This series is a creative evolution. Who ever thought wandering European Flea Markets during our time living overseas would lead me to create a series of 56 mixed media playing cards celebrating the things we love about Arizona?
While exploring the flea markets in 2014, I saw so many different card styles and suits. I was so curious about how Americans ended up with Spades, Hearts, Clubs and Diamonds. You’ve seen them and played with them hundreds of times. But have you ever contemplated the history or meaning behind the suits on a deck of cards? I did a little research. I didn’t expect to be intrigued with my findings. But they have inspired 62 paintings…so far.
The oldest suit designs seem to be Muslim. These suits were coins, cups, swords and polo sticks. As cards evolved, different cultures created their own suits and royalty face cards. Germany used leaves, hearts, hawk bells and acorns. In present day Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy, suits of swords, cups, coins, and batons are still used. Today’s design, the hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds, are a French design from the 15th century. These designs were flat, stenciled silhouettes, which were easily mass produced, and thus made their way to America. Each suit represents a social class. Spades are nobility. Hearts are clergy. Diamonds are merchants. Clubs are peasants.
Myth states that the four suits represent the four seasons, and that the 52 cards represent the 52 weeks of the year. I discovered that each individual suit has many themes:
Hearts represent spring, home, emotions, love, childhood, vulnerability, art, poetry, music, water and Karma. Clubs represent summer, education, mind, intellect, musing, young, irresponsibility, literature, air and drama. Diamonds represent fall, career, security, values, judgement, adults, responsibility, entertainment, fire, and material goods. Spades represent winter, environment, wisdom, health, acceptance, old age, transformation, scripture, earth, workaholics, old souls and warriors.
This Arizona Ante began in 2018 after we returned to Tucson from many years away. I was so happy to be back. There is something special about the Grand Canyon State. People are friendly, the weather is wonderful, the skies are almost always blue. The landscapes of Arizona – with exciting animal inhabitants and vegetation – are intriguing. Arizona is a playground for hikers, bikers, golfers, fishers, cowboys, foodies and artists. All of these, and more, are represented in this playing card series. The jokers celebrate Arizona’s three outstanding state universities. Arizona is a place to live, learn, love and celebrate.
I hope you will join me on February 3, 2024 at the historic Steinfeld Warehouse Gallery for this celebration. Many thanks to the following sponsors of the Arizona Ante!
Supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Several years ago, I created large scale playing cards on canvas. Two were portraits depicting me and my husband. I also created a four seasons series. What had intrigued me was the meaning behind the suites of a deck of cards.
Using these representations, I am creating face cards based on the history and diverse cultures and interests in Arizona, although they will connect with folks outside of our state, as well. Each card is researched and thoughtfully pieced together. Creating these cards has been enormously entertaining, especially at a time when we could all use a distraction or a chuckle.
Myth states that the four suits represent the four seasons, and that the 52 cards represent the 52 weeks of the year. I discovered that each individual suit has many themes.
Hearts represent spring, home, hearts, emotions, love, childhood, vulnerability, art, poetry music, water and Karma. Clubs represent summer, education, mind, intellect, musing, young, irresponsibility, literature, air and drama. Diamonds represent fall, career, security, values, judgement, adult, responsibility, entertainment, fire, and material goods. Spades represent winter, environment, wisdom, health, acceptance, old age, transformation, scripture, earth, workaholic, old souls and warriors.
The options are endless and the series will continue to grow weekly with new characters: a pilot (in honor of the many pilots who we have met with and served with in Arizona), biker (El Tour de Tucson), tennis player, a pickleballer (to honor Jalapeńo, who introduced me to this fun sport!), musician, and artist, a fisher, a chef, and of course, we will need Aces for Wilbur the Wildcat, Sparky – Forks Up, and a Northern AZ Lumberjack.
I have prints made of each piece. The background colors are all similar. They are full sized canvas or paper (12″ x 16″) and a smaller paper set (9″ x 12″) . My hopeful gamble is that people will want to piece together their own Full House, Black Jack, Straight or Flush, or even a single card, as a entertaining conversation piece for their wall or as a gift for someone special.
