MINDSCAPES: A Tarot Panorama is a complete, vivid reimagining of the Tarot in the style of classical landscape paintings. The cards represent windows out to magical worlds, as well as into ourselves. Follow the progress on Instagram @jarstudionyc. For press inquiries, email jarstudionyc@gmail.com.

 

 

 

Hi everyone! My name is John A. Rice, and I am an artist living in New York City. I created MINDSCAPES: A Tarot Panorama over two years in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. My deck is a complete, vivid reimagining of the Tarot in the style of classical landscape paintings. The cards represent windows out to magical worlds, as well as into ourselves.

 

 

In the midst of so much loss and uncertainty, the deck’s healing imagery nurtures the spirit and inspires hope during dark times. It provides an opportunity for expansive thought when we are all sheltered inside, and deepens our connection with nature and our communities when we feel isolated and alone.

 

 

Ultimately, this deck was developed by you! Through a dialogue on social media, my audience and I worked together to bring MINDSCAPES to life. Your thoughts, questions, comments, critiques, anecdotes, and revelations all informed what this deck turned out to be. In a big way, you are all part of the final artwork!

 

 

Curiously, the cards correspond to milestone events in this tumultuous year, including the U.S. election and insurgence at the Capitol, the devastation of Hurricane Ida, and the release of the COVID-19 vaccine. The deck is a time capsule for this transformative period in all of our lives.

 

WHY MINDSCAPES?

 

Many (if not most) other Tarot decks have esoteric imagery that can be hard to interpret without knowledge of arcane symbols and motifs. MINDSCAPES is easy-to-use and designed to help readers at any level intuitively tap into their truest thoughts and feelings.

 

 

The deck’s artwork is healing, inspiring, and strikes a chord of childlike whimsy, which is a direct line to the subconscious mind. I used elements from psychology, mythology, and color theory to bring the images to life. No matter your skill level, you will be able to get answers out of the deck and find authentic, creative solutions to your problems.

 

 

Moreover, this Signature Edition is made from high-quality materials and is meant to be passed down as an heirloom piece. All it requires is gentle handling and an open mind.

 

 

Key features of this Deluxe Package include:

 

•Limited Signature Edition, hand-signed and numbered: As a rare artist’s version of the deck, it will continue to accrue value and cost over time.

 

• 25-card Major Arcana deck representing a complete journey of self-discovery, along with recommended spreads to get the most out of your cards. (Majors Only readings can be some of the most effective and emotional and allow you to see your life from a bird’s-eye view.)

 

• Heavy-duty, superior smooth card stock with gilded edges; Glossy cardbox with gold foil seal; and a luxurious, protective black velvet carry pouch: This deck is meant to evolve into an heirloom piece that can be passed down with the wisdom it contains.

 

• A 75-page hardcover companion art book/guidebook with artist’s commentary, card interpretations, and a section for your own personal notes: This book can be used to help interpret the cards, to journal about your own interpretations, or simply to display as a beautiful, conversation-starting coffee table book.

 

• Completely hand-drawn artwork, including borders and lettering: Hundreds of hours of love and care were spent bringing this deck to vivid life in the rare medium of oil pastels. At your fingertips will be a pocket gallery of 24 individual works of art.

 

• Evocative, colorful landscapes: The deck’s Impressionist style is accessible, user-friendly, and designed to tap into your authentic, playful, creative, subconscious mind. Great for beginners and seasoned card readers alike.

 

• Totally original imagery: This design concept is a complete reimagining of the Tarot journey, 100% original and exclusive to MINDSCAPES.

 

 

 

 

Throughout the process of creating MINDSCAPES, one of my favorite things to hear was how the artwork touched people. 

 

Even seasoned readers would reach out to say that they saw the cards with a refreshed perspective.

 

 

 

 

When working with MINDSCAPES, I want people to feel more deeply connected to their authentic selves. Grounded and spiritually awake. Creative and innovative. Open and idealistic. I want them to have the same feeling looking at this deck as a child might feel flipping through a treasured picture book.

