🌔 | The Empress for the #LemniscusTarot represents Infernal Queen Persephone now basking in the light after her arduous journey through both trauma and shadow, confronting her own toxicity and reflecting on her worthiness and agency. As an artist both living with chronic illness and who draws from my own vulnerability, I find myself inconsistent in my approach to abundance. Too often do I fade into long spells of research, rumination, and rest. With art which represents radical visibility at its core, I've found myself still struggling with my feelings of safety when it comes to sharing—an internal conflict which stays my hand as my social anxiety continues to increase. Being wholly honest, there are days this American life feels like too much and I wonder if I should just quit, take a step back, and bow out of my tiny room on this loud and terrifying internet. And then there are days I want to keep pushing, clawing for my life and art through the Underworld of my grief and traumas. And on those days like today, I write. Suffice to say, it is for all those reasons my Empress Persephone graces my new business cards and banner. She reminds me that as long as I keep making the effort to emerge from the shadow, then I am worthy of my abundance. And that my art has a right to exist. And even if burnout recovery takes years, I will have the sun on my face. ——— #sarahrenekraft #theempress #persephone #tarotcardoftheday #tarotcardreading #tarotcard #tarotdecks #indiedecks #indiedeckcreator #greekmythology #hadesandpersephone #depressionart #artblock #radicalvulnerability #burnoutrecovery
💐 A not-quite Mother’s Day moment… We didn’t see the Aurora Borealis (viewing conditions were much better on Friday). But my kiddo and I had a great time bonding on our drive up to Forest Hill Bridge (the highest elevation bridge in California) where we had a late night picnic on a blanket with gluten free pizza under the stars. Hundreds of people had the same idea as they frustratedly came and went, each turn out and vista point bustling with looky-loos driving up and skidding off in a huff. My great love of mythology came from the stars, as my father pointed out the constellations and told me their names. So it was very special getting to do the same for kiddo, even though they don’t seem to share my father and my bard-like love for storytelling (their exceptional talents are in the technical and mechanical). While there were no vivid pinks or greens, there was still magic in the sky. And we both made a wish on 11:11 on May 11th before heading home, heads buzzing with lions, celestial bears, divine and mortal twin brothers, hydra-slaying warriors, swans, and a sharp sliver of a waxing moon that buried itself behind the black line of the hills like a knife into a great sheath. ——— #1111wish #waxingmoon #geminimoon #constellations #stargazingnight #auroraborealis #northernlights #geomagneticstorm #solarflare #storyteller #traumabard #greekmythology #childhoodmemories #motherandson #familydrive #theempress #lemniscustarot
“𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯; 𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘢 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩…” —𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀, 𝗢𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗲 My entire life, since being a young child who stared at the moon and preferred the silvery dark of rainy days, I’ve been described by my parents and friends alike as somewhat of a dark horse, spending much of my time contemplating my mortality. I’d later heard it said that to be “goth” was to be a little in love with the concepts of life and death, each day an exercise in “momento mori.” Some might say it’s just fashion. Some might say it’s the kids who loved Halloween just a little too much now grown up. But I’ve known the goth community to be the place where I consistently find my people.🖤🖤 Please come out and join @themenagerieodditiesmarket and I for THE IV GATHERING: A WORLD GOTH DAY FESTIVAL • Saturday, May 4th | 12-10pm. I’m also challenging myself to complete a new card for the #LemniscusTarot in time to unveil in person at the show, after over 2 years of creative burn out. Wish me luck! And see you there! ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #themenagerieodditiesmarket #themenageriealameda #worldgothday #sanfrancisco #may4th #darkart #darkartists #tarotdecks #tarotcardart #macabreartist #macabreart #occultart #witchyart #witchartist #gothicbeauty #fineartists #oddventure #oddart
🌕 | The #pinkmoon, named for the first flush of new springtime flowers blooming in late April, makes its way into #scorpio, symbolizing a celebration of both life and death, of new beginnings and releasing the past. Observing the lunar phases give me the space to check in and to reflect. Today, I look back on this old study of Thanatos, gentle God of Death, which later became the basis for my #DeathCard in the #LemniscusTarot, as well as the last card I’ve managed to finish for the deck. The advice when releasing trauma or grief is to be gentle with oneself, as the process is a physical one rather than emotional or mental. As such, one can feel drained, fatigued, achy, or experience a surge of inflammation, such as I do today after recent releases and personal breakthroughs. I’ve realized that it’s not enough to care for my mind, feelings, relationships, and creativity, but that above all I need to begin prioritizing my somatic health and re-cultivating my energy best as I am able. I want to take a moment also to express my gratitude to the people of #ferndaleca, #humboldtcounty, and @themenagerieodditiesmarket. Of all the places they could go, while picturesque, Ferndale was a surprise. They could have stuck to the beaten path and to the communities which cater to the odd and strange, but it was a deliberate choice to show up knowing our people would come. And out they did! Like moths emerging in the night near the light of a candle, I was amazed at the love, enthusiasm, and even the fashion of our more kindred locals! It’s made me reflect not only on the importance of diversity in representation, but also on the importance of inclusive spaces in more isolated communities. So thank you to those who came out, who talked with me about mine and @jeremyrathbone’s work as he painted. And thank you to Menagerie for another unexpected Oddventure!🖤🖤 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #scorpiomoon #fullmooninscorpio #pinkmooninscorpio #thanatos #mythologyart #tarotcardart #greekmythology #chthonian #chthonic #fullmoonritual #fullmoonmagic #moonmagick #moonenergy #esotericastrology #esotericstudies #darkartists #odditiesmarket
🌑 | Eclipses, illnesses, and rainclouds, oh my! As if ushered in on a fell wind and rising above the storm, so I begin my next of many shows with the @themenagerieodditiesmarket, starting this Saturday 4/13 @shadyoakbeer in Santa Rosa, CA. — 12-6pm! This year has been moving too fast as I and my body have struggled to keep up. But it’s nice to be springing forward into yet another Oddventure with the Menagerie vendors and crew after so many months away. It feels like both yesterday and so long since you last saw me at The Winchester. So grab your umbrella and come party with us, rain or shine. And please come talk to me about tarot, shadow work, shedding, and the alchemical art of pickles. Hope to see you there! ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #themenagerieodditiesmarket #shadyoakbarrelhouse #santarosaca #darkart #darkartists #tarotartist #tarotart #oracledeck #witchyvibes #witchyart #witchystyle #occultart #coloredpencilart #coloredpencilsrawing #burnoutrecovery #doingmybest #lemniscustarot #healingart
☉ | Prior to the development and discovery of modern chemistry, the alchemists of old believed that transformation of matter was achievable through the careful combination of speculative thought and physical manifestation, particularly in the development of a compound or elixer that could grant long life and turn lead into gold. Now, I’ve never myself transformed base metals into precious metals nor discovered the secret to immortality, but I have through the arts of pickling and fermenting honed the ability to transform matter into something that not only promotes gut health while aiding digestion, but also tastes absolutely delicious. Some years ago, I was diagnosed with acute anxiety disorder. You might think art would help in that area, but no! Seems each proverbial weapon in my arsenal was designed for a different monster. And while art helps me to transmute my trauma as writing helps to ground my scattered thoughts, my anxiety has best been soothed by cooking, canning, and, yes, pickling. The time spent chopping, peeling, measuring, weighing, and following careful processes has become like ritual, as I muse and meditate on myth and spiritual concepts. As such, I’ve transmuted what was dull within myself into something luminous through the magic of the mundane. Bringing together my version of the Tria Prima (my own three primary elements of personal transformation—art, writing, and cooking), I’ve decided to begin incorporating more writing and, yes, the art of kitchen magick into my art presentation. I’m still navigating what that looks like, as I get back into the #LemniscusTarot, but I’m seeing printed quality zines and possibly audio or video content. But for now, I’m just going to make things before I decide how to best serve them up. ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #pickles #pickling #picklingcucumbers #homemadepickles #alchemy #alchemical #picklewitch #picklealchemy #kitchenmagic #kitchenmagick #personalritual #cookingmagic #kitchenwitch #kitchenwitchery #kitchenwitchin #fermentedveggies #fermentedpickles #personaltransformation #magicinthemundane
