This particular Arcane Signboard was in the planning stages for a long, long time before I settled on its design. The tarot expresses a multifaceted narrative, and it took me that long to focus on a particular theme. Like the cards themselves, I wanted this sign to have something to say, something beyond the blunt advertising of mystical services. Primarily, I wanted to show boobies. Therefore this image represents the women of the tarot, women strong, wise, magical and sexy. Consequently I have subtitled it 'Virago.'
The images themselves were altered from the 'Vacchetta' tarot. Designed by its namesake Giovanni Vacchetta, it illustrates the influence of classical art and emphasis on mythology prevalent in 1893 Turin, Italy.
I have begun work on similar signboards that utilize the same template, yet are expressive of different themes. Death, the Devil, and the Tower are images I have been working with for the second sign in this series.
Chas Bogan