 

 

 I envisioned the Tarot journey as a literal pilgrimage by a stowaway on a sailing ship. The cards represent “stops” along the way toward some far-off, fantastical destination. In life, we all are the pilgrim: the stowaway taking risks and setting off on new adventures every day.

 

 

The 3 in x 5 in cards are printed on the highest quality superior smooth cardstock by a professional playing card manufacturing company. They shuffle easily, the colors are vivid and true-to-life, and each card has a fine gold gilded edge.

 

 

Each deck will be hand-signed and numbered by me. They are housed in a glossy tuck box with a gold foil seal, giving them a sleek appearance, and shipped in a protective black velvet carry pouch.

 

ANATOMY OF A CARD

 

Every card contains a symbol that corresponds to its astrological or planetary counterpart.

 

Top Center: Numerological Correspondence

Lower Left: Astrological Correspondence

Bottom Right: Artist’s signature sigil

Bottom Center: Artist’s shorthand sigil for each card for personal ritual, journaling, and meditation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Whole Deck Animated! (Just For Fun!)

 

 

 

The Originals (Flip-Through)

 

 

 

I knew I had to find a way to honor the two years of love and care I put into this project and showcase each card in its rightful fashion. A companion art book doubling as a guidebook seemed like the right solution.

 

 

 

Each 75-page, 8 in x 10 in hardback book contains:

 

• 25 full-page plates of the cards
• Numerous behind-the-scenes photos
• Artist’s commentary
• Essays dedicated to working with the deck and understanding its unique energy and imagery
• Beautiful poems and quotes by other artists
• A section of for personal notes and journaling about the cards
• An inscription page, hand-signed and numbered by the artist

 

The book is protected by a glossy dust jacket.

 

I consider this book to be an essential part of the MINDSCAPES experience and include it in every package.

 

 

 

Some hopeful goals!

 

!! REACHED !! BASE GOAL: $15K

 

The Deluxe Package

 

The Deluxe Package of MINDSCAPES includes the Tarot deck, protective black velvet pouch, and companion art book/guidebook.

 

 

 

!! REACHED !! STRETCH GOAL 1: $20K

 

Bag Upgrade

 

The basic carry pouch will be upgraded to a luxurious, protective bag, double-lined with black and silver velvet and tied with silk drawstrings. This upgraded bag is the ideal way to carry the deck. It is the perfect blend of beauty and mystery, like an artifact from one of the magical worlds depicted in the cards.

 

 

!! REACHED !! STRETCH GOAL 2: $30K

 

Guidebook Upgrade

 

At this goal, the carry pouch will be upgraded to a beautiful double-lined velvet bag, and the guidebook will be upgraded with a photogloss cover, black end papers, and black fabric endbands, which make the book sturdier. The perfect way to embellish your art book!

 

 

 

!! REACHED !! STRETCH GOAL 3: $40K

 

Extra Card #1: The Catacomb

 

 

Here it is, folks! The big stretch goals!

 

At this goal, I will create a BRAND-NEW CARD for the MINDSCAPES Tarot:

 

CARD NO. 22: THE CATACOMB

 

Not giving away any secrets about what’s in the card, but will save the big reveal for if/when we hit this mark during the campaign!

 

EDITED TO ADD: Check out the artwork for this card on Instagram @jarstudionyc!

 

 

!! REACHED !! STRETCH GOAL 4: $50K

 

 

Extra Card #2: The Great Work

 

Finally, the culmination of the MINDSCAPES project — the last card:

 

CARD NO. 23: THE GREAT WORK

 

Boy oh boy, do I hope we make it to this goal! Artwork to be revealed if/when we get here. Fingers crossed!

 

EDITED TO ADD: Check out the artwork for this card on Instagram @jarstudionyc!

