Art

The hermit is one of the simplest cards. I was in two minds whether to stick with the traditional scene or change it up – I compromise by using a more …

The hermit is one of the simplest cards. I was in two minds whether to stick with the traditional scene or change it up – I compromise by using a more or less conventional composition but zoomed in to focus more on the figure and less on the scenery.

A cloaked figure with a staff stands alone on the top of a mountain with a lantern in his hand. This mountain is the spiritual pinnacle he has attained. The staff is a symbol of authority as well as a tool and aid on his path. In his left hand it is associated with the subconscious.   His lantern is a source of illumination and enlightenment.  The lamp is usually shown with a star inside it.  I have instead had the pattern of shadows cast by the middle-eastern lamp to suggest stars, as well as having a starry sky (OK I concede, more rosettes than stars but you get the idea!).

I decided to add a couple of extra elements to the scen. As it’s a night scene, I also decided to add a moon (light of awareness) as it seemed both symbolically and aesthetically appropriate.  The sun is also just beginning to rise... the hermit  can now start to "see the light" having travelled his path up the mountain.  

I had to resort to some CS2 postwork for the night sky, otherwise DS3 as usual.