I Hear a Bell / Is that Bells?

Do you remember the line in 'It's a Wonderful Life' "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings?"

If that's true, there are a lot of angels with wings because at Arcosanti this is where their famous wind bells are made. Cosanti bells are sold in galleries the world over and serve as a major funding source for Arcosanti building projects.

There's plenty of sand available in this desert area to cast both ceramic and bronze wind bells and sculptures. The traditional process also has Paolo Solari design elements.  

Drying in the sun

Being sand cast

Embellishing

Whether it's a bowl, bell, tile/  pot it's packed in a molding box  which leaves its sand impression.

The foundry artisans add their individual designs with the Cosanti hallmark. 

After melting silicon bronze ingots, they are poured into the mold once the upper and lower pieces are rejoined. Once cooled it's removed from the mold.

This bell came home with me

The sand once conditioned can be reused too. 

Excess sand/ material is removed and the pieces are dipped into an acidic solution to add the patina.

Each creation is as different as each artist and the man who created the process and the vision for Arcosanti.

Although Paolo Soleri passed away this past year  his work and teachings will live on through the endeavors of all his students and patrons ... and there will be a  future for Arcosanti. Link to previous entry:Arcosanti