 

 

!! REACHED !! – STRETCH GOAL 5: $60K

 

“The Fool’s Journey” Deck Mat

 

 

I can’t believe we got this far! You all have me improvising! But imagine this…

 

A MINDSCAPES Tarot deck mat that represents The Fool’s Journey of the soul and mind.

 

Printed on real, hand-aged parchment paper and featuring a hand-drawn navigator’s chart to match the theme of the deck, it will feel like you are reading the cards atop an ancient map! The deck mat will be included with every copy of the Deluxe Package.

 

Special thanks to supporter Kirsten H. for the awesome inspiration! 

 

 

!! REACHED!! – STRETCH GOAL 6: $70K

 

MINDSCAPES Animated Desktop Background

 

So many of you wrote to tell me you enjoyed the animated video of the deck (see section: THE CARDS), so I turned the idea into a live desktop background that you can download for free with any pledge of the Deluxe Package.

 

Background to be revealed when we hit $70K! Fingers crossed!

 

 

JUST ADDED – STRETCH GOAL 7: $100K

 

MINDSCAPES 4 Suits Artwork Teaser

 

Okay, folks! The demand for a continuation of this deck with court and suit cards has been undeniable, to say the least. While I don’t have the bandwidth for that right now, I want you know you… I have heard you! 🙂

 

For this benchmark goal, I will create a piece of art representing the four suits of the Tarot — Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles — as interpreted in the MINDSCAPES universe.  A fine art print of the artwork will be included with every copy of the Deluxe Package.

 

The rest of the deck may take a long time, but I do have some pretty cool ideas about the cards for the future. Consider this a teaser of what may lay down the road.

 

Thank you for this overwhelming amount of support and love for the project! It really does mean the world. ❤️

 

 

 

All decks and guidebooks purchased during the Kickstarter campaign will be signed and numbered by me.

 

 

• MINDSCAPES Tarot deck
• Companion guidebook/art book
• Protective black velvet carry pouch

*All Deluxe Packages come with the above. The items listed below can either be purchased as add-ons or as part of a special reward tier.

 

How to Pledge

 

Step 1: Click the “back this project” button above

Step 2: Select your reward*

Step 3: Choose your add-ons

Example: 1 MINDSCAPES Deluxe Package Day 1 Special $70 (plus shipping), + Add MINDSCAPES Journal ($25) => add $25 to pledge = $110 total pledge (including domestic shipping)

Step 4: Submit your payment info and back the campaign

 

*pay attention to the “included items” and estimated ship date in each reward to ensure your reward includes the right items and preferred time of arrival.

 

At the end of the campaign, I’ll send you a survey to get your reward tier, add-on specifics, and shipping information to deliver your package when manufacturing is complete!

 

Some Helpful Info about Pledging

 

• You will only be charged for the amount you pledged at the end of the campaign, and only if the project reaches its funding goal.
• You can adjust your pledge at any time.
• I will send out post-campaign surveys to collect any information (address, email, add-on options, etc.) I need to get your rewards to you!

 

Shipping

 

SHIPPING WILL BE CHARGED AT THE END OF THE CAMPAIGN ON BACKERKIT. I’ve been quoted ~$15 USD shipping for domestic pledges and $30+ USD international by my fulfillment center, so assume about that for a single deck and book package! If you get multiple items, bear in mind the shipping will increase.

 

If your country is not listed in the shipping section, please DM me,  and I will see if I can add it. Be aware that certain countries charge additional VAT/tax for imports.

 

How to Customize Your Support With Add-Ons:

 

After making your initial pledge, you can click on the “Manage My Pledge” button and add the amount of the add-on of your choice. After the funding period, I will send out a survey to confirm which add-ons you would like.

 

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask in the FAQ tab!

 

 

MINDSCAPES Tarot Journal

 

 

Please allow this 6×9 soft journal featuring lined pages and MINDSCAPES imagery to say thank-you for your support, even if you do not read Tarot.

