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.