About the artist, Arnell Ando

I began my studies of the Tarot in my early 20's. I was living in Japan and feeling quite cut off from my Western philosophical and religious background. Always fascinated by mythology, symbology, and the unknown mysteries, I guess it was a natural direction for me to explore. I was hooked at once, spending endless hours journaling, studying any Tarot books I could find in English, and collecting decks from obscure, back alley shops. Many strange synchronicities, dream prophesies and other bizarre occurrences both frightened and enticed me to delve deeper.

Returning to the United States after a decade abroad, divorced with two young sons, I began a new life. I got a Masters Degree in Psychology, but I found it difficult to bridge my spiritual/creative side with this more cognitive view of personal growth. I continued to collect unusual decks, appreciating their beauty, but never finding one that expressed my beliefs and the archetypes that resonated within. The gap grew wider as I wondered how to make a living from psychology, which seemed somewhat dry and cerebral, or metaphysics, which appeared to be a loading dock for all manner of charlatans and opportunists. I became quite disenchanted with the whole spectrum of guiding oneself and others towards a higher ground.

Instinctively, while studying women's history, I began creating raw, primitive art forms while working through accumulated issues of anger, pain, and disillusion. This process was both invigorating and meditative. About the same time, I discovered a growing field of alternative psychology called Expressive Art Therapy, which used all mediums of creative expression to explore the psyche and unlock hidden truths beyond words and deeds. I had found my niche. It was quite a transformational experience for me. I continued my schooling in this field and eventually became a Certified Expressive Arts Therapist. All the while I was creating a Tarot deck and journal. This process was helping me come to terms with my life story; hopes and fears, goals and setbacks. I devoted myself to this project for two more years. My friends were most supportive, asking me for color copies of my deck and urging me to publish it. I had to create a new deck to publish however, as many of the contemporary images I incorporated into my themes, were copyright protected. Collage is still a 'grey' area with regards to current laws. It has been most gratifying to self-publish, although it was a huge financial risk and a lot of hard work to cut, collate, package and market the work, as I'm sure any of you who have ventured in that direction realize.

At this point in the story, Transformational Tarot has been published by US Games and I'm thrilled to share it with fellow Tarotists, as so many kind folks have shown support of this project and shared an interest in obtaining a copy. In anticipation of the US Games publication I spent several months editing each of the 78 cards in Photoshop to create the best possible quality...it has been a labor of love. We offer a section on the website which displays all the new Transformational Tarot cards individually along with their descriptions.

My dear friend Leslie Cochran and I have created a limited edition Tarot art calendar since 2004 and I always enjoy working with her. We had the goal of collaborating on these Tarot Calendars for 4 years (2004-2007) in order for each of us to create a set of Major Arcana in the process (6 cards per calendar year from both of us). Out of this long term endeavor, we now offer special edition, signed & numbered handmade deck sets. Mine is the Lucky Pack Tarot and Leslie's is Dreamythology Tarot.

I continue to conduct workshops at various gigs and Tarot conferences. I have a small art studio in my home, and occasionally facilitate workshops in San Diego, CA. I find this work to be healing and inspirational. Aside from that I'm usually blissfully working on creative projects in solitude. Thanks for your interest.
Warmest of Wishes,
Arnell Ando