Amy Zerner Monte Farber

Amy Zerner and Monte Farber are a husband-and-wife team recognized for their extensive contributions to the fields of astrology and spirituality, having authored over 50 books with global sales exceeding three million copies. Farber typically leads the writing, while Zerner contributes both text and illustrations, a collaboration that began with their first book in 1988. Their work has been translated into 18 languages.

Zerner, born into an artistic family, developed her artistic talents from a young age, initially focusing on collage and later expanding into fabric art, fashion design, and theatrical props. Farber, who came from a different background, experienced a more challenging youth before finding his path in music and later in film and television. The couple's shared interest in astrology and tarot became a central focus, leading them to combine their creative energies into a successful publishing career.

Amy Zerner, born in 1951 in New Jersey, was immersed in art from childhood, influenced by her artist parents. Her early creative endeavors included collages made from natural materials. After moving to East Hampton, New York, she became involved in the local counter-culture art scene and began designing her own clothing. She pursued formal art education at the Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts, where she also explored theatrical prop design. Monte Farber, born in Brooklyn in 1950, had a more tumultuous early life, including a period of homelessness, before pursuing music and joining a progressive rock band. He later transitioned into film and television work in the mid-1980s.

Zerner and Farber met in 1974 and married in 1978. Around this time, both developed a strong interest in astrology. Farber began writing astrology columns for a local publication, while Zerner incorporated astrological themes into her tapestry art. This shared passion laid the groundwork for their future collaborations. After facing professional and personal challenges, the couple decided to dedicate their careers to their mutual interests in astrology, tarot, and creative expression, merging their talents in writing and art.

Their publishing career launched in 1988 with Farber's "Karma Cards." This was followed by the highly successful "The Enchanted Tarot" in 1992, for which Zerner created the artwork over two years. They have since published numerous books on topics including self-help, lifestyle, and astrology, often incorporating Zerner's distinctive artistic style. Their work gained wider distribution through a deal with Sterling Publishing, leading to dedicated shelf space in Barnes & Noble stores. They were also pioneers in selling tarot products on national television and have expanded their creative output to include card decks, divination sets, and meditation CDs.

Amy Zerner's artistic evolution led her to create collage-based paintings on fabric, earning her a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. This recognition allowed her to create larger-scale works and explore new mediums. Her illustrations for "The Enchanted Tarot" were later transformed into full-scale tapestries. Zerner also applied her artistic techniques to fashion, designing unique "art coats" and jewelry. Her fashion creations have been commissioned by high-end retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and worn by notable celebrities.