From August 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021, you can find these pieces and more of my work at the Southern Arizona Arts Guild Gallery, located at the lovely La Encantada Mall, 2905 E Skyline Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718.
Definition of lively: full of life and energy; active and outgoing
lanc·er
noun| \ ˈlan(t)-sər \
Definition of lancer 1a: one who carries a lance b: a member of a military unit formerly composed of light cavalry armed with lances 2lancers plural in form but singular in construction a: a set of five quadrilles each in a different meter b: the music for such dances
This is how Merriam-Webster defines a lancer, but in the heart of Tucson, Arizona it means something special. The lancer is the mascot of Salpointe Catholic High School. It’s a fierce mascot, but the Lancer community represents so much more. Faith, family, service, education, determination, diversity, teamwork, creativity, friendship, kindness, a sense of belonging. And that list is just the short list. The teens attending Salpointe celebrate unique interests. Typical for high school, there are scientists and mathematicians, writers and humanitarians, artists and athletes, student councils and thespians, dancers and cheerleaders, musicians and cowboys, introverts and extroverts, hunters and video gamers. I am pretty sure that most of them eat pizza.
Lively Lancer, Mixed Media on Canvas, 20″ x 24″
I created this colorful mixed media piece to celebrate Lancer life, charging across the saguaro speckled desert with mountains and an Arizona State Flag in the background. If you look closely, you will find many Lancer interests hidden in this piece of work…cameras and keyboards, guitars and basketballs, music and constellations, cowboy boots and flip flops. Spiderman graces the Lancer’s shield, while a flowing cape states the Lord’s Prayer. The American flag decorates the uniform of this Lancer. The horse charges bearing crosses, and a map of the world resides on its armor, as Salpointe prepares and sends our Lancers bravely into today’s world. It’s a fun depiction of Lancer Life. Of course, you will find pizza. But other surprises I will leave for you to zoom in and find for yourselves.
I am donating this Lancer to the 33rd Annual Salpointe Gala whose proceeds benefit the Aspire: Arts, Academics and Athletics capital campaign. I do so happily to support a community in which my Lancers, Tony and Olivia, are absolutely thriving.
Lancer Fight Song
We’re going to tell you something tonight, About the team that you’re going to fight, We’re the Lancers, Salpointe High, If we don’t win, we’re willing to try! Out on the field we’re ready to fight, (FIGHT!) We’re going to fight with full force and might, (MIGHT!) Win or lose we’ll stick together, Onward to victory! Lancers, Lancers, Let’s take State!
DeGrazia left an amazing gift to artists, locals and visitors in the Tucson community. The gift is not only the Little Gallery. The entire Gallery in the Sun Museum is a gift and historic treasure. The grounds are peaceful, rustic, and inspiring. I treasured my time as the guest artist in the Little Gallery.
DEGRAZIA’S LITTLE GALLERY
I entered this show an artist intending to show my work, but I departed an artist who spent 78 hours in two weeks sharing with friends, family and strangers, and once again, growing as a person.
ONE FINAL WALK THOUGH AFTER SET UP
The purpose of the Little Gallery (https://degrazia.org/exhibitions/little-gallery/) is to connect artists to the community. This purpose served me well, as I visited with interesting people from around the world. As I reread the comments written in the guest book, I was heart-warmed, entertained (thank you, Lick McCracken!), and inspired to continue to create and evolve, as I should… My two weeks were about art and people…sharing, listening and learning. For even though I had a story to tell, every person that visited the Little Gallery had a story, as well. Many people took the time to listen and to share. It wasn’t about the sales, even though it is honestly exciting to sell a painting. It was about the interaction, the commitment, the conversation, and the experience.
The guest artist in the Little Gallery is required to be present throughout the course of the show while open. It began with a highly energized opening day with family and friends, and continued though my gifted time. Visitors explored my creations and shared their connections. I cannot write about everyone, but I must share a few.