–•| 🌗 |•– Thank you @artsymissmelis and all of the @sacanimeofficial crew for a seriously great #SacAnimeRoseville (Spring edition, lol)! I’ve been working this show in this community since 2009 and this was the first time in years it felt like the good ol’ comic/anime con days, just meeting great people and hanging with new and old friends. I extra appreciate the holiday events and egg hunt for the kiddos—mine had such a blast! And the artist alley group photo at the end was so much fun. Loved being next to @jeremyrathbone, chatting life and small details between visitors at the booths. And getting to stare at @dirtypanda_ceramics beautiful monster mugs and goodies (which are quickly taking over my entire mug collection and cupboard). Thank you for chatting and letting me hang over good food @alarichbarca! Loved the meal and the company! And you too, @levicraigart! And always good seeing you, @pabkins! We’ll get that coffee sooner or later! And @jay.edwards101, good to make friends and trade art! Safe travels back home! And to all my other friends I saw and made, it was lovely talking and saying hi. Hope to be back for Summer! 🤞 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #lemniscustarot #tarotart #tarotillustrator #animecon #animeconvention #springsacanime #sacanimespring2024 #sacanimespring #sacramento #rosevilleca #coloredpencildrawing #coloredpencilart #coloredpencilartist #redandblue #prismacolor #prismacolorpencils #redrebbons #ribbonart #mentalwellnessart #mentalhealthblogs #artheals #healingjourney #esotericstudies #greekmythology
🌖 | Have I yet mentioned how hard it’s been coming out of a recovery spell? (Oof!) come celebrate the Spring and my return to the land of the living at #SacAnime in #Roseville this weekend—Fri. 3/29 thru Sun. 4/1, at the Roseville County Fair Grounds. I’ll be chronically illin’ in the #ArtistAlley next to my darling @jeremyrathbone (Tables # 29 & 30). 🖤💀🌹 Please come talk to me about tarot and kitchen witchin’. I’m eager to talk someone’s ear off about alchemy and pickles, radical joy and syrups, and the joys of making my own gluten free bread as I muse on caring for my body and space.✨ ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #lemniscustarot #persephone #springgoddess #sacanimespring2024 #sacanimespring @sacanimeofficial #majorarcana #theempress #fullmoonmagic #eclipseseason #springbreak #shadowwork #healingartwork #traumaart #archetypal #tarotwisdom #tarotstudy #researchismyritual #artismyremedy #witchyart #witchyartist #darkart #redribbon #shibariart #sacramento
Hello, all! After a long illness and bruised ribs, I barely got things ready in time and my booth was moved around quite a bit, but I DO have a booth here at @emeraldcitycomiccon, Thursday, February 29th, thru Sunday, March 3rd! You can find it on Floor 0 of the convention center, near the back wall—𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗛 # 𝟭𝟬𝟴𝟰𝟳! And if you are new to my art, welcome!❤️💙 I work as an independent fantasy-surrealist illustrator, creating original works inspired by mythology, my experience living with chronic illness, and my personal shadow journey to healing. Each of my ribbon-laces drawings are created using only red and blue double-ended pencils, yellow watercolor, and black ink. Keeping my materials limited helps me to lean into the heaviness of my emotional processing and to focus on the visual vocabulary I am weaving with archetypes and alchemical symbols. Each piece has a story and symbolic key, which is featured on the back as an additional leaflet on every print I curate. My #tarot deck in progress The #LemniscusTarot is a hand-illustrated venture down into the shadow, featuring chthonic figures from The Underworld in Greek Mythology paired with mental wellness lessons on awareness, self-love, and attachment. This deck-in-progress is a true labor of love that combines my passions for mythic storytelling with personal symbolism and archetypal medicine. Thank you for your support and for those of you joining me on such a path.🖤🖤 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sketchykraft #emeraldcitycomicon #emeraldcitycomiccon #eccc #eccc2024 #artistalley #exhibitorbooth #seattle #tarotartist #witchyart #mythologyart #occultartist #neurodivergentartist #bipolarart #artheals #emotionalart #tarotdeck #indiedeckcreator
🌓 | Sometimes when I’m framing a piece, I think about the ways in which I appreciate and show love to myself. Because it was not long ago, I did not feel deserving or worthy of receiving. I did not feel my work deserved to be shown or to be on nice walls in nice frames. Whether it was love, friendships, support, or even money for the work I’ve created—I still felt like I had to give back even more, overextending myself to EARN the exchange. Imposter syndrome is a hell of a thing. Thank you to the @edwardianball and to @studioumbralux for welcoming me back a second year to next weekend’s extraordinary event! I can’t wait! And a very special thank you to @jeremyrathbone for the helping me to select, prepare, and gilding the frames for my new original “FOR APHRODITE” and gold foil prints of THE STAR, THE EMPRESS, and THE HIGH PRIESTESS from the #LemniscusTarot.❤️ ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #edwardianball #edwardgorey #regencyballroom #sanfrancisco #gilded #goldframe #goldfoil #gilding #tarotart #tarotartwork #tarotcard #tarotcards #aphrodite #mythologyart #darkfantasyart #darkfantasy #goldenageillustration #classicillustration #illustrativeart #whimsicalart #redribbons #victorianball #impostersyndrome #artevent #framingart
🌑 | ArtMix: Mythical — Tonight! 1/11, 6-9pm @crockerart. Come on down to our own Underworld and up to our Olympus for a night of storytelling, of epic heroes and dreams, and for “AURA”—a collection of mythically-inspired fashion designs by @missvelvetcream. You’ll find me and my mythically-inspired #LemniscusTarot pieces in the gorgeous, historic ballroom and on the exclusive poster for the evening.✨🍏 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #crockerart #crockerartmuseum #missvelvetcream #artmix #sacramento #sacramentoart #sacramentoarts #sacramentoartist #sacramentoartgallery #mythical #myth #mythologyart #mythology #mythological #greekmythology #goddesses #archetypal #tarotartist #tarotart #pantheon
🌘 | A very special thank you to all who visited my booth at #SacAnime Winter 2024! Whether you were returning to see me again or we met for the first time, I enjoyed chatting with every single one of you. I was so busy, I did not manage to get any good photos of myself, the booth, or get to walk around the show. But having vended here since 2009, it’s always a surreal and wonderful experience seeing how both myself and the show have grown. I’m very grateful to @artsymissmelis and crew for bringing the support and morale. And thank you also for passing on the compliments for my mental health advocacy and writing associated with my work! My heart is full knowing it’s resonated.💗 And to all my friends who checked in, helped out, and held me up, y’all are the real ones. Some highlights: I did manage to sneak away long enough to pick up this stunning crow friend by @non_birdnary made from 3-D printed bodies covered in meticulously hand-cut and placed feathers. Truly artful! And @citrusatelier always has my favorite curated, magical items, including this sealed protection vial. And check that impressive neurodivergent beverage collection I had going at one point! That’s a record. As many of you may have asked and heard, with the start of the new year, I am finally emerging from burnout with new drawings in development! That means that while the #LemniscusTarot is still pending, it is back in progress! Expect more cards and personal art soon!❤️💙 Hope to see you next time! ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sacanimewinter2024 #sacanime2024 #sacanimewinter #sacanimeartistalley #artistalley #sacramentoart #sacramentoartist
🌗 | This Friday 1/5 through Sunday 1/7, find me again at #SacAnime - #ArtistAlley corner booth # AA-63! After an exciting holiday season, I’m excited to return to my home convention, the place where I first got my artist alley legs so many years ago. I am still floored each and every time, looking back and seeing just how much both I and SacAnime have grown over the years and will continue to grow. I’m pleased to announce that by sheer luck, I’ve stumbled across a box of backstock of my gold foil tarot prints!!! So if you missed them last summer, now would be your chance! Stock is VERY limited. (Due to the new upstairs market and sensible policy re “revealing” content on the main show floor, I will not be carrying some of my favorites, such as my #HighPriestess for my #LemniscusTarot. So if you were hoping to snag one of these, you’ll have to message me after the event to arrange it.)✌️ I’ll also be framing and matting the last copies of my foil prints for purchase. Original art will also be available. Please inquire now if there’s a specific original piece you would like for me to bring. It’s gonna be a great show—I can feel it! See you all there!❤️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sacanimewinter2023 #sacanimewinter @sacanimeofficial #sacart #sacramentoart #sacramentoartist #animeconvention #animecon #sacramento #darkfantasyart #darkfantasyartist #darkfairytale #tarotart #tarotartist #tarotdeckcreators #witchyart #witchyartist #occultart #shibariart #neurospicy #bipolarartist #coloredpencilart #redribbbons #mythologyart
