The Bohemian Gothic Tarot

I've decided that I won't post more cards over at Aeclectic Tarot Forum for now - it was fun and the enthusiasm and feedback was good to have - but in the end I found it just too time-consuming and tiring, and somehow it took away from my focus. I just need to concentrate on making the deck and book at this point rather than have to do too much explaining. But I'd still like to show just a few cards here from time to time. Reactions and comments very welcome, but please be aware that we probably won't launch into making any major changes or trying to please everyone. The deck just needs to be how it is, and I know that in some places it will be disturbing. This one probably still needs a bit of tweaking, but personally I'm pleased with it. If it was a film I'd go and see it!

Door HANDLES of Prague today

I'm in a mood for details, so here is a sample of Prague door handles. I've learned here that whenever you go into an old building it's essential to notice the handles. They often seem like a pure out-pouring of Czech surrealism at its best - and other times they are simply wonderfully Baroque and decorative. The final one here is, I think, my favourite.

Okay - the BIG Baroque birds

This is my very favourite door. I always imagine the conversation between the architect/sculptor and the owner: "So, I was thinking that two huge birds sort of having a conversation over the archway would look good." and the owner says, "Hmmm, well, er, hmmm. Okay." I will actually sort myself out to put some proper historical information about this door here later - until them you can imagine whatever you like! These doors always make me laugh, even on the days when I'm in a foul mood I can't walk past them without a giggle. Edited to add - another photo and a tiny bit of info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embassy_of_Italy_in_Prague By the way, you need to get the scale of this. The "small" doors on the third picture are actually quite large - so the birds are GIGANTIC.

Okay - the BIG Baroque birds

This is my very favourite door. I always imagine the conversation between the architect/sculptor and the owner: "So, I was thinking that two huge birds sort of having a conversation over the archway would look good." and the owner says, "Hmmm, well, er, hmmm. Okay." I will actually sort myself out to put some proper historical information about this door here later - until them you can imagine whatever you like! These doors always make me laugh, even on the days when I'm in a foul mood I can't walk past them without a giggle. Edited to add - another photo and a tiny bit of info here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embassy_of_Italy_in_Prague By the way, you need to get the scale of this. The "small" doors on the third picture are actually quite large - so the birds are GIGANTIC.

Doors of the Day - slightly delayed

Sorry, I think it will have to be tomorrow. But I do have some more doors to post.

Doors of the Day

If these are too big please tell me and I'll put some under a cut.

Doors of Prague - part two

Sorry, feeling a bit virusy today - Alex is rather off-colour so I hope we aren't about to get summer colds or anything (yuck). So no "Big Baroque Birds" tonight as that requires quite a few files to give the sense of the sheer scale of it. Here instead are two doors - elements of both have been used on our decks (oh a thought, I could run a competition to ask people to identify the decks and cards that have elements from various photographs - hmm, might do that in the autumn, it would be fun). Anyway, enjoy these:
Modern door in ancient doorway - but then most of the wooden doors have probably been replaced about once a century after all, and this will soon darken down.
Marvelous door at the side of St Vitus Cathedral. Sadly taken away this year and replaced with a reproduction (well, I suppose they have to - otherwise it might be hard to protect it). Glad we got photos before it vanished into a museum.
Close-up - amazing isn't it?
One last one for today - "At the Sign of the Pink Swan". I would LOVE the door to my apartment house to look like that (apartment bells can be seen on the left). I'd probably never move.