The artist of the biggest selling Tarot deck was born on this day (16th February) in 1878. Pamela Colman Smith, known to many as “Pixie,” was an incredibly talented artist, illustrator, and writer whose work has had a profound impact on the world of Tarot and beyond. She spent much of her early life working on stage shows, which undoubtedly influenced her unique and vibrant artistic style.

Pixie’s artwork on the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck imbued each card with depth, symbolism, and timeless beauty that has captivated Tarot enthusiasts for over a century. Her depictions of the Major and Minor Arcana are some of the most iconic and widely recognized in the world and have inspired countless artists in the years since their creation.

Beyond her work on the Tarot deck, Pixie was an accomplished artist in her own right. She illustrated a number of books and magazines and was particularly celebrated for her illustrations of fairy tales and folklore. She was also an accomplished playwright, poet, and writer, publishing a number of works over the course of her lifetime.

Despite her many talents and accomplishments, Pixie struggled for much of her life to gain the recognition and financial stability she deserved. She passed away in relative obscurity in 1951, but her legacy lives on through her art and the impact she had on the world of Tarot and beyond. Her artwork continues to inspire and captivate people around the world, and her contributions to the world of art and occultism will never be forgotten.

The illustration is from the cover of ‘Pamela Colman Smith – The Untold Story’ by Stuart R. Kaplan.