I find it delightful (and more than a little funny) that Kris Waldherr is in my tribe. Feels like I’ve known OF her for ages - and I guess I have. One of my earliest memories of New York City is getting a Tarot reading from a young woman at a gym. “Do you know Kris Waldherr? I was the model for one of her goddesses.”
She was referring to Kris’ celebrated and bestselling Book Of Goddesses, which then became her celebrated and bestselling Goddess Tarot. While of course I’d been feeling the stirrings and hearing the call for years, I still had yet to really dive into my study of Western esoteric traditions.
Shortly after that reading, I bought Kris’ book. I can tell you exactly where I was and how I felt when I flipped through - okay, devoured - her gorgeous images for the first time. Little did I know that years later I would be giving readings with her deck in her own studio. (Somebody pinch me!)
Now, Kris is celebrating the release of her bestselling Goddess Tarot as an iPhone application. I’m grateful that she took a little time out to answer a few questions for me. (Artists and writers, take notes on question #2.)
I’m always fascinated by how other artists come to their craft. How did you get started drawing, painting, art-making?
For as long as I can remember I’ve liked to write, draw, and make things. I have a memory of myself as a five-year-old attempting to set type with a typewriter — I was distressed that I couldn’t make it look like the printed text in a book. So that was my first lesson in font design. Around that same time, I was gifted with a wonderful Golden Book edition of King Arthur illustrated by Gustaf Tengren; this served for many hours of inspiration. My local library also held an annual contest where children drew posters of their favorite books. I made one for The Wizard of Oz and, to my delight, won second prize. I suppose that could be considered my start as an illustrator.
You know I’m a big admirer of your art-as-a-business savvy. What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a great living doing their work?
Thank you, Elizabeth! The short version: Treat your art as a business, and your business as an art. I’ve learned over the years that building a financially viable business can be an incredibly creative act. [Amen to that! -EG] My experience has been that many artists fear that they need to sell their souls to become financially successful; unfortunately, the archetype of the starving artist in the garret still holds a lot of sway. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
What has helped me is to have a business/vision plan which includes short- and long-term goals. I update it about every six months or so. Use this list to break down big goals into realistic actions that are appropriate to the marketplace, as well as to your level of professional expertise. It helps to keep you on track, even if you may need to meander somewhat to reach your destination.
For example, I began my career as a children’s book illustrator and designer. But, much as I love picture books, my “big picture” goal was to create elaborately illustrated gift books and products. However, as an artist fresh out of art school, (a) my skill set wasn’t up to it yet and (b) the market was booming for picture books — but not so much for gift books. By working as a children’s book illustrator and designer, I was able to learn a lot, work on some great books, and make professional connections. Ultimately this enabled me to crossover into creating The Book of Goddesses and other publications.
it’s also important for artists to make technology their friend — to find opportunities within it from a creative and business standpoint. When I first created The Goddess Tarot I could not have predicted that publishing would move into this digital age of Kindles and iPhones. But now that it has, I’m very excited by the possibilities.
When you’re short on energy or inspiration, how do you refill the well?
That’s an important question. Sometimes I find switching art forms really helps; for example, when I’m tired of painting, I’ll write. I also play the cello in a community orchestra, which is good because it’s not a solitary activity — while artists need time alone, it’s important to be with other creative people. I also think it’s important to find inspiration from sources outside ourselves — go to a museum, read a great book, or listen to music. Besides helping to refill the well, they also remind an artist why we do what we do. None of us creates from a vacuum.
Me with Kris (right) and our mutual pal, Tarot artist Lisa Hunt in Kris’ Brooklyn studio
What was your initial inspiration to do The Goddess Tarot?
I’ve been fascinated by tarot ever since I saw my first deck as a small child — the cards seemed so mysterious and beautiful. When I went to college, I began working with tarot, mainly reading for myself and close friends. It was around this time that I began to think about creating my own deck — one which would contain the elements that I wanted: beauty, feminine strength, creative empowerment. I did make several drawings for it, but became deterred by the amount of work involved. Later, when I created The Book of Goddesses, I noticed that each of the goddesses I painted seemed to correspond to a tarot trump. From there, The Goddess Tarot came into being in a very organic way.
Do you have a favorite Goddess Tarot card? If so, which one and why?
Hmmm, I fear to upset the goddesses by playing favorites. [Very wise. 
-EG] So I’ll mention the Goddess Tarot cards which seem the most apropos to my life right now.
Lately, I seem to be choosing the Two of Pentacles and Ten of Staves a lot. I have so many ideas for my art and business that I’d like to implement that it’s a bit overwhelming — it’s easy for me to get burned out with too much inspiration and not enough time. On top of that, I’m juggling being a mother and a wife as well. It’s an intense time for sure, though it’s all good!
To learn more & purchase the Goddess Tarot iPhone app, visit GoddessTarot.com.
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