Calaveras brings the Day of the Dead to a custom deck of playing cards. All original and inspired by art from the turn of the century. Chris Ovdiyenko is creating a deck of playing cards that’s true in spirit and design to the roots of the Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos). The deck is planned to be printed by USPCC. And it also has agreed to let Chris use the Bicycle® logo from their original 1895 “Expert Back” deck

“With that aim, I’m harkening back to the work of José Posada — a famous Mexican printmaker who brought this art form widespread attention. He worked at the time of the Mexican Revolution and his Calaveras really caught on — surviving to this day as iconic expressions of the holiday, the social views he held, and the times he lived through. These all-original cards and their illustrations are designed to celebrate Posada’s work without being limited by it. I’m paying homage, but I’m bringing my own voice to them.” ~ Chris Ovdiyenko.

Jose Posada made his prints in two ways – hand engraving on type metal and relief etching on zinc. Chris does not own a print studio so to stay true aesthetically to Posada’s artwork, he is using a simpler technique to recreate the printed effect — scratch board. He is able to work in reverse (like most printmaking), where he starts with a completely black work area and scratchs through to the highlights. The result is very similar to metal engraving.

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You could pledge here: http://kck.st/11Hm043 [FUNDED – Jul 22, 2013]

This project will only be funded if at least $15,000 is pledged by Monday Jul 22, 12:59pm EDT.

Jacks

Queens 

Kings

Joker

Pictures are clickable

Custom Seal and Numbered Tuck Cases