I was inspired to create Christmas/Holiday cards from my fond memories of being a child and all of the cards that would fill the house from friends and family. I've always enjoyed sending cards and receiving them. I began creating Christmas cards back while I was a student at Parsons School of Design. It's been the process of making them and the reception I receive from those that have received them that has kept me making them all these years.
The series of cards on this site was a 12 year project. One card each year thematically following the Christmas song, The 12 Days of Christmas. I wanted each year to represent and reveal itself to those that received it as an unveiling to it's inevitable conclusion. I would often think about the next line to the song throughout the year, but many times wouldn't come up with an image until just a few weeks before Christmas. I feel my creativity was most inspired by the holiday itself.
Each card is printed from a hand-painted original oil painting. In the hopes of being inclusive to all doctrines, faiths, and beliefs, the inside message in each of the cards simply reads, 'Happy Holidays'. On the back of all the cards is written the title for each image. The cards are 4" x 6" in size and made of high quality paper stock and includes an accompanying envelope.
I hope that you will enjoy each card as much as I've enjoyed making them.
Keith Murray has illustrated for many notable publishing companies including The New York Times, Modern Curriculum Press, Black Enterprise Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, Avalon Books.