Ceramics Apse : Photo : Cosanti Foundation

The Ceramics Studio at Arcosanti together with the Bronze Foundry is responsible for the income producing craft work that helps fund the ongoing construction at this prototype arcology.

Our work takes place in a quarter sphere which is facing south and is called an apse. This enables us to make use of passive solar energy. This permits us to work in the sunshine during winter and in the shade during summer. The apse form works in concert with the seasonal angles of the sun’s position in the sky. The apse frames the surrounding environment in a very beