BESPOKE CARTOMANCY
Jibwa Studio
2025 House of GOCA: Psychedelic Garden
Friday, February 28, 2025, 6-10pm
Ent Center for the Arts
BESPOKE CARTOMANCY
by Jibwa Studio
The weight of the world is too much; however, all awaits you in the cards dear traveler. This mythic journey is one of despair, peril, new beginnings and expansion. For every time we cut off past self with scissors, we sew a new star for the sky. The destruction can lead us to stardust; brighter, stronger, resilient, and instilled with new knowledge of wonder and magic. This is exponential evolution, and you need not journey into the long night alone, because these cycles connect us together. Together is the only way to overcome the darkness of the nothing.
There are significant shifts ahead that will make you feel uncertain. However, by stepping into your personal power with a focus of self-care and creativity, renewed hope is possible. This comes with the ability to experience joy while existing in the upheaval. A future hope for a successful conclusion. This spread connects us to each other and the natural world, bringing power and compassion back into balance.
Tarot is deeply ingrained with universal truth and visual narrative. This collection is reflective of a profound journey of transformation, esoteric knowledge, and mundane magic, serving a universal tarot reading for every guest in attendance. Crafted into folklore fashion, each of the unique looks represents a major arcana. Tarot cards are a form of cartomancy or fortune telling, comparable to the practice of divination. Cartomancy has been around since 1299 when the earliest written mention of cards appeared. The first deck was produced in 1320, by Lombardy, and by the 1500s it was widely popular. Cartomancy possesses a high degree of curiosity and entertainment value, and each look is meant to be interpreted symbolically and highlight the current state of the world and what happens when we rise together. The vibrant tapestry will reveal the potency of telling a story through visual space. It is a uniquely human experience, and has the power to inspire and change one's destiny.
ABOUT JIBWA STUDIO
K8e Orr, founder of Kibwa Studio, is a dedicated artist and community leader based in Manitou Springs, Colorado. With years of experience, she has significantly contributed to the local art scene through her creative endeavors and educational initiatives. K8e operates Jibwa Studio, located inside the Manitou Art Center, where she creates and showcases her work. The studio is known as a place "where happiness is handmade," reflecting her commitment to crafting pieces that bring joy and curiosity to others. She has always drawn inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant spirit of her community. Known for her evocative use of color and her ability to weave stories into her work, she focuses on reoccurring themes of resilience, interconnectedness, and the universal need for love. She brings a depth of symbolism that deeply resonates with the viewer and provides a profound reminder of the power of art to heal, connect and inspire. Her art transcends conventional boundaries by reinterpreting cultural elements in contemporary ways, using a variety of materials and techniques. This innovation bridges the gap between honoring heritage and exploring new artistic realms. K8e is a storyteller and the narratives she incorporates into her Folklore Fashion invites viewers to explore and interpret these stories in their own way. K8e's work resonates because it’s personal, yet universal. It reflects her joy, struggles, and commitment to uplifting others. This emotional depth, paired with her artistic skill, creates a connection that leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter her art.
Instagram: @k8e_Orr
Watch the full 2025 House of GOCA: Psychedelic Garden Runway Show!
Photos and Videos by Margaret Bailey and Joshua Dorado, for the Galleries of Contemporary Art at UCCS, 2025