 

 

5×7 Fine Art Individual Card Prints

 

 

For those who feel drawn to specific cards, this item is for you! Each card is printed true-to-size on 5×7 archival, museum-quality paper, ready for framing and display in your home. Limited edition, signed by me.

 

 

20×30 Full MINSCAPES Tarot Fine Art Print

 

 

This hand-signed, limited edition fine art print features all of the MINDSCAPES Tarot cards and measures 20 in x 30 in. A collector’s display piece for those who feel especially connected to the deck.

 

 

SECRET SIGILS Oracle Deck (Limited to 100 Only!)

 

 

This one I’m really excited about! The SECRET SIGILS Oracle Deck is a sort of companion deck to MINDSCAPES.

 

 

SECRET SIGILS is entirely handmade by me using charcoal, graphite, and ash on papyrus. An ancient-feeling and mystical oracle deck for divination, meditation, and ritual.

 

 

I devised these unique sigils through hours of ritual practice and meditation, and hope they prove meaningful to you on your journey. You may notice that some of the sigils correspond with the cards in MINDSCAPES. Feel free to use them in conjunction with your Tarot deck, or as a totally independent tool. 

 

This is real charcoal and ash on papyrus. It is meant to be a tangible connection to organic, earthen materials and a direct line between you and me through art.

 

 

Each deck is custom-made and will be entirely unique… No two decks are the same! Limited to 100 ONLY.

 

 

CUSTOM TAROT CARD (Limited to 4 Only!)

 

 

This is it, folks! Your chance to own an original Tarot card by me.

 

I will custom-design any Tarot card requested by you — Major, Minor, or pip — and work with you to bring it to life in the style of MINDSCAPES!

 

 

No one else will own this card! You will receive the original artwork, a fine art print of the full card, and a Certificate of Authenticity. This tier will also include the Deluxe Package of MINDSCAPES.  Strictly limited to 4 ONLY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I set out to create MINDSCAPES with the belief that everyone has the power to tap into their hidden potential and answer their own important questions.

 

Since those early days, those who discovered and supported the deck have been rock solid in their enthusiasm, and I have tried to match that level of trust by involving you directly in the creation of the cards, from stark pencil sketches to full-color panoramas.

 

Over the past two years, I have listened to your insights and taken them to heart. I even let you choose which card I would work on next. It is my hope that the openness and reciprocation of this whole process informs the deck and your interpretation of it.

 

Wishing you all guidance, inspiration, and a little bit of mystery,

John

 

 

 

 

JOHN A. RICE is a lifelong artist, one of the few who specializes in oil pastels. He runs his art shop, J.A.R. Studio, NYC, out of his New York City studio. He is also an accomplished Tarot reader, having studied extensively with his mentor from Italy (where Tarot originated). He drew on this background to create his unique, popular MINDSCAPES Tarot deck.

 

It is John’s mission to inspire the creative imagination, nurture the human spirit, and enrich our world community through visionary, expansive, and mystical art. 

 

 

 

 

Facebook: facebook.com/JARStudioNYC

Instagram: instragram.com/JARStudioNYC

Web: www.jarstudionyc.com

 

 

 

 

I have worked extremely hard to ready MINDSCAPES for Kickstarter and full-scale manufacturing and fulfillment, but here are a few of the risks and my plan to assess them:

 

MANUFACTURING: The manufacturers are lined up, and I have quality assurance people on site during production.

 

FULFILLMENT: Sometimes things get a bit crazy and stuff happens that can’t be planned for: a supplier misses a deadline, customs clearance, or a shipment gets lost. Those things could cause a delay.

 

I am using an experienced logistics team get MINDSCAPES to you. I’ll keep open and honest communication with you through the fulfillment process so you know where your stuff is and when it’s going to get to you. At the end of the day, you’re going to get an amazing Tarot deck and retrospective of this unprecedented period of emotional transformation in all our lives.

 

Thanks for being here.