Description
A strong, confident man stands within his chariot.
He is focused, sure of himself... he has experienced the world
and triumphed its challenges. In his hand he holds the "reins" of the forces
that move his chariot (represented by the two horses). The
horses are inclined to
pull against each other, and left to their will the chariot
might stop or crash... but with his concentration and focus,
he controls the direction in which
the chariot moves. Against the obstacles, against the pulls
of fate, the charioteer has mastered the forces that, if left
untamed, would control
him. The will to do right has triumphed over chaos, the recognition
and appreciation of the job well done is celebrated.
Symbolism
This card is initially based
on the Tarot of Marseille iconography (from at least the 17th
century). I wondered while developing it what were, to me, the "essential" elements
that, even if placed in the future, "needed" to be there.
I posed the figure in the traditional manner with his left hand
firmly at his side, conveying his authority.
The "spaulders" on his shoulder with the faces needed to be included,
as did the horses drawing the chariot, and the triumphal crown
on his head. One item that I "lost" was the spear in his hand.
I tried to imagine the Charioteer in the future holding a spear
(god-forbid a "light-saber"), and decided to use the hand instead
for the futuristic navigational device.
Card Meaning
Triumph. Recognition. Purity of intent.
Artistic Media
The figure was created in "Poser 6" using "Michael
3" as the base model, many hours were spent customizing the features and body
structure of the Charioteer. The horses and armor were purchased
from 3D developers and modified. The additional faces on the spaulders
(shoulders) were also
created in Poser. The chariot and atmosphere were created in "Carrara". "Photoshop" was
used for minor adjustments and "sweetening".
Artist's Bio
I'm thrilled to be participating for the second time
in an Aeclectic Tarot Forum deck. Working on this card was a terrific
experience, as I had little experience with Poser, and none with
Carrara or other 3D modeling
programs before the development of this card, (having only used "Bryce" for
scenic development in the past). I loved being able to incorporate
my background in photography and graphic design into the development
of this card, and am now enthralled with
the possibilities of working in 3D, even
if only for my personal satisfaction.
Go back to the project index, read the traditional card meaning, or get a free automated reading with this deck.
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