🌱 | So often in #tarot, we are confronted with the need to learn lessons before we can progress, especially when it comes to the archetypes found within the #MajorArcana—each embodying a unique energy or call to action. #TheFool card, however, is a reminder that sometimes what is best and healthiest is to simply move on. When situations are toxic or harmful, seeking closure opens the door to only further injury. And sometimes there is no lesson to be learned. Because in reality, there’s no such thing as “good trauma.” Pain is just pain, whether we can learn from it or not. And just because we sometimes discover wisdom on the other side of that pain does not mean we should endure or justify experiences that were painful. Sometimes we need to simply recognize there’s better out there for us, just beyond the horizon. I know in this world of constant and seemingly neverending collective trauma, war, cycle-breaking, and abuse recovery, we all get the urge to look back to try to give meaning to what we have endured, but I want to challenge myself instead to look forward, no longer giving excuses to the people and events that diminished my light and were careless with my heart. I want, like The Fool, to put my best foot forward, stepping off the ledge of what I no longer accept and into a new world of possibility. I want to remember that doors are always opening, roads are always unfolding, and that new beginnings can and do happen at any time. May the year ahead be full of new starts, whenever you make them. Happy New Year to you all!❤️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #thefoolcard #thefoolsjourney #thefooltarot #strengthyear2024 #strengthyear #spirituallessons #spiritualart #occultartist #tarotart #lemniscustarot #newbegginings❤️ #soulalchemy #shadowwork #shadowworker #narcissticabuse #traumawork #traumainformed #tarotwisdom #darkfantasyart #darkfairytale #coloredpencildrawing #coloredpencilillustration
🌟Here were are again on the dawning of another trip around the sun. With 2023 reducing to 7 (2+0+2+3)—The number of #TheChariot card in tarot and this year numerically adding up to a personal #Towercard year for me, it’s been a challenging 12 months of unbelievable ups and unexpected downs. Despite struggling the entire year with burn out and art block, I’ve reached heights my art business I never before imagined possible. Yet despite becoming engaged and cultivating community, I found myself and my relationships challenged in ways I could never have foreseen and would have previously been unable to navigate. Having reached my 40th year on this Earth, I find myself struck by the dichotomy of relishing in newfound self-acceptance while simultaneously grieving for a violent world and the tragic casualties therein. For the first time in my life, at my heaviest and weirdest, I can finally look in a mirror and recognize my beauty. Yet the older I become, the more I recognize the ugliness in the systems which govern our lives and destroy those of the people. In all honesty, I’ve found it difficult to create and to believe my silly, pencil drawings amount to much good as I continue to thank you all for support so I can keep making them. It’s one of the many reasons the #LemniscusTarot had been on hold. In a fraught political landscape, does art for art’s sake have the right to still exist? Or does it need to serve a higher good to earn its place in the creative consciousness of humankind? I find myself constantly called back to a scene in the Beatles musical film “Across The Universe” when the anti-war Lucy confronts the artist Jude for his lack of activism and “drawing pictures,” to which he responds, “Hey, I’m not the man with the megaphone, but THIS is what I DO.” Whether for myself, for others, for sake of art, or just for the hell of it—these scribbles are what I bring into the world. And I pray that 2024 will be the year I finally find the courage to put what I make out there, without feeling conflicted, without second guesses, and in the hope my self care may in turn do some good for others. To the world we dream about, and the one we live in now.🥂
🌕 | Saturday 12/30 is the last of the YULETIDE events at the @winchestermysteryhouse, featuring dark and magical markets hosted by @themenagerieodditiesmarket —and it’s my very last event for 2023!✨ Please drop by and help me ring in the new year at this spirit-enriching “Soul Spa” event! Come talk to me about the future of the #LemniscusTarot deck, burn out recovery, future projects, storytelling, and looking for light in dark times.🖤🕯️ ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkaft #spiritualgrowth #spiritualjourney #spiritualalchemy #spiritualart #spiritualartwork #tarotartist #tarotart #tarotdeck #shadowwork #thefoolsjourney #greekmythology #chthonic #darkfantasyart #darkfairytale #chronicillnessart #arttherapy #occvlt #occultart #symbolicart #witchyart #themenagerieodditiesmarket
🌒 | “𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘯’𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘮, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨? 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺.” These past weeks have felt like the longest Halloween. This will be my last show for October. Please come celebrate it with me and @themenagerieodditiesmarket this Saturday 10/21 at @gilmanbrewing in Berkeley, 1-7pm.🖤🎃 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #persephone #kore #halloweenspirit #autumnrituals #pomegranates #lemniscustarot #tarotartist #tarotdecks #greekmythology #mythologyart #darkfantasyart #darkfairytale #mythillustration #theempress #artpopup #darkartists #coloredpencilart
🌒 | Hello, all. I just wanted to pop on here to thank those of you who are new here and who have recently reached out with such kind and lovely things to say about my work. And also a thank you to those who have been supporting me for some time.❤️💙 I’m going through a bit of a hard time right now, so please forgive me if I am slow to respond. In other news, the next #LemniscusTarot card is officially in progress. Stay tuned! ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #tarotart #tarotartwork #thestar #nyx #mythological #chthonic #archetypes #shadowworker #tarotcardoftheday
#flommist @sarahrenekraft 🌘 | The #LemniscusTarot by @sarahrenekraft and @minerva.press Tarot mingling beautifully together @oldsoulco in The Alley for this month’s @youareheresacramento event — reception TODAY: Saturday 9/9, 4-6pm. Special thanks to @gabe.sanford for his hard work helping us get these on the walls, to @oldsoulco staff who let us stay late getting everything right as they worked busily, baking up the tasty treats we know and love, and to type god @flommus for the rad flyer. Gonna be a great day. ——— #youareheresacramento #minervapress #sarahrenekraft #jointshow #tarotart #tarotartwork #coloredpencilart #silkscreenart #goldfoilart #shadowwork #nüflommart #majorarcana #thefoolsjourney #sacramentoartists #sacramentoarts #sacramentoart #2ndsaturdayartwalk #whereisflomm #oldsoulinthealley #galleryshownüartwerks
🌘 | The #LemniscusTarot by @sarahrenekraft and @minerva.press Tarot mingling beautifully together @oldsoulco in The Alley for this month’s @youareheresacramento event — reception tonight: Saturday 9/9, 4-6pm. Special thanks to @gabe.sanford for his hard work helping us get these on the walls, to @oldsoulco staff who let us stay late getting everything right as they worked busily, baking up the tasty treats we know and love, and to type god @flommus for the rad flyer. Gonna be a great day. ——— #youareheresacramento #minervapress #sarahrenekraft #jointshow #tarotart #tarotartwork #coloredpencilart #silkscreenart #goldfoilart #shadowwork #shadowworking #majorarcana #thefoolsjourney #sacramentoartists #sacramentoarts #sacramentoart #2ndsaturdayartwalk #oldsoulinthealley
🌗 | #Kintsugi (金継ぎ, "golden joinery"), also known as kintsukuroi (金繕い, "golden repair") is the art of illustrating and celebrating flaws and breakage through mending with gold. This was also my inspiration for my special edition gold foil print of #TheEmperor for the #LemniscusTarot. As the card representing our inner authority and how we draw boundaries and take up space, I want to remember that my own journey to self-love and authenticity as I build the kingdom of my life has not been a perfect process. And that it’s all the better for it. 👑 This print, double-matted and framed with gold, will join 7 of my other Major Arcana and at least 8 unique works by @minerva.press at @oldsoulco in The Alley for a 2nd Saturday art reception presented by @youareheresacramento. Hope to see you tomorrow evening! The pieces will be up for the month, so if you wanted a framed foil print, be sure to drop in and grab a cuppa or a pint while you’re at it. ——— #sarahrenekraft #youareheresacramento #oldsoulcoffee #oldsoulco #
🌖 | Hi friends! If you can’t make it out to see me and @minerva.press on Saturday 9/9 during the 2nd Saturday Art Walk at our reception at @OldSoulCo in The Alley, you’ll have another opportunity to catch me at the #SolanoSideshow festival in Albany/Berkeley Sunday 9/10, curated by the lovely people of @themenagerieodditiesmarket. I had a lot of requests during SacAnime for my framed prints. While the framed art on the walls will be for sale at the reception, it’s only with The Menagerie’s Solano Sideshow you’ll be able to access my full catalogue of both cotton and gold foil prints and original art with occult and mythic artist statements included with each. So I hope to see some of you there! ——— #sarahrenekraft #berkeley #albany #solano #artfestival #darkartist #darkbohemianstyle #darkfolklore #darkartandcrafts #shiregoth #tarotart #lemniscustarot #tarotartist #occultartist #mythologyart #greekmythology #alchemical #symbolicart
🌓 | Notus, Greek God of the hot summer wind, has continued to dominate the weather and brings on his dry breath my reminder that, like Autumn, #SacAnime is just around the corner. You’ll find me at BOOTH M12 (2nd to last row in the Exhibitor section, near the celebrity autographs—Just remember 12 like The Hanged Man). This summer will be my most ambitious setup yet! With original framed artwork, textured cotton prints packaged with backing boards and keepsake artist statements, and EIGHT new gold foil #LemniscusTarot prints.✨ My original, hand-drawn #LemniscusBook pieces are also matted and available for purchase. So if there was one you wanted, let me know and I’ll bring it to the show. In the meantime, I’m happy to say I’m finally pushing forward with the next card in the deck, so stay tuned for more. See you all soon!❤️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #exhibitorbooth #sacramentoartists #tarotdecks #tarotart #tarotartist #occultartist #witchyart #arttherapylife #shadowworker #localartistsupport #sacanime2023 #summersacanime #artistalley #crowart #mythologyart #darkfantasyart #redribbons #animecon #animeconvention #darkart #spiritualart
🌔 | ∞ | “THE PRICE OF BREATH” 18x24 | #prismacolor red/blue pencils, #derwentinktense, & black ink. . What is the cost of speaking? This piece was created while healing from a traumatic near-death event involving a ruptured artery in my throat following an urgent tonsillectomy. In recently reflecting on this piece, it’s dawned on me how many of my closest loved ones were yet unaware of my almost passing or of this utterly transformative experience which ushered my descent into total burnout (from which I am only now beginning to recover). It’s no wonder to me now, looking back, that the last card I completed for the #LemniscusTarot was the Death card, XIII, the card of transformation through release. . It’s also been my experience that while we artists release our emotions onto paper for all to see, we aren’t given the room to take the necessary time to grieve following this grand self-evisceration. The feed demands content, after all. My bills too need to be paid. Perhaps this is why they say to never let your art become too precious. Because as an artist drawing from life experience and internal contemplation, I find it difficult to embody both recovery and productivity at once. For how does one both move and be still? How does one speak while breathing? . “THE PRICE OF BREATH” was not just my way of processing my trauma or of honoring those lost to the pando that I witnessed while lying in the ICU. The price of breath is the inability to speak. It’s the stillness demanded of emotional and physical recovery, which I - like the frantic crow that is her spirit - resisted for too long. And you know what they say, if you don’t rest your body will rest for you. Perhaps it’s the same of creativity. Burn the candle at both ends and it will go out. . In any case, it’s nice to be speaking again. After taking the past year to breathe, I am finally feeling like myself. Let’s see what comes next. ——— #priceofbreath #justbreathe #burnoutrecovery #neardeathexperience #philosophicalthoughts #philosophicalart
🌑 When I created #TheFool for the #LemniscusTarot, I had not only wanted to honor the concept of new beginnings, my fool as the bare soul having left everything behind and embarking on the Underworld journey, but I wanted to embody the true power of The Fool as the one who stands up to fear. Too often, we trust the fear. But is a crow who is afraid of falling truly wise when he forgets he has the power to fly? Because The Fool knows that one does not need to finish a cycle or learn a lesson in order to interrupt a toxic pattern. The Fool’s wisdom comes from the ability to recognize that any time is a great time to make a healthier start. It’s my opinion that The Fool is, in fact, the most powerful card of all. . Thank you so much @xtmakesthings for helping to lovingly bring my work to literal life. I am beside myself! And thank you especially to @michellebussard for your love, support, and especially for allowing me to be part of such loving tributes to your daughter on the temple of your body. You are such a beautiful soul and I am forever moved. Thank you also for truly understanding me and the work I do in my constant pursuit of art and self-betterment.❤️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sketchykraft #tarottattoo #tarotartwork #tarotart #majorarcana #forearmtattoo #tattootribute #tributetattoo #foolcard #tarotcardoftheday #newmoonintentions #newmoonenergy #tarottribe #taroteverydamnday #tarotcardmeanings #tarotcardmeaning #indiedeck #indiedecks
🌖 Coming up fast and sooner in the year than usual - I’ll be returning this summer on 7/8-9 to @StocktonCon at the Stockton Arena - Table # AA-45 in the Artist Alley.🎀 . For the first time at this event, I’ll have some gold foil 2nd edition prints of #TheEmpress (from the #LemniscusTarot) as well as a few of my limited run of gold foil “Citrinitas,” celebrating the alchemical process of grieving, stabilizing, and clearing the way for new life and golden potential. . The people and comic fans of Stockton as well as the StocktonCon staff and security have been exceedingly good to me over the years. I look forward to this chance to return yet again and hope to see you there.❤️💙 ——— #stocktonca #stocktoncon #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sketchykraft #tarotartist #surrealistartist #fantasyillustrator #mythologyart #visualstorytelling
I was talking with a good friend today about the #Deathcard in Tarot and how it relates to grief. And considering grief and the 5 stages toward acceptance… Isn’t it ironic that we often think grieving is letting go (i.e. releasing), but in reality grief is about accepting (i.e. receiving)? . “XIII. Death” from the #LemniscusTarot by @sarahrenekraft ——— #sarahrenekraft #sketchykraft #5stagesofgrief #tarotcardoftheday #thanatos
“𝙄𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨.” – Welsh Proverb . A merry April Fools day to you all. Remember to be kind and not cruel. 🎭👑 ——— “0. THE FOOL” from the #LemniscusTarot by @sarahrenekraft ——— #sarahrenekraft #thefool #tarotartist #tarotdecks #aprilfoolsday
🌓 I’ve been hearing a lot lately about the #Pluto transit through #Aquarius. While I admit astrology is not in my wheelhouse, my great love of classical mythology and storytelling began with the stars. My father pointed at the heavens and told me the stories of the constellations. . Aquarius, the “Water-Bearer,” is most frequently associated with the story of #Ganymede, a beautiful prince kidnapped by lustful Zeus in the guise of an Eagle, whereupon he became the cupbearer to the Gods of Olympus, ambrosia flowing from his cup. As the drink of the Gods, ambrosia gave the gift of immortality and of divinity itself. Some writers of antiquity also wrote that Ganymede’s cup was the source of The Nile, ergo the source of all fertile life. Immortalized in the stars, the cup bearer is looked upon as a source of literal and spiritual nourishment, a beacon of life and hope everlasting. . In #TheStar card in #tarot, we see the gathering of heavenly waters poured into an earthly source by such a cup bearer for all to share. As such, The Star represents the archetype of hope and spiritual fortitude, following the divine destruction of The Tower. I chose #Nyx, as the mother of the hosts of chthonic gods, the gods of dreams, and many of the gods of the sky to represent both a source of life as well as the transference of hope from the spiritual realm into the creative wellspring. . When I feel lost in the dark, I try to ask myself, “What fills my cup?” ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sketchykraft #lemniscustarot #majorarcana #plutoinaquarius #tarotcard #tarotcardoftheday #tarotart #tarotartist #mythologyart #mythologyretelling #greekmythology #greekmyth #ageofaquarius #darkfantasyart #mythologymonday #waterbearer #cartomancy #cartomancycommunity #tarotdecks #oracledeck #mythic #prismacolorpencils
“In the forest of mankind, the twisted oak survives the woodcutter’s axe…” –Tom Waits, Happy Birthday ——— Come get a little twisted with me and take a crooked walk on down to @crookedlanebrewing for another darkly wonderful pop-up by the folks at @themenagerieodditiesmarket, Sunday April 23. . Someone needs to drink a schwarzbier for me, because it’s my favorite kind of beer, and they have it! Extra points if you describe it to me, since I can’t have it (no gluten/wheat for me). . With a big birthday coming up for me in May, this and World Goth Day at The Empress Theatre in Vallejo, CA will be your last chances to see me and grab some original art until later in June. Hope to see you there! ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #sketchykraft #lemniscustarot #themenageriealameda #themenagerieodditiesmarket #menagerieodditiesmarket #auburnca #auburncalifornia #oddities #darkart #darkartists #tarotart #tarotartist #artpopup #occultart #mythologyart #symbolicart #witchyart #darkromantic #redribbons #mysticart #mysticism #oracledeck #floriography #thehangedman #coloredpencilartist #prismacoloredpencils
Of all the moon phases, the new moon is my favorite. Any excuse to take the time to release old expectations and lean into new intentions. Tonight’s and next month’s consecutive new moons will move on a path through the constellation of #Aries. . Aries (Latin for “ram”) was the winged, golden-fleeced ram, Crius Chrysomallus, sent by the cloud-nymph, Nephele, to rescue her children, Phrixus and Helle, from being sacrificed to the gods. After carrying the children to safety, the ram gave the instructions to sacrifice him and lay his fleece in the grove of Ares, thus appeasing the gods. Chrysomallus was afterward placed in the stars with his golden fleece later sought by the Argonaut, Jason, on his infamous quest. . And while the Aries zodiac is often associated with stubbornness, pride, and ambition, the tale of Chrysmallus is one of great and literal sacrifice, humility, fulfillment of duty, and heroism. It takes these qualities to be a just leader. It is perhaps for these reasons #TheEmperor card is associated with Aries. It is also for these reasons I chose to reimagine Hades’ Helm of Darkness as a Ram skull in my depiction of this card for the #LemniscusTarot. . As we look at the next two new moons, might be a good night to ask oneself, “What am I willing to sacrifice in order to achieve my goals and protect what matters to me most?” ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #ariesmoon #newmoonintentions #newmoonritual #ariesseason #arieszodiac #constellations #greekmythology #greekmyth #hades #emperorcard #moonmagick #moonritual #coloredpencilart #skullart #ramskull #occultartist #tarotartist #oracledeck #witchyart #intentionsetting #mythologyart #mythologyretelling #goldenfleece
