When occult aesthetics meet rider energy, something truly unique is born. Czech artist Jan Taitl blended his DIY style with the spirit of snowboarding to create the distinctive Fortune Teller design, which you can find in our collection on T-shirts and neck warmer. A board as an altar, a candle as wax – everything in the spirit of his unmistakable style. In the interview, Jan reveals how the idea came to life, why he enjoyed the creative freedom, and that the Fortune Teller sequel is already on the way.
HORSEFEATHERS X JAN TAITL
1. How did the idea for the Fortune Teller design come about? Was it something spontaneous, or did you have a clear vision of what you wanted to create from the start?
Haha, I’ve actually never really explained the concept properly. It started when the guys from HF said they didn’t want any typical snowboard clichés and sent me a few pieces I’d made for stoner and doom bands. That’s where the theme came from. I went for an occult take on tuning a snowboard before the season. The table or altar is formed by a board turned base-up, just like a cross that in such rituals also hangs with its longer arm pointing upward. The ouija board is self-explanatory, we all know what it’s for. The melting candle represents wax for tuning. And since you make products for both girls and guys, I added two different hand sizes.
2. As you described yourself, this design depicts a ceremonial ritual of “summoning the spirits of winter,” and I think you captured it perfectly. Was it difficult for you to tune into that “rider’s feeling” since you don’t actually ride?
Not at all. It wasn’t meant to be a classic snowboard theme anyway, I simply did what I normally do. The guys gave me complete creative freedom, and honestly, what more could I ask for?
3. How would you describe your art in a few words?
Maybe just a few letters... DIY.
4. What does collaborating with brands like Horsefeathers mean to you, and what did you enjoy the most about this collab?
It’s definitely more commercial than what I usually do, but I was curious about your production ethics and overall approach. Once I was assured everything was in line, I decided to go for it. It turned out to be a great experience. The guys are super nice and a bit punk, which is very close to my vibe. So I’d say meeting them in person was the part I enjoyed the most.
5. If you were to create a continuation of the Fortune Teller design, what would it look like? An even darker and more mystical ritual, or would you take it in a completely new direction?
The continuation is already finished, so you’ll have to wait and see… maybe it’s something completely different.
