How and when did your passion for art begin?

In my late teens, I discovered a profound passion for art, museums, and magic. Magic, in particular, captured my heart, and it became my chosen art form. I found common ground between magic and art in their strong emphasis on visual appeal. The skills I honed while crafting my magic performances are the very ones I now utilize to create my card art. Both worlds share a foundation in visual storytelling, allowing me to seamlessly express my creativity through these interconnected art forms.

What inspired you to explore using cards as a medium for your artwork?

As a magician, I recognized that playing cards are a fundamental element of our craft, but I wanted to push the boundaries and showcase the endless possibilities they offer beyond traditional tricks. This led me to create a captivating series of animated playing cards called Kardnetics. The concept was to breathe life into these cards, similar to what you'd see in cartoons or movies, by incorporating movement and unique abilities. Each Kardnetic possesses a distinct skill; they can talk, wield a sword, or even deliver a cheeky gesture. Currently, I have designed 14 Kardnetics.

My art serves as a direct extension of these animated characters. Taking it a step further, I delved into crafting personalities and stories for the cards, placing them in various scenes and vignettes to showcase their remarkable abilities. This newfound creative expression allows me to offer magic and entertainment in an entirely fresh way, going beyond the confines of a conventional magic act. With Kardnetics, I am able to mesmerize and engage audiences with a whole new realm of wonder and amusement through the magic of cards.

How do you approach the process of creating art by playing cards?

I have two main approaches to creating:
 First, I look at the physical printed design of the cards, exploring how I can combine or alter the shapes to create something new. Second, I give each work a clever name or title with a double meaning, pun, or play on words. For example, Fish n’ Pips, Two Boldly Go, Deck Hands, etc. I keep a list of these phrases for inspiration and to put a twist on them. 
My goal is to have at least 3 different elements or unique characteristics in each piece so that viewers can enjoy them on multiple levels. The challenge lies in executing the vision, which is why I often work on multiple pieces at a time.

Are there any specific themes or narratives that you aim to convey through your card artwork?

These artworks are designed to encourage people to view cards with fresh imaginations. They bring the cards to life in snapshots of novel moments, implying movement and storytelling. Through these pieces, I aim to reveal never-before-seen aspects and depth around the cards, fostering a deeper connection with the audience.

What reactions or responses do you hope to evoke from viewers when they encounter your card artwork?

I aim for people to derive enjoyment and entertainment from my artwork. Whether they bring a smile to your face, make you laugh, inspire, or amaze you, my hope is that they provide a moment of happiness in your day.

Could you share with us one to two of your favorite card artworks and explain what they convey and why they are particularly significant to you?

One of my personal favorite card artworks is the Shadow Silhouette series because it introduces a completely new way to use playing cards. At first glance, they appear like crumpled cards or discarded trash, but when you turn on the light, the image magically appears. The unexpected, magical, and cool effect of this series makes it particularly special to me.