These transformation playing cards*** based on the Circus theme were designed by Frank Robert Schick (December 30, 1924 – June 16, 1988). The artist was born in New York City. He received his training in the Arts at Fort Wayne Art Academy, in the State of Indiana. The deck was published by his wife on his passing on 16 June 1988.
“Emmanuel José graduated with a degree in Studio Art from DavidsonCollege, where he created drawings, prints and paintings. During his undergraduate years, he was introduced to the technique of papercutting.
In 2011, a longtime fascination with playing cards prompted Emmanuel to set up a personal challenge: Create 1 playing card a week, culminating in a complete deck of transformation playing cards***.
Using papercutting techniques, Emmanuel follows a centuries-old tradition of transforming the suits and pips of a standard deck of playing cards.
Through the creation of these decks, Emmanuel hopes to present playing cards not as mere objects, but as canvases ripe for creativity and a little imagination.” ~ Emmanuel José
“I decided to design a new set of Hungarian cards, or Tell-cards for this year’s school assignment. We had to create something which can be connected to the art nouveau movement of Hungary. Some of the figure cards feature hungarian and international artists of this style of art, the aces symbolize the four seasons. The deck contains 32 illustrated black-and-white cards.” ~ Barbara Bernát
This series is in its beginning phases, with 14 cards/illustrations completed. See the series development on his Facebook page.
“Stay tuned…” ~ Anthony Taysub
PLAYING CARDS + ART = COLLECTING 