Model Ike H wears a pink and gold dress as he lays postured on a couch holding the tarot card King of Pentacles. The rest of the deck is strewn across the floor revealing a few messages below. The photo is warm in tone, pink rug, turquoise with gold detail blanket under the model. There are beige curtains in the background with a hand carved wooden art piece behind the couch.
Photographer: Keith MacMillan.
Original Cover art released in the US drawn by Michael J Weller
Album Cover of the Month |
February
David Bowie’s
The man who sold the world
This month’s cover was David Bowie’s album ‘The man who sold the world,’ released in the United States in 1970 and in the United Kingdom in 1971. The cover photograph was taken by Keith MacMillan. The original cover art was an illustration done by Michael J. Weller. It’s unclear what Bowie really thought of the drawn version as his opinion of it changed through out the years. He lobbied for the photograph of him in the dress to be released win the UK by wearing the dress, designed by Michael Fish, on the promotional tour.
I loved seeing this early image of Bowie. He was always an artist unafraid to be himself. Pushing the boundaries of his day and paving the way for others to do the same. I was drawn to this album because it had this low budget vibe while at the same time radiated decadence and self acceptance. I loved the cards and the opportunity they gave me to pull more symbolism out of the photo.
I chose to do a few things differently than the original cover. The overall feel was a bit cool for my style so I warmed it up, starting with the colors in the dress and moving out from there to the scene. This dress is a part of my vintage collection in my client closet. I was ecstatic to use it for this iconic cover. I also added some colored lights and used cellophane on the lens to incorporate a dreamy aesthetic. The biggest difference I made was in using tarot cards versus a traditional deck. Tarot has been a transformative practice for me in the past few years and it felt like the perfect place to blend it in to my art. I did my best to correlate the numbers and suits with the Rider-Waite cards. In the original he is holding the King of Diamonds which translates to the King of Pentacles symbolizing a visionary man with a plan overseeing earthly materials. I do believe the card he is holding in his hand was intentional, but I am not sure the cards facing up on the floor were. However, messages are messages and love the idea that everything happens for a reason. I took it upon myself to add a few of my own favorites like the Magician and the Fool which were not cards in the original. Here are a few of the other cards with short with my interpretation attached.
**Side note: I am in no way a professional at card interpretation, but I really love it. I don’t focus on card reversals which tend to be the shadow messages. I prefer to see the card’s overall message, which includes both, and work from there.
4 of Wands: One of the happiest cards in the minor arcana. Signifying grounding down and getting recognized as an outstanding member of society who is talented and shares their gifts with others.
5 of Swords: A card of conflict with potential to be on the losing side. Eluding to victimization of societal inequalities. But like all cards with a shadow message there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Ace of Swords: An amazing card to get that brings new new new in the best ways. This card trumps any shadow cards in your reading elevating the messages.
2 of Wands: A card of plans and progress. Eluding to new partnerships and projects.
2 of Pentacles: Money choices and finding balance with the relationship to money.
6 of Pentacles: Money, money, money is coming. You may also be in the roll of giving money to those in need. The card’s message shows support in the material realm.
