I hope to encourage self-discovery and inspire people to identify what their own spirituality looks like. I believe we are spiritual beings, but we can’t get around the whole “having a human experience” part and everything that goes with it.
Krystal Banner is one of those creative people.
Originally from South Carolina and currently living in Washington, D.C. and New York, she describes herself as an artist/writer/entrepreneur/intuitive/creative(!) playing with familiar symbols and memes of modern life, especially black pop culture.
Through her brand Kaleidadope, Krystal offers not only tarot and oracle decks, but also greeting cards, apparel, and more. Her 2020 Vision Tarot deck is coming to LRT in the New Year (yes, we know it’s a little late – don’t ask!), and she’s also launching a new deck in 2022 with mega-publisher Hay House.
I caught up with Krystal over the holidays to learn more about what inspires her work and how her palpable sense of humor helps her create modern spiritual tools that celebrate black culture and don’t shy away from tough topics.
Hi Krystal! How are you today? What’s playing on the stereo? It’s cold and pouring rain in Wales… I’m working in the kitchen with my cat and listening to dance music I made – perfect for a Monday morning 🙂
Hey Beth! I am fine! I’ve been traveling between Washington and New York and I’ve been super inspired lately. I tend to reflect at the end of the year, and the holidays always bring me a sense of wonder and possibility. I’ve been feeling very chill and emotional lately, so my music choices reflect that. As a water sign, I have always been emotional and willing to express those emotions, whether verbally or through art or music. I listen to a lot of Alex Isley. The R&B she creates makes me feel like I’m floating. I’m actively working on a new deck (yay!), so staying in touch with my emotions helps me tap into all the different feelings being reflected.
I spent too much time working but was very passionate about what I was doing. In fact, my inspiration comes from everyday life. The music I listen to, my emotions, what makes me laugh, pop culture, what’s going on in the world, etc. I’m a low-key person, so getting out of my protective shell has been a bit of an adjustment (in a good way).
I know you draw inspiration from pop culture, especially Black pop culture, and your cards and other products are filled with simple, recognizable symbols and objects—Kaleidoscope Tarot is filled with nods to community that say, “This is for us” ‘. As a queer woman, I know that representation matters─very much! How has the community responded to Kaleidadope?
I would say people’s reaction was “Wow, this is so cool” and “This is a breath of fresh air.” When I started, I wanted to create something that I didn’t feel was available. I wanted to create something I wanted that would stand out on the shelf. Most of the decks I own or see in stores have the same design style, same content, no variety, etc. It’s very cookie-cutter and I’m an out-of-the-box person.
My engineering and design background inspires me to make products look interesting. Just because it’s a spiritual product, doesn’t mean it has to be bland or boring, or because it doesn’t have the appearance that spirituality “should” look like. It is as unique as you and me.
So I think that’s why I’m known for my approach. I want things to look cool, but I also want people to be able to connect with them and understand the depth they offer. It’s beautiful, but it feeds your soul and is meaningful.
People tend to be drawn to my use of modern themes/imagery and pop culture. I think with art, people gravitate toward things that are relevant and familiar to them. Despite the omnipresence of black culture, black people are not often centered in this way, so I think it’s important to change that. Since I didn’t see it happening, I decided to do it myself.
One thing I really like about your work is how you play with the Capitalist Moray (your “Capitalism” Christmas card is probably my favorite thing in your shop!) and your Monopoly style tarot decks speak volumes to me It’s so bold and witty. What I really crave is that “signature” confidence and clarity in your work (as someone who feels perpetually conflicted about “everything” to do with making a living under capitalism!)
Yes, that’s exactly what I want! I always say I’m grateful for my sense of humor, otherwise I don’t know what I would do, haha. I use humor and wit to encourage people to see things from a different perspective, but also point out ironies or similarities. For example, in my Life is Like a Board Game Tarot deck, the Justice card is a police hat. Some people don’t understand that this is a very deliberate satire on Justice Card, especially as a black man in America. It’s a nod to the “jail” space in Monopoly and the fact that the police symbol is supposed to represent justice, but often doesn’t. As such, it adds another layer to the tarot deck and prompts people to think about questions like, “Is justice always served?” and “What does justice really look like?” Spirituality is all these subtle things, not just love and light.
I feel like my brand reflects the duality I see in myself: I am worldly and I am spiritual. I listen to meditation music and rap. I am very logical and deliver spiritual messages. All of my work reflects different sides of me, and being aligned with my spirituality gives me the confidence to express exactly how I feel. I hope to encourage self-discovery and inspire people to identify what their own spirituality looks like. I believe we are spiritual beings, but we can’t get around the whole “having a human experience” part and everything that goes with it.
…but the 2020 Vision Tarot – doesn’t feel as fun, and many of the cards will put readers off. The tattered Stars and Stripes, the Statue of Liberty without a torch, the red hat and the Black Panther symbol of strength. coin. What was the process of making this deck like? Do ideas flow easily?
I feel like this deck wasn’t even my idea, haha…it was something I asked to create. I woke up one morning and drew four cards. These images popped into my head and I felt like I had to draw them immediately. The idea for this deck flowed so well, it was like I had no choice but to create it.
There were some cards that I was actually hesitant to draw, but that’s what happened. That’s what art is. The beauty of this deck is that it truly reflects the events of 2020. While some cards are heavy, as in life, there are also lighter moments, like the Magician card, which is a standing broomstick. For those who don’t remember, there was a challenge where people “magically” stood up their brooms one day, but it turns out that’s exactly what you can do with a broom. It was also hilarious because people started jokingly blaming the subsequent events of 2020 on these “magical” broomsticks.
This can also be seen in the Chariot card, which is depicted as a UFO. 2020 was such a chaotic year that no one batted an eye at the release of UFO footage and the government’s admission that they had a UFO task force. When I was creating this deck, I said to myself many times, wow, I’m not making this stuff up! So in essence, this is really what I believe tarot is all about – illustrations of the human experience. Everything seems important in 2020, which is why I’m focusing on the Major Arcana. I thought this might spark an often silent discussion about spirituality. I believe this is how we move forward and confront the dark side of ourselves and society in a productive way.
Do you have a favorite tarot card right now? A tarot card that feels particularly important or has been haunting you?
Well, that’s a tough question to answer! But for now I want to say “My life is like a fool in the board game Tarot”. I laughed when I created that card because it was so basic and dry, yet so accurate and recognizable. It’s like “Let’s go! Keep going. Collect all the stuff. What are you waiting for?” One year is coming to an end and a new one is about to begin, and I feel like this is very important. I also feel like I’m entering a new phase in my life, but I tend to overthink things. I embrace the energy of “JUST GO Krystal!”
What’s new in 2022 – any new developments? Or is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Yes! I’m excited to share that I’m finishing up the illustrations for an upcoming Oracle deck to be released with Hay House in 2022, called “Signs of the Oracle Age.” I’m interested in it because it contains many signs and symbols that I’ve experienced on my travels, sometimes from everyday things. I think it’s very relatable and will connect with a lot of people. This is a project that encourages people to be open to all types of signs. They are not always mysterious; they are not always mysterious. Sometimes it’s just a matter of seeing the quote you need at that moment.
Where is the best place for people to stay in touch with you?
People can follow me on Instagram @krystal.banner and @kaleidadope and my website kaleidadope.com and krystalbanner.com.I have also recently started tweeting, my twitter account is @krystal_banner. Over the past few years I have been challenging myself to be more present so I can share more of myself. I’m usually a behind-the-scenes figure, but there’s value in people getting to know who I am and how passionate I am about what I do 🙂