Meet Ari Wisner, a queer artist, illustrator, and tarot deck maker based in London (they/he).
Ari’s Transient Light Tarot deck really inspired me on my journey to starting Storebought Oddity. In fact, Ari’s decks – the Transient Light Tarot and Trinity Tarot decks are the first two tarot decks that I’ve stocked.
I am so excited to get the opportunity to chat with Ari about his process of creating his tarot decks, his inspiration, passion and what’s next.
Could you introduce us and tell us a little about who you are, your work, and your background?
My name is Ari Wisner, I’m an illustrator, designer and mystic based in London. I am the creator and illustrator of two tarot decks (Transient Light Tarot and Trinity Tarot) and I creatively work with themes of transience, empowerment, divinity and unity. I grew up a strong christian, and remained in Christianity until my late 20s. This strongly influenced by interest in the divine and human purpose.
How did you come to be interested in tarot, and how did that lead you to creating your own deck?
I turned to tarot and meditation initially as a replacement for christian spiritual practices and discovered the power of inner wisdom and intuition. As an illustrator and artist, I was drawn to the imagery and the more I learned about the cards, the more I started visually interpreting them with layers of meaning.
What was the inspiration for you to create the Trinity Tarot and Transient Tarot?
Trinity Tarot was born from the self empowerment that came with the realisation that I (and every one and thing) is part of the divine – rather than separate. It was about handing the power to the user of the cards – to encourage them to use their own mind, heart and intuition to reflect, process and make decisions. Transient Light was inspired by the slow acceptance of death and endings. The impermanent residency we have in these earthly bodies – and how this itself is what makes life precious and worth-while. I think this was inspired by the sense of loss I experiences after losing both my “salvation” with religion and my first lover to the constant changing of people.
Both decks are gender-neutral/genderless, as a queer creator, how important is that for you?
This is very important! The original tarot decks like the Rider Waite Smith lack both diversity and equality – often placing men as characters of mastery and using out dated gender archetypes. Most of the decks I found that broke these traditions were novelty decks or set to one theme (like an all-queer deck or an all-female deck). I think tarot is extremely rich in inspiration and empowers the user to see their potential, both good and bad. I think anyone should be able to see themselves in the cards, regardless of their skin, body, sexuality, status.
Was there a card that you found either rather easy or more difficult to create?
I struggle a bit with The Proclaimer (The Hierophant) – as I had so many negative associations to it, relating to my religious experiences. But the process of creating the card helping me lean in more to the positive aspects of a teacher/mentor. I’m still learning that I don’t have to lose my power to be taught!
Which card, in either or both decks, do you resonate with the most?
I love the tower – it’s one of the first cards I learned about, and it was during a huge tower moment in my life. I think it’s monumental to shift focus from building a tower of perceived truth – and instead pursuing a network of possibilities and wisdoms, that can flex and grow with the tossing seas of life.
With two successful tarot decks, I’m curious if there is anything that surprised you along the way?
I think the biggest surprise was that people connected to the work! I created them primarily for me, and for the first time in my life – my art wasn’t about pleasing anyone, or making something commercial. But I guess that’s what makes it authentic, and therefore relatable. When I started getting feedback that people were connecting deeply to the images – it’s been my proudest and most humbling moment.
Would you be willing to share a little more about the challenges of creating this deck (especially through Kickstarter)?
It was a large volume of work. I see some other big Kickstarter projects are created by teams, or with the use of fulfilment companies. I was a one person show! From promotion, finance, stock, packing, shipping, logistics – everything. I was learning as I went along, and on the side of my full time job. It was very stressful at times, but a rewarding labour of love. Kickstarter really gave me the opportunity to do something I did not have the resources to do otherwise – I’m very grateful for this.
What’s next for you?
I recently completed illustrating an oracle deck for Kyle Gray, which is available now. But for me personally, I’m working on my own oracle deck and a book. Both projects are exciting and new for me – especially writing. It’s a new journey and the final outcome is not fully visualised yet – so I’m submitting myself to the creative process 🙂
Ari’s Trinity Tarot deck and Transient Light Tarot deck are available now on Storebought Oddity. You can find Ari on Instagram and his website.
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