🌞 “. . . O vernal queen, whom grassy plains delight, sweet to the smell, and pleasing to the sight: whose holy form in budding fruits we view, earth's vigorous offspring of a various hue . . . Hear, blessed Goddess, send a rich increase of various fruits from earth.” —Orphic Hymn 29 to Persephone . Happy Spring Equinox and Blessed Ostara!💐👑 ——— “III. THE EMPRESS” from the #LemniscusTarot by @sarahrenekraft ——— #sarahrenekraft #srkraft #theempress #persephone #proserpina #proserpine #pomegranates #abundancemindset #springequinox #ostara #tarotart #tarotartist #tarotcardoftheday #mythologyart #greekmythology #greekmyth #greekgoddess #cartomancy #cartomancycommunity #occultart #darkfantasyart #shibariart #oracledeck #firstdayofspring #majorarcana
Come see me at @themenagerieodditiesmarket’s World Goth Day Celebration at The Empress Theatre in Vallejo, CA, Saturday 5/6. . I can’t get over the art and entertainment lineup, with so many artist, artisans, musicians, performers, and more. I almost wish I wasn’t showing my work so I could take it all in! Menagerie never disappoints.😍🖤 . The historic Empress Theatre was built in 1911 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is operated by the Vallejo Center for the Arts (VCA), a non-profit corporation, which reopened the Theatre in 1991. Nothing I love more than getting to show at a haunting venue with a history. ——— #sarahrenekraft #worldgothday #menagerieodditiesmarket #empresstheatre #odditiescollection #darkart #darkartist #tarotart #tarotartist #indiedeckcreator #lemniscustarot #darkfantasyart #darkfantasy #darkfantasyartist #redribbons #shibariart #oracledeck #occultart #witchyart #witchyvibe #witchystyle #bipolarartist #bayareaart #mythologyart #coloredpencildrawing #derwentinktense #prismacolorart #darkromantic #gothicromance
Firstly, thank you so much to everyone who stopped by my booth @emeraldcitycomiccon last weekend. Thank you for listening to my stories, helping me be comfortable being myself, and supporting what I do. It was so wonderful hearing your own stories, seeing familiar faces, greeting old friends, and making new acquaintances. So many reasons why #ECCC is one of my most favorite shows I look forward to each year! . I sold out of all of my copies of the @loaftarot decks and art books, even the extras I picked up from the @floralfrolicfox booth at the show. So happy you all like the deck! As for my own deck-in-progress, life has been an adventure. Work on The #LemniscusTarot is still slow going while I work to declutter my studio (following an emergency evacuation of our storage units during the storms), but expect a new card soon. . I think I’m gonna have to start calling y’all my little crows or magpies, because I sold out of my first limited run of gold foil prints of #TheEmpress. You definitely like the shinies! I like them too. Which card should I foil next? ——— #sarahrenekraft #redribbons #redandblue #coloredpencilart #coloredpencilartist #prismacolor #prismacolorpencils #tarotart #tarotartist #tarotcardmeanings #cartomancy #oracledeck #tarotdecks #indiedeck #indiedeckcreator #mythologyart #greekmythology #chthonic #foolsjourney #majorarcana #thefool #themagician #thehighpriestess #theemperor #thehangedman #deathcard #thestar
And for yet another night of decadence… It’s my privilege and pleasure to announce the #LemniscusTarot and myself will both be featured at this month’s #ArtMix Mardi Gras event, in @shannon_mccabe’s Voodoo Ballroom @crockerart Museum.🔮 . Bring your mask and celebrate Fat Tuesday on a Thursday evening, 2/9.🍷🎭 ——— #sarahrenekraft #crockerartmuseum #crockerart #crockersacramento #sacramentoartist #sacramentoart #tarotart #tarotartwork #indiedeckcreator #thefool #foolsjourney #artistspotlight #oracledeck #sacramento #occultart #darkfantasyart #majorarcana #traditionalarts #mardigras2023 #maskart #redribbons
🌗 XIII. DEATH for the #LemniscusTarot ——— Happy #Fridaythe13th, all. Since time immemorial, the number 13 has long held an association with death. And no, not because of Jason Voorhees. The Death of Balder tells the story of Odin and Frigg’s most cherished son, protected from death after his mother journeyed far and wide to bid each and every flora, fauna, and thing swear an oath to never harm her child. Content with Balder’s safety, a banquet of Gods was later held in Valhalla. With 12 guests in attendance, it was deemed 13 was too many and the mischievous Loki remained uninvited. Offended at his exclusion, Loki quietly crashed the party, watching as the gods took turns hurling items at a laughing Balder, who remained unscathed. Loki smiled, presenting an arrow to the blind Höd as he loosed it upon Balder. To the crowd’s shock, Balder crumpled and was dead, slain by mistletoe, the one thing that had not sworn an oath to never harm Balder. . In Western culture, we again observe this fear of the 13th guest in the Last Supper, when Jesus is betrayed to death by one of his twelve apostles. In Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty, when only 12 golden plates could be secured for the Fairy Court at the birth of the princess, it was the Red Fairy who was deemed to be excluded, causing her to curse the child princess so that she would die after pricking her finger on a spindle on her 16th birthday. . And in tarot, we see 13 represented again by indiscriminate death, symbolizing change and the spiritual transformation which follows the release of our earthly attachments and illusions. In the #LemniscusTarot, following Hypnos as The Hanged Man, gentle Thanatos, armed with the scythe that felled Time himself (a nod to Scorpio’s stinger, associated with the card), leads the souls on a journey toward enlightenment and rebirth. . Be careful out there today and pet a black cat if you see one. Be inclusive. And remember, change is inevitable. We must make the most out of the time we have. Good luck.❤️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #tarotart #deathofbalder #sleepingbeauty #lastsupper #the13thguest
✂️ 0. THE FOOL The #LemniscusTarot ——— As the card representing both endings and beginnings, #TheFool always reminds me that interruptions can come at any time and don’t necessarily wait for events like #NewYears. Embodying the power to bail on toxic situations, my Fool asks the question, “Who is more foolish? The tightrope walker who moves to better her reality, or the crowing crow who is afraid of falling, despite having wings?” I often think that rather than trust what benefits us most, too often we trust our foolish fears. . While The Fool looks forward towards the opening horizons, the crow in me looks back at the last 4 and a half years since starting this project. As I catalogued my mental timeline of completed cards vs delays, I realized that I’ve been measuring time by all of the bad things that have happened to me, rather than remembering all of the joys, compliments, successes, and wins. So instead of a resolution, I’m instead just going to write down and keep track of the “good shit.” After all, any time is a good time to start a healthy habit.♥️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #tarotcardreadings #healthyhabits #gratitudejournaling #goodshit #newyearoldme
🌞 Happy Winter Solstice, all. . Today marks the celebration of the death of the various sun gods of many cultures as the sun passes into shadow, to be reborn 3 days later. Likewise, #TheHangedMan in tarot is also referred to as “The Dying God,” representing a period of stillness where the mind is plunged into the shadow of the subconscious. . When I think of The Hanged Man, I often think of Odin, who climbed the boughs of Yggsdrasil, The World Tree, and hung himself from its branches by one foot, piercing his chest with his own spear and remaining there for 3 days like a ripening piece of fruit. Or Inanna, whose flesh was stripped from her bones by her sister Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death, and hung from a spear until rescued by Enki and two non-binary beings after the passage of 3 days. Or young Dionysus, sometimes referred to as Zagreus, who was killed as an infant before being sewn into his father’s thigh, later to be reborn. The name Dionysus means “twice born”—an allegory of the rising and withering crops with the turning of the seasons. . Like these myths, these periods of stillness and darkness are often wrought with dangers. It’s said that the 3 days following the Winter Solstice are when the veil is actually thinnest as more dark spirits feel free to roam in the absence of the sun than on even Samhain. It’s important to guard ourselves and to seek the light in shadow as we surrender to the stillness of winter. . I hope you all have a safe and gentle holiday. Stay warm.💙❤️ ——— #sarahrenekraft #lemniscustarot #hangedman #mythologyart
