researching Karen’ life.
Jana Rade says
How interesting. And the illustrations are amazing.
Angela Schneider says
Those cards and the medallion are quite beautiful. Congratulations on the award!
Sweet Purrfections says
This is so interesting and exciting! I can’t imagine the surprise and joy you felt when you found the box of Tarot Cards! Will you open it??? I’d probably want to keep it for a souvenir.
Britt K says
This was SO interesting to read. While I totally respect digital artists as well, there is something about a traditionally painted piece that fascinates me – but a whole deck of them… That’s amazing! I can totally see why you would pick it up!
Susan says
Oh, I love it when this happens. Fate takes over and makes things happen for you, in such a way that it’s really exciting and uplifting. I’ve had similar experiences myself so I can fully appreciate your sentiments. Congratulations on winning the Muse!
Irene Mc Hugh says
Wow! Such a small world. I’ve been to the Tucson Museum of Art several times. I even volunteered there one seminar. I’ve probably seen Karen Kuykendall’s work there. And now because of my friend all the way over in New Zealand, I know who Karen Kuykendall is. Mind blown! Congratulations on your Muse. Its clean design really is gorgeous! So happy for you.
Ellen Pilch says
Those cards are beautiful. I have a plain deck I attempt to read sometimes. Thank you for the kind words you left on my blog for the loss of Polar Bear. XO
Marjorie Dawson says
Polar Bear was something special * hugs *
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom" says
Congrats again on the Muse! (Well deserved I might add)! Wow..that is all very interesting about Karen and what beautiful artwork on the cards! I love finding connections and hidden gems like this!
Ruth Epstein says
Congratulations on the Muse, it really is beautiful and that you have the Tarot cards by the same artist is just amazing. I cannot wait to see the new home for all your display cabinet
Catwoods says
Many congrats on the MUSE, and what an interesting find. It’s fun to find things around the house that I had sort of forgotten about!
Debbie De Louise says
I think I have that same deck. I have a bunch of them with my games and cards. I’m going to check. I never realized that artist was the same who designed the MUSE which i was so proud to win this year.
meowmeowmans says
What a serendipitous tale of your Muse Medallion and finding that long hidden away tarot deck!
Marjorie Dawson says
I am amazed and totally thrilled!
Summer says
Wow, my human a) has been a member of CWA for 12 years, and b) loves tarot cards – and she didn’t know any of this!
P.S. Big congratulations on the award! That’s a really hard one to get.
Marjorie Dawson says
I loved discovering so much about the artist, all thanks to a wonderful Twitter party prize and winning a Muse!
databbiesotrouttowne says
this is a great post; I enjoyed reading about Karen’s work. She was an extremely gifted artist; to have hand painted each tarot card seems to be a “lost” art. what a great find in re discovering the tarot deck !! 🙂 ♥♥
Brian Frum says
That really is a very cool story about finding those cards with the same artist, you’ve actually won twice now!
Marjorie Dawson says
You know, you are right. I have!
Athena and Marie says
That’s a lovely Tarot deck.
I have Tarot of Pagan Cats Mini Tarot which is Illustrated by Lola Airaghi. The artwork is exquisite!