Full Metal Arcana: The Waite-Smith Tarot in Bronze

Full Metal Arcana is a unique project that translates the entire 78-card Rider-Waite-Smith tarot into solid bronze art pieces. Conceived by Ash Weitzman of Mod Evil Studio, the initiative aims to imbue the familiar tarot imagery with a new sense of permanence and 'gravity' through the use of metal. Instead of a traditional deck for shuffling, these are individual, weighty bronze cards designed for display, meditation, or as focal points in readings.

The campaign successfully funded in 2021, offering backers the opportunity to acquire individual cards, sets of three, the complete Major Arcana (22 cards), or the entire 78-card deck in bronze. Each bronze card is intended to be a substantial, tactile object, providing a different kind of interaction with the tarot system than paper cards. The project emphasizes the artistic and collectible aspects of tarot, appealing to those who appreciate the symbolism and history of the RWS deck in a durable, sculptural format.

While not a conventional deck for daily shuffling, Full Metal Arcana offers a profound way to engage with tarot archetypes. The bronze medium highlights the intricate linework of the original RWS illustrations, giving them a timeless, almost ancient artifact quality. The project successfully merges the spiritual and artistic worlds, creating a lasting tribute to the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition.

This product is ideal for serious tarot collectors, art enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the Rider-Waite-Smith system and seek a unique, durable way to interact with its archetypes. It appeals to individuals looking for statement pieces for their altar or sacred space, or those who use individual cards for focused meditation or intention setting. It is not intended for readers who prefer traditional paper decks for shuffling and daily readings.

Mod Evil Studio is the creative endeavor of Ash Weitzman, focusing on handmade totems, talismans, and charms. The Full Metal Arcana project represents a significant undertaking, translating the intricate details of the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot into a durable, sculptural medium. Weitzman's inspiration for this project was to give the classic tarot deck a new 'gravity' and permanence by rendering it in solid bronze, moving beyond traditional paper formats to create lasting art objects.