With the last of the holiday orders having gone out, the shop is officially closed for Yule until January 2nd. In the meantime, I’ll be doing some inventory work for the coming year. (And it’s really too bad I don’t have any elves to help me!) . I’m also in the process of matting and reframing many of my originals for purchase at select events in 2023. . Since you all seemed to like them so much, I’ll also likely be restocking the pin packs as well as new stickers and enamel goodies. . Newsletter sign ups, featuring advance notifications on original art drops, print premiers, exclusive tarot readings, and my Patreon launch will be coming in the new year. . But most importantly, and the most crucial work of all, I’ll be bringing joy back into my home and life, one small happiness at a time, as I continue to work my way through burnout and back into making good art. I’m happy to say, thanks to all the love and support from new and old friends, the ideas are flowing and the pencil is already moving again. Looking forward to seeing the pieces writhing around in the valleys of my brainscape finally make their way to the surface.✂️💛🗝️ ——— #sarahrenekraft #yuletideblessings #tarotartist #coloredpencilartwork #darkfantasyartist
Today 12/16 is the last day to get your orders in before the shop closes for Solstice break at midnight.🌞 . Thank you to everyone for your love and continued support on this never-ending journey of self-expression and discovery. Y’all are the best.❤️💙 ——— #sarahrenekraft #solsticebreak #merryyule
“Gold it should be. Gold as the sun…” ——— Making some adjustments to the files for some gold foil prints of #TheEmpress from the #LemniscusTarot. And I can’t help but think of little Sapsorrow from Jim Henson’s The Storyteller making her request for her golden dress. Of all the princesses on the show, she was a favorite, who despite being covered in filth and fur and feathers was so wise and funny in her schemes and quips. That show was so brilliant and had such a lasting effect on me and my art. ——— #sarahrenekraft #ilivewherehenschasemiceandcatslayeggs
VI. The Lovers ——— Based in part on “Self-Lovin’” from my Lemniscus: The Ribbon Book series. #TheLovers card in #tarot is about soul alignment. Does your outer reality fulfill your inner needs? Each time The Lovers comes up for me, it urges me to ask myself if I am embodying my values in my words and actions so that I can flow into what is authentically aligned. . While I love this drawing, something about it doesn’t feel quite right and I’ve been sitting on the unfinished card for months. Time to scrap it and start fresh.✂️ ——— #sarahrenekraft #lemniscustarot #loverscard #selflove
Thank you @themenageriealameda and @winchestermysteryhouse for allowing me to show my art at such a magical and haunting space among so many amazing and jaw-dropping artists, artisans, and vendors. Scratch THAT off my bucket list! 😱🖤🎁 . Thank you also to all who wandered over to my table to visit with me, share stories, and talk trauma and tarot. It’s always nice knowing my work is in the hands of the people who really get me. For that, I feel extremely privileged and grateful. And I very much appreciate the support! . I was so busy, I hardly got the chance to wander or take any photos (so sad), but I did make it out with a few treasures. ——— “One More Sleep Til Christmas” prints are officially sold out. . As for the #LemniscusTarot, the deck is still in the works and gold-foil prints will hopefully be on the horizon, perhaps to premier at a future Menagerie event. . While I won’t be there this time, if you missed the holiday event at The Winchester, you can catch @themenageriealameda with another darkly wondrous lineup @shadyoakbeer in Santa Rosa, 12/11 12-5pm. ——— #sarahrenekraft #menagerieodditiesandcuriositiesmarket #menagerieodditiesholidaymarket #winchestermysteryhouse #holidaymarket #holidaypopup #tarotart #tarotcards #tarotartist #tarotdeck #alchemicalart #mythologyart #darkfairytaleart #coloredpencilart #darkart #oddities #curiosities
🎶“Silver and gold… Silver and gold… Everyone wishes for silver and gold”🎶 — Finished setting up my files for some special limited edition gold foil prints of “The Empress” from The #LemniscusTarot. Really hoping to get these done in time to premier at THE MENAGERIE ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES HOLIDAY MARKET (by @themenageriealameda) at the @winchestermysteryhouse on 12/3-12/4.💀🎄🍂🍁🖤 - Also working on a surprise holiday exclusive. If I don’t have prints, I’ll at least have the exclusive original. Stay tuned! ——— #menagerieodditiesmarket #winchestermysteryhouse #holidaymarket #holidaypopup #exclusiveprints #theempress #persephone #tarotart #tarotartist #tarotdeck #deckinprogress #deckthehalls #odditiesandcuriosities #goldfoil #occultart #darkfantasyart #coloredpencilart #redandblue #prismacolorpencils #majorarcana #mythologyart #greekmyth #sanjoseca
Hey, all! Been a while since being down for the count with a really bad flare. (That chronic illness life tho.) Poking my head up to tell you that both I and my partner @jeremyrathbone will be at THE MAGERIE - ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES MARKET (by @themenageriealameda) in Nevada City tomorrow, 11/5. Connstance, as always, has curated a spectacular show, including live performances, tarot, bugs, bones, taxidermy, unique fine jewelry, home decor, and—of course—plenty of dark and occult art. I’ll have my tarot prints and a couple originals, so come warm up your bones and say hi.🖤💀 👉Tickets available via Eventbrite or thru themenagerieodditiesmarket.com. ——— #themenageriealameda #themenagerieodditiesmarket #nevadacity #oddities #curiosities #darkart #darkartwork #darkfairytale #darkfantasyart #darkfantasy #skullart #deathtarot #tarotart #tarotcard #tarotartist #indiedeckcreator #tarotdecks #lemniscustarot #sarakrenekraft #jeremyrathbone #fineart
Packaging up orders from my online shop.✂️ ——— Here’s a strange coincidence… This year at @emeraldcitycomiccon 2022 in Seattle, I found a silk daffodil tucked under my print of Persephone as The Empress card. This is reminiscent of @animeexpo 2015 in Los Angeles, when I found a silk daffodil on a very old, early print of Hades. In traditional myth, while Persephone picked flowers with Artemis, she was lured by Hades to The Underworld with a daffodil. Is someone trying to send me a message??? ——— It’s because of this myth that I placed a daffodil in the hand of Hades as #TheEmperor for the #LemniscusTarot. Rather than a globe representing dominion and a scepter resembling an ankh as the symbol of life, I chose for Hades to be holding his bi-pronged staff and the daffodil. Just as Persephone as The Empress holds the pomegranate as a symbol of the connection to her King, Hades holds this symbol of Spring as the symbol of the connection to his Queen. ——— Funny enough, I’ve kept both silk daffodils. I wonder if I’ll someday see more, appearing just as mysteriously while I’m away from my booth as they did previously… ——— #sarahrenekraft #hades #emperor #aries #daffodilmystery #tarotcard #tarotcardoftheday #tarotart #tarotcardart #tarotcardreading #tarotartist #cartomancy #cartomancycommunity #narcissus #narcissusflower #greekmythology #mythologyart #greekmyth #hadesandpersephone #coloredpencilart #prismacolor #occultart #witchyart #darkfantasyart #fantasyillustrator #messagefromtheunderworld
Ooh gosh. Thank you so, so much to all who visited, chatted with me, listened to my stories, and supported me @emeraldcitycomiccon this past weekend. Never in my life have I imagined such an outpouring of love, encouragement, and patronage for my creative works. In a time of collective trauma and burn out, your words and support have been exactly what I needed. Also amusing is the discovery of a silk daffodil left at my booth, tucked carefully beneath the print of my Empress card depicting Infernal Queen Persephone. In traditional myth, it was the daffodil that was used by Hades to lure Persephone to The Underworld. It seems even the Gods are asking me to keep up my stride and continue to go deeper. As for the #LemniscusTarot, the deck is in progress. Once I get through convention season, my plan is to focus solely on cultivating a production schedule for the cards. If you’d like to follow and support the creation of this mytho-psychological deck, please follow and keep an eye out for my future Patreon launch where I will be sharing my process, my notes, mythic symbols and retellings, mental wellness lessons, and the calls to action I have selected for each card. I am looking very forward to sharing my research, my personal stories, and watching this labor of love grow as I continue to share it with the art and tarot communities. And as always, please know that your kind words really do mean the world.❤️💙 ——— #thankyou #eccc #emeraldcitycomiccon #emeraldcitycomiccon2022 #sarahrenekraft #tarotart #tarotartist #tarotdeck #indiedeckcreator #tarotdeckcreator #mythologyart #greekmythology #hades #persephone #artistalley #bipolarartist #bipolarart #mentalhealthblogger #mentalhealthart #mentalhealthartist #archetypal #witchyart #darkart #fairytaleart #prismacolor #derwentinktense #theempress
My new business cards arrived today and they look so great! So smooth and crisp. Just as The Empress heralds seasons of abundance, may these cards also guide me to opportunity and prosperity.❤️ ——— #sarahrenekraft #lemniscustarot #theempress #tarotartist #indiedeck #indiedeckcreator #tarotart #tarotcard #tarotcardoftheday #cartomancy #cartomancycommunity #persephone #fantasyillustration #darkfantasy #darkfantasyart #darkfairytale #occultart #witchyart #coloredpencilart #greekmythologyart #mythologyart #shadowwork #tarotdeck #tarotcommunity #tarotreadersofinstagram #tarotoftheday
