Local artist Misty Monster has been working on creating a deck of tarot cards for a gaming company and the cards are also available to purchase for $2,995 to $3,000 each.
Misty Monster with her tarot deck, “The Morbidly Adorable Tarot.”
Kate Noden
“The Death Card” from Misty Monster’s “The Morbidly Adorable Tarot.”
Courtesy Misty Monster
Misty Monster’s “Queen of Pentacles.”
Courtesy Misty Monster
Local artist Misty Monster has been working on creating a deck of tarot cards for a gaming company and the cards are also available to purchase for $2,995 to $3,000 each.
Fifteen years ago the self-titled “Morbidly Adorable Misty Monster,” tossed out a casual remark at an art show in Colorado. The show featured artists interested in wooing gaming industry execs in featuring their art in upcoming projects. Monster’s offhand remark would turn into an opportunity for a full-time art project that is only now nearing completion.
At that fateful art show, Monster met a U.S. Games System representative who would change her life. The company is a publisher of playing cards, tarot decks, and games, and the rep was impressed by her surrealist style of painting.
Monster was equally impressed with art she had seen associated with the gaming company. “Oh I love this art, it’s so amazing. I hope one day I get there.”
Monster did not have to hope for long because soon after she left the display, the gaming rep began talking to her about creating her own tarot deck — and she jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.
The Morbidly Adorable TarotMonster immediately got to work on her new, invigorating project — a hand painted deck of 78 tarot cards.
She calls it “The Morbidly Adorable Tarot,” and describes it as pop culture art, big eye fantasy art and surrealism, with vibrant cards ranging from skulls and skeletons to honeybees and koalas dressed as kings and queens and even different fantasy creatures.
“I’m on the border of beauty and tragedy,” said Monster when describing the cards.
One card takes two weeks to complete and 76 of 78 are finished, and two have already been sold. The cards are priced at $2,995 to $3,000.
Monster said her inspiration for this deck comes from her love of Halloween, and Día de los Muertos. “I tend to see a lot of beauty in things that are supposed to be sad.” Her artwork reflects those feelings. For instance, Monster incorporates skulls and features arrows, which she swapped out for the traditional swords often used throughout the deck.
“You deserve a little art that speaks to your dark little heart,” said Monster in a blurb she posted on her website.
It’s not mystic art, it’s just art
While creating the project, Monster took the time to sit and meet with tarot card readers, along with attending some readings to understand what she was creating and to learn more about what they are used for.
“I don’t see them as a future forecast,” said Monster. “I think it’s telling you things about yourself that maybe you are already aware of, but through art it’s highlighting something deeper.
“It can help persuade you in ways to pay attention a little closer, and that’s what I love … .”
Monster is currently trying to find a home for an “immersive exhibit” of “The Morbidly Adorable Tarot” at a local gallery. Monster envisions other artists to be inspired by her art and possibly create their own in sculpture or other media, bringing it to life in an interactive display.
One of Monster’s tarot cards, “Queen of Arrows,” was recently published in Boise Weekly. She was the March 7, 2024 featured artist.
You can check out her art at morbidlyadorable.com, or at @morbidlyadorable on Instagram and Facebook.
