Interview with the Creator of the Seeds of Shakti Oracle Deck
Nicole Piar
Oracle and tarot decks possess the unique ability to interface with our psyches in surprising and playful ways. Sudden and enlightening shifts in perspective? YES. Enchanting artwork and symbols? OFTEN. A beautiful, sacred object for inner exploration? DEFINITELY.
After making my Spirit Cats Oracle Deck, I was introduced to a magical league of other indie deck creators – amazing artists and writers with a penchant for magic.
I am so thrilled to interview Sharron of The School of Gypsy Arts to celebrate the 2nd edition of her Seeds of Shakti Oracle Deck. Available for pre-order at a 25% with extra goodies through Nov. 11.
Me: I am so excited that you will be opening pre-orders again on Oct. 31st for your Seeds of Shakti Oracle deck. I would love to hear about your creative process in making this deck. What inspired you and how did it evolve over time?
S: The creative process was extremely intuitive. I was initially planning on creating a chakra affirmation deck when I sat down on my table on the evening December 25th, 2015.
I can remember the Full Moon shining brightly on the snow outside and I knew I couldn't stop, so I continued painting and all of a sudden my chakra affirmation deck took on a life of its own evolved into an oracle.
The inspiration for the Seeds of Shakti Oracle came from my Indian heritage. I was born in India and adopted at the age of 4. I had longed for a connection to India's rich culture and spirituality, and I feel that creating this deck was a healing journey for me.
Me: As you may know, I am fascinated by the overlap of magic and creativity. How do your intuition and spirituality intersect with your art-making?
S: I recently picked up Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and in the book she describes the process of creativity and magic perfectly:
"Ideas are a disembodied, energetic life form. Ideas have no material body, but they do have consciousness, and they most certainly have a will. Ideas are driven by a single impulse: to be made manifest. And the only way an idea can be made manifest in our world is through collaboration with a human partner."
When I sat down at my table on December 25th to paint a chakra affirmation deck, I believe that the idea approached me. I didn't resist. As a result, the Seeds of Shakti manifested into the world.
In the beginning, I allowed my intuition to guide me to the next oracle card that I needed to paint but as I drew closer to the end, I felt I needed to connect with the collective consciousness and started involving my tribe on Instagram in the process more and more . . . albeit still staying connected to my intuition.
ME: Your deck features such vibrant and lush colors almost like jewels. Could you tell me a little bit about your art materials and process?
S: I hand sketched the images that came to me intuitively and then traced them with a black fine point Sharpie then used watercolours to bring the paintings to life. After the painting dried, I went over again the lines with my Sharpie.
I got the images professionally scanned and worked closely with Aline Wallace my talented graphic designer to bring the Seeds of Shakti Oracle to life, as I wanted the deck to be high quality. Many sample decks were created until the perfect one emerged!
ME: Each oracle and tarot deck has its own unique personality and energy. What is Seeds of Shakti's personality? How do you see people interacting with your deck?
S:I love your question, Nicole. I feel that the Seeds of Shakti Oracle's personality is bold, vibrant, high vibe, mystical and free-spirited. Her rich colours trigger your intuition and allow you to tap into your deep subconscious. All you have to do is listen to your inner voice.
I see the Seeds of Shakti being used as a tool for meditation, intuition, divination, spiritual expansion, the manifestation of your dreams –letting those seedlings germinate & manifest into what your heart desires.
ME: What magical projects do you have brewing next?
As a Libra, I have such a tough time deciding what my next step is. I usually let my intuition and creative spark guide me to my next project. I would love to do a sequel deck, "Seeds of Shiva Oracle" . . . perhaps that chakra affirmation deck? Ultimately, I do want to create a Tarot deck that will also share India's rich culture and spirituality.
The winter is when I feel my creative mojo switch into high gear. . . so let's see what transpires in accordance with the universe!