“Lemniscus: The Ribbon Tarot is a hand-illustrated venture down into the shadow, featuring chthonic figures from The Underworld in Greek Mythology paired with mental wellness lessons on awareness, self-love, and attachment. This deck-in-progress is a true labor of love that combines my passions for mythic storytelling with personal symbolism and archetypal medicine.” ——— Like the Fool’s journey in Tarot, life is full of triumph’s and reversals, slowdowns and breakthroughs. And oof, this deck has been no exception. With each card created during the most challenging times of my life, progress has been slow progress. And with the mounting heaviness of these recent years, I finally hit burn out. I try to remind myself that personal projects such as these have no real timeline, but still… I imagined I’d be further along. Yet I look at all I’ve worked through and survived, all that we are facing and living through as a collective, and I know that all I can do is take things one day at a time, one card as it comes. Even in stillness and resistance, this deck continues to teach me. My hope is to one day share these lessons with all of you. Here’s to pushing through. ——— #LemniscusTarot
Happy #GeminiSeason, fellow gems. Here’s a sweet lil preview of #TheLovers card for the #LemniscusTarot, based on my piece “Self-Lovin’.” It features Psyche, wife of Eros, in both her mortal and immortal aspects—A nod to the tale of The Dioscuri as the immortal brother carried his mortal brother to their shared place in the heavens. Similarly, The Lovers is about soul-alignment and the internal conversation playing as one works to align their outer life to their inner values.❤️💙 ——— #GeminiGang #geminisun #geminirising #loverstarot #tarotcard #artwip #coloredpencilart #redandblue #ribbonart #sapphicart #erosandpsyche #dioscuri #mythologyart #symbolicart #indietarot #indietarotdeck #bipolarart #bipolarartist #divineself #shadowwork #thefoolsjourney #majorarcana #cartomancy #cartomancycommunity #witchyart #darkfantasyart
I had started sketching this concept that I am currently calling “The Weight of my Ambition” as an entry into my #LemniscusPanacea series. But looking at it now, I think I may save the concept for the 10 of Arrows in my #LemniscusTarot deck. After all, the arrows (representing the Suit of Wands) is about honing skills, pursuing ideas, and manifesting creative ambitions. The wands—used as magical tools, walking sticks, or defending staves—serve as the very kindling for our sparks of inspiration. ——— #sarahrenekraft #tarotartist #tarotdeck #10ofwands #suitofwands #indiedeck #indiedeckcreator #burnoutrecovery #overwhelm #arttherapylife #wipart #witchyart #witchyvibes #witchystyle #flowermoon #fullmooninscorpio #fullmooneclipse #mythologyart #symbolistart #symbolist #roughsketching
I am having so much fun on this rough sketch of #TheLovers card on vellum (for the #LemniscusTarot), it’s going to be an absolute pain transferring it to the final surface. Definitely went overboard on the detail. In any case, I’m really feeling those Lovers themes coming in strong lately as I find myself confronted by both my idealized self and shadow self. I’m reminded of the story of the Dioscuri—how Polydeuces shared his immortality with his mortal brother, Castor, carrying his soul with him to heaven where they became the #constellation of #Gemini. Or how the mortal princess Psyche became the immortal Goddess of the mortal soul. Our truths are found somewhere in the shades and multitudes between the extremes, in the alignment between outer and inner, the above and the below. ——— #loverscard #tarotcardoftheday #tarotcardreading #tarotcardart #tarotart #tarotcommunity #tarotartist #tarotdecks #artwip #coloredpencilart #coloredpencildrawing #redandblue #witchyart #witchystyle #mythologyart #greekmyth #greekmythology #archetypes #archetypal #thefoolsjourney #psyche #dioscuri #thetwins #geminisun #roughsketches #roughsketching
It’s been thrilling reopening the online shop as I work toward relaunching my new website (sarahrenekraft.com coming very soon)! Truthfully, these tertiary projects have been so creatively sustaining while dealing with an artistic block. With everything happening in the world and in my life, I’ve had a hard time picking up the pencil. I know so many other creatives who are experiencing the same. I’m doing the hard work I need to do on the back end (what I like to call the “invisible work”) in order to take care of my depression, rebuild routines, and redefine my commitments to myself. Thank you for being here.❤️💙 —Sarah
Been a bit quiet lately. Truthfully, the demands on my person in the past few months have greatly outweighed the demands of my body for rest. And I am feeling it! As I surrender to my present needs, I realize how important it is to maintain those boundaries with the self. That just because I feel OK and not terrible does not mean I should push myself further. I think too often in our busy, hustle culture we operate under the assumed dichotomy of “work vs stillness,” rather than embracing stillness as part of the workflow. We want to maintain “productivity,” not realizing that even bread needs to proof in order to rise. The stillness is part of the process, not outside of it. In the meantime, aside from sleeping, I’ve used my spare, quiet hours to build a new website. SARAHRENEKRAFT.COM should be launching by next week.✨ ——— #sarahrenekraft #lemniscustarot #thehangedman #tarotartist #symbolicart
Throwback to June 1, 2018—When after a strange birthday spent with dear friends as I lived temporarily in my neighbor’s loft bedroom following a house fire, I finally took a leap of faith and dove into this sketch that would soon become #TheFool for the #LemniscusTarot. For me, it was a new beginning. I had decided then to practice loving again with my broken heart, starting with my dear ones and myself. Up until that point, I believed myself to be a victim of circumstance. I thought I had to choose my path and select between the pursuit of art and the pursuit of psychology. “Do both,” said a man I met in a bookstore the day before, on my birthday—a man who shared my very same birthday and who also celebrated his birthdays by going used bookstore hopping. He told me about his life and career in both art and the mental health field. He struggled in the twists and turns of his life, but he urged me to be happy, to take a chance. The Fool is about chances. It’s the first shaky steps before the plunge, often unaware of the fall to come. It’s the turning of the head away from the devil you know, looking up toward broader horizons. I don’t know why I’m thinking of it now. Perhaps I feel stuck. Lately it’s felt like my life has been caught in a strange holding pattern as I care for the animals and people that are dear to me, as well as caring for myself. I’m feeling my age, but I guess I wanted to remind myself that any time is a good time to start a new routine or pattern. ——— #sarahrenekraft #tarotartist #tarotcardoftheday #tarotart #tarotcardart #oraclecard #maskart #artwip #coloredpencilsketch #coloredpencilart #coloredpencildrawing #artthrowback #tarotreader #tarotcardreading #tarotcommunity #cartomancy #cartomancycommunity #indiedeck #indiedeckcreator #tarotdecksofinstagram #mythologyart #thefoolsjourney #personalart #arttherapyheals
Thank you all for your orders so far! And for helping to make the soft-opening of my online shop a success (sketchykraft.etsy.com or go to the link in my bio). It was really scary coming back to the store after so long away and after having fallen previously so woefully behind during the big shifts and health issues of 2020-2021. It’s so good to be back in both healthier body and mind. These will be going out in the mail later today.❤️💙 ——— ✨As a reminder, if you are local to Sacramento, you may also grab my prints in person with no shipping at @asibmuseumstore at @a_spaceinbetween. I also have a piece that will be featured there soon! Reception this Saturday 2/12—“LIPS: Beneath The Mask.” ——— #sarahrenekraft #fantasyillustration #sacramentoartist #tarotartist #tarotart #tarotdecksofinstagram #indiedeckcreator #indiedeck #shopupdate #etsyartist #surrealistartist #conventionartist #fineartprints #supportartists #supportlocalart #bipolarartist #redribbons #ribbonart #lemniscustarot #lemniscuspanacea #symbolistart #indieartistlife #femaleartistsofinstagram #artbusiness
Signing prints in either gold or ribbon-red metallic ink.🎀 Reopening the online shop is a lot of work up front, making sure that my practices and procedures are as sustainable as they are doable. I am also working hard to cultivate a library of symbols, stories, and the personal meanings behind each print and piece. So much of myself goes into everything I create that I could easily call each piece a self portrait, woven from the strands of each symbol and mythological figure into my very own visual vocabulary. I am very excited to be building a better relationship to my work as well as to selling it. Stay tuned for further announcements on the shop launch! ——— Edit: In the meantime, if you are local to the Sacramento area, you can find my signed prints @asibmuseumstore at @a_spaceinbetween at a great price (and no shipping)! Plus a bonus: you can check out all of the incredible art in the gallery while you’re there.❤️ ——— #LemniscusTarot #LemniscusBook #LemniscusPANACEA #tarotartist #sarahrenekraft
Not gonna lie, things have been tough lately. Anxieties have been running high in general, and I know so many of you are feeling it too. It’s times like this I know I need to take a moment to take inventory of my coping strategies and resources. Then, I do my best to take positive action. I focus on my desired outcome and count the steps I can take towards realizing that outcome. Things might not get better, but I know things will feel DIFFERENT. ——— I. The Magician: Taking action. Power. Communication. Gathering resources. Honing skills. Developing talents. 🜁 (aer) | ☿ (Mercury) | Hg (Quicksilver) The Magician asks that you take inventory of your resources and talents in order to manifest a new reality. Call a professional. Identify your healthy support systems. Keep track of your coping mechanisms. Cultivate a routine. Dive into a creative project. The mercurial maiden leaps into the blank space of creation, wielding The Caduceus—symbol of healing carried by Hermes, God of Trades and Occupations. The power to be a collaborator in your own recovery is in your hands. ——— #LemniscusTarot #sarahrenekraft #themagician #greekmythology #hermes
