Many years ago a lovely wise woman and professional Ogham diviner Judith Crow created a system of tree Ogham divination and commissioned an artist to create the cards for it which can be found here: Green Wise Woman Ogham
The cards were never published, just used for her own professional readings. Recently she has realized her system has since developed over time and the original cards no longer match the system as it has evolved. While she is re-writing and fleshing out the original companion book, I am working on new artwork for each card using archival inks and lovely Windsor & Newton watercolours. Snobby artist yes I am! First, each card will be drawn in pencil, then finished with black ink for the book illustrations. Then I will fill in the illustrations with watercolours for the actual cards. My wonderful artsy friend took me to Opus at Granville Island yesterday (after which we consumed copious amounts of Strongbow), to recommend which supplies to get for what I’m planning so now I’m all stocked up and ready to get started!
We hope to publish the deck and book so anyone can use it. I think the two of us are a good blend for this deck, Judith the brainy researcher and historian, and me the right-brained artist! Once the paintings are coming along I will create a website for the deck so others can view it’s progress and know when it’s finished and available.
Squeeee!!!
That’s Rowan, there, that you’re starting
It’s pretty exciting.
Awesome!
Oh I do hope you publish them! Sounds like not only will they be beautiful but a fantastic oracular system.
Right. Because there’s nothing researchy or historyish about YOU… *laugh*
What a cool idea. I’m assuming the cards will be sold in color yes?
Very exciting project, you’ll know I’ll be in the top 5 first in line…
Jeez, now that I’ve looked at the old deck, I want that one too. does she still sell it?
Ooops, forgot they were never published. Would she mind terribly if I were to print them on cardstock for my own use?
I always found painting my antithesis. My hands shake too bad hoe anything other than impressionism. I use gel pens, mechanical pencils, microns, and prismacolor alcohol markers. They end up looking similar to watercolors, but have a vivacity watercolors can’t match. And they blend and later the same! Love, love, love!!!
Remarkable work by the way. I didn’t know you were any good. Not that I was incredulous, but I take those things with a grain of salt. It seems you’re quite good. Did you create the branches from memory? It’s very nice work.
The header for my blog and botanica is my own artwork
I started out in art mainly as a painter and illustrator and then completely left them behind years ago when I found sculpture and textiles. But I forgot how good it feels to draw and put ideas to paper that are meant to stay 2D as I’ve only been using my drawing skills to sketch ideas for 3D pieces for the past 4-5 years. So this Ogham deck is a good reminder and perfect opportunity for me to get back into my previous loves again.
I did draw the branches from memory, but as I work mainly with trees and live surrounded by woods it’s pretty easy! I don’t like to draw from references too much as I like my work to be a cross between traditional illustration and folk art. Hopefully I achieve that for the deck!
Thanks and cheers!
Sarah
I love Judith Crow’s cards, and I’m excited to hear I might one day buy them!