Tarot Art Magic: Celebrating Pamela Colman Smith’s Enchanting Legacy

A special art exhibition is taking place in Cornwall to honor the life and work of Pamela Colman Smith, a well-known tarot card artist. Pamela Colman Smith spent many years living in Bude and the Lizard Peninsula before she died in 1951. She is most famous for creating the illustrations for the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, which is one of the most popular tarot decks in the world. Even though many people may not recognize her name, her artwork is familiar to those who use tarot cards. This weekend, the Helston Old Chapel is hosting a free exhibition called 'Resonances of Being. ' The event features artwork from seven artists who have been influenced by Pamela Colman Smith's legacy and archives. One of the artists, Sarah-Joy Ford, explained that Pamela was a talented illustrator who also wrote and illustrated many books, including stories about Jamaican folklore. Sarah-Joy Ford herself is known for her unique style, with dark pink hair, pink-rimmed glasses, and a love for pink clothing. Her artwork in the exhibition includes a painting of what appears to be a same-sex wedding in the countryside, reflecting themes of love and diversity. Pamela Colman Smith was born in London in 1878 and traveled widely, spending time in North America and Jamaica before settling in Helston, Cornwall. She lived there for about thirty years, and after her death in 1951, she was buried in an unmarked grave in Bude. Dr Ford noted that Pamela's time in Cornwall marked a significant change in her life. She moved away from her public career in publishing and the occult, eventually converting to Catholicism. The exhibition at Helston Old Chapel showcases contemporary art and live performances, running from 10:00 to 16:00 BST on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can expect to see a variety of artworks, such as a ceramic sculpture made of quill-like shapes with black and white bands, displayed on tables with star patterns. There is also a large wooden fox sculpture in a wooded area, adding to the creative atmosphere of the event. The building itself is impressive, with granite walls, terracotta inlays, and striking blue double doors. The exhibition is not only a tribute to Pamela Colman Smith but also a celebration of how her art continues to inspire new generations of artists. The event is open to everyone and provides a unique opportunity to learn more about Pamela Colman Smith's life and influence. BBC Cornwall encourages people to share their own story ideas, making the exhibition a community event. Through this celebration, visitors can appreciate the lasting impact of Pamela Colman Smith's work and see how her creativity lives on in the art of others.