I don’t know why, but lately I keep thinking about Spring. ——— III. The Empress: Abundance. Growth. Creativity. Beauty. Receiving. Nurturing. Productivity. Attracting wealth. 🜃 (terra) | ♀(Venus) | Cu (Copper) “The Empress signals for you to be receptive to the good things coming in as a result of your hard work to emerge from the shadow. Practice gratitude. Learn from your trauma. Be accountable for your toxicity. Know that you have every right to thrive and grow. Sitting atop her golden throne, Spring Princess Persephone meets the viewer’s gaze, now as The Infernal Queen. “Here I am,” she says, her black crown a symbol of dark places from whence she came. Remember that you have survived the longest winter. Open your arms and embrace your hard-earned gifts. You are worthy.” ——— #LemniscusTarot #sarahrenekraft #tarotdeckinprogress #theempress #persephone
Progress on #TheHermit for the #LemniscusTarot.🌹 ——— #sarahrenekraft #hermit #orpheus #hermitcard #artwip #roughsketch #redribbons #ribbonart #redandblue #tarotart #tarotartist #tarotcard #tarotcardart #indiedeck #indiedeckcreator #tarotillustration #mythologyart #greekmythology #shadowwork #foolsjourney #archetypal #witchyart #witchystyle #arttherapylife #coloredpencilart #coloredpencilsketch
In other news… My partner just got back from picking up my new prints + prints restock! Now that I’m in a much better place mentally, emotionally, & health wise (than I was in 2020 thru the first half of 2021), it looks like it may be time to look into reopening the online shop. Stay tuned! ———
Due to concerns re the recent Covid-19 surge due to the Omicron variant—as well as precautions taken by my employers, coworkers, & medical care team—I have made the tough decision to CANCEL my appearance at #WinterStocktonCon on Sunday, 1/16. I want to thank the @stocktoncon team and the wonderful security team (who are all gems btw) for the efforts I know they are making to provide a safe and happy event. Both the director of the show and all staff involved have been exceedingly good to me over the years and I cannot wait to return and show them my support. My decision was made in solidarity with fellow patients at my infusion center as well as with my boss and coworkers who are doing what they can to limit their exposure during this time. Thank you for understanding! ——— #sarahrenekraft #stocktoncon #artistalley #tarotartist #darkfantasyart #mythologyart #symbolicart
Happy 2022. May the light of Love shine in your darkest places. #lemniscustarot #sarahrenekraft
I was cleaning my house a bit yesterday (a little bit at a time) and stumbled across these old sketches from early 2015. I remember back then not knowing where my art was going or the complete flip my life would be taking. I still had so much to figure out the hard way, each anxious pencil stroke made in apprehension and uncertainty. I’ll need to trim these down and frame them, I think. It’s nice to look back. ———
0. The Fool for the #LemniscusTarot, a mythological journey through the archetypes of The Underworld, paired with mental wellness calls to action—including a snippet from my personal notes I’ve compiled in my years of studying tarot and tarot symbolism. ——— Another year ending and another beginning. While, factually, I know New Years Day is a day like any other in this conscious time stream, I think there’s something to be said about embracing auspicious dates as opportunities for realignment and intention setting. Just as The Fool can appear at anytime, anytime is a good time to jump into a different mindset. If the new year helps you be a healthier, gentler you, then by God, do your thing. We need all the hope and gumption we can grasp in this increasingly fatalist society. The card asks, “Who is the fool? The tightrope walker who moves to better her situation or the crowing crow who is afraid of falling, despite having wings?” Whatever is coming in 2022, I for one intend on continuing to fly. ——— #sarahrenekraft #tarotartist #indiedeckcreator #mythologyart #crowart #intentionsetting #thesoul
I spent a large portion of 2020 and 2021 working hard to repair my relationship with social media and with my art. Now that my work is so personal, stepping into a place of authenticity is a double-edged sword. On one hand, there is nothing greater to me than being able to be myself in my art. On the other hand, being oneself means accepting not everyone will like you. And in terms of personal art, not being someone’s flavor can feel like a personal rejection. It took time, a professional support system (@youthcoachjenn is the freaking best), walking out of my comfort zone, and a little good ol’ “fake it til you make it” style leaning into discomfort until it gets comfortable, but I’m happy to now measure the value of my work on just how much I want it to exist. So in lieu of posting my #BestNine as determined by apps, I’m posting my #favoriteNine. While 2021 was yet another challenging year, I finished 4 more tarot cards for the #LemniscusTarot and decided to embark on a new art series with #LemniscusPANACEA—my experience in recovering mental wellness while living with chronic illness during a global pandemic. I don’t know what the following year will hold, but I’m looking very forward to whatever inspiration strikes in 2022.💛 ——— #sarahrenekraft #redribbons #bestnine2021 #tarotartist #symbolistart
II. The High Priestess for the #LemniscusTarot, a mythological journey through the archetypes of The Underworld, paired with mental wellness calls to action. ——— Based in part on Hekate, Goddess of moonlight and witchcraft who led Persephone from the darkness by way of her celestial light, The High Priestess is about listening to our intuition. At times like the holidays, I think it’s especially important to stay tapped in to our inner guides. Do what you can to create those moments of quiet where you can be alone with your thoughts. It’s not selfish to give yourself the gift of stepping back and honoring your needs. Recognize that not all traditions are sustainable and that it’s OK to give into that voice telling you how you really would like to celebrate the season. As an introverted child who learned to mask and perform extroversion, I’ve learned to embrace the truth about myself that I need quiet time to myself for recovery and reflection. I thought it was selfish of me to dream of drinking cocoa on Christmas morning in a quiet corner with a copy of “The Christmas Carol” for company, but I’ve learned how to hear my needs while inviting my loved ones to participate. I’ve realized that while for some, holidays are spent in social revelry, for others it’s the only time they have to recover and recharge. The High Priestess asks us to look inward and embrace our highest truths, even when they don’t look like the plan. So that’s what I intend to do. ——— (Edit: The #LemniscusTarot is a labor of love currently in progress. For the most up to date news on the progress of the deck, follow me—@sarahrenekraft.) ———
Progress so far on the #LemniscusTarot, a hand-illustrated venture down into the shadow, featuring chthonic figures from Greek Mythology paired with mental wellness lessons on awareness, self-love, and attachment. This deck-in-progress is a true labor love that combines my passions for mythic storytelling with symbolism and archetypal medicine. While work on the deck has been slow, each card has supported and guided me through the many challenges of the past few years. I can’t wait to continue to share my vision of this hefty project as the work continues. ——— Q. “Will you be making a complete deck?” A. YES! All 78 cards. Q. “Will you be selling the deck once you are finished?” A. Absolutely. Once completed, the #LemniscusTarot will be available for preorder before being available for purchase via my online store (under construction) and wherever you see me at conventions. Q. “Will you be doing a Kickstarter?” A. Once the deck is completed, I will be looking to crowd-funding sources to cover the printing costs. Q. “Is there a Patreon or something I can support you on for now?” A. Patreon page is coming soon! Q. “When will the deck be done?” A. Pencil is a slow medium, even the double-ended kind. Please be patient with me! I promise it will be worth the wait. ——— #sarahrenekraft #redribbons #redandblue #prismacolor #tarotdeck #newtarotdeck #indietarotdeck #indiedeck #tarotartist #tarotart #majorarcana #greekmythology #mythologyart #symbolist #symbolistart #theunderworld #underworldjourney #shadowwork #spiritualalchemy #thefoolsjourney #fantasyillustration #fantasyillustrator #bipolarartist #selflovejourney #arttherapy #coloredpencilart #coloredpencildrawing #femaleartistsofinstagram
Is it seriously time again for another #artvsartist? I have to say, with each one of these I do I seem to get closer to my work being an actual portrait of my soul and something I am proud of, especially with the direction of the #LemniscusTarot and my new #LemniscusPANACEA art series. With themes of mental wellness expressed through mythic archetypes contrasting themes of chronic illness expressed through personal symbolism, every painting a meditation. I’m looking forward to where it all goes from here. ——— #artvsartist2021 #sarahrenekraft #redribbons #ribbonart #surrealistart #surrealistartist #fantasyillustration #fantasyillustrator #femaleartistsofinstagram #symbolicart #emotionalart #bipolarartist #mythologyart #greekmythology #shadowwork #tarotartist #tarotart #indiedeck #newtarotdeck #archetypal #traumapsychology #redandblue