A PEACEFUL MOMENT WITH BELLAMY BEFORE THE OPENING RECEPTION
Mike and Jacquie collect predator art, and I learned about their collection. They were drawn to Evening Song, my musical version of the coyote singing in the light of the moon. JR took home Chief, a fond reminder of his days attending Miami of Ohio, when the mascot was proudly a redskin. My vibrant version of Giverny went home with Mec, an avid gardener. The Eiffel tower went home with a beautiful soul who is terrified of heights, but bravely ventured to the top of this monument to share a glass of champagne with her sister.
EVENING SONG, 2019
CHIEF, 2019
Anita lived in Tucson for years but had not been to the DeGrazia Museum. She was wonderfully drawn to my painting of DeGrazia’s Mission. June admires mixed media and follows mixed media groups in Southern California. She has shared great insight and decided to make “Body” a part of her personal collection. Mabel created a paper works association in Tucson and was a fantastic advisor for connections in the local art scene.
MISSION IN THE SUN, 2019
GIVERNY, 2019
A darling gentleman from South Korea visited with his daughter and son-in-law, his interpreters. He wanted to know about Divine Magic, which he called “Maria,” and purchased a print for his Catholic sister, who he thought would enjoy it. A lovely couple, John and Karen, who are embarking on a new beginning together, knowingly purchased a boot called “Partner”.
PARTNER, 2019
I met people from Australia, a Mexican man from London, a South Korean medical student who loved the architecture of the gallery, and delightful Tünde, a new American from Hungary, who was joyously determined to find her village on the European map hidden in my mixed media piece, “Embrace”.
EMBRACE
I welcomed children, like Lorelei, who brought her sketchbook. I was stunned when folks enjoyed my paintings of Dubrovnik, Cinque Terre and Santorini. My paintings were a connection to memories for them, and for me. My heart was warmed when an attorney called me to buy a favorite painting of Sabino Canyon for his beautiful, dedicated secretary. I had surprises, especially the large number of people fascinated with stories behind my “Four Seasons” mixed media playing cards.
GUEST BOOK
There were sweet moments, like one shared with Lee. On the last day of the show, the electricity went out for a few hours. It was raining. The lighting was dim, and the gallery was chilly. A woman named Lee walked in with her daughter and granddaughter. We chatted and I learned that Lee was headed to a ranch in New Mexico to celebrate her 90th birthday with her family. It was hard to believe that Lee was 90! These three women were full of life and warmth. Lee wanted to purchase a print of “Pretty Tough” but my technology wasn’t working due to the loss of power. So, I gifted Lee the print for her birthday. She was darling, spunky, 90, and absolutely deserving of uplifting. She was so grateful for that moment, and so was I.
PRETTY TOUGH, 2019
This show was a gift in so many ways. I was reconnected with friends from the past. I made new connections. I met a beautifully kind couple, Lance and Anne, who lost their home in the Paradise, CA wildfires. They chose to rebuild their lives in Tucson, so it was fitting that they took home “LOVE AZ”. I pray Tucson treats them well.
LOVE AZ, 2019
With 15 minutes remaining on the last day of the show, a woman from Fresno came in with her sister and sister’s children. She was mesmerized by “Divine Magic”, my mixed media piece of the Virgin Mary. I explained the deeper meaning of this piece and she said she had to have it, and that she depends on Mary, like I do. I had not thought that I would ever sell this piece. It is close to my heart and was the starting point of my mixed media world. This painting has hung visibly in four of our homes. I was internally torn, but then I asked my visitor her name…. she was Maria. And I knew it was time to let Mary go watch over someone else, as she does so well. Maria left happily with my painting. After she left, I shed a few happy tears. Matt and Olivia were there to hug me. It was a sign to keep my faith and keep creating.
DIVINE MAGIC
Thank you, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, for the opportunity. Thank you, Julio, the kind groundskeeper for starting a lovely fire every morning and sharing stories. Thank you, family and friends, new and existing, for taking time to visit me and my work. From these connections, I have gained inspiration for my future and for new work, and the next step in this journey. Life shouldn’t be all about work and dollar signs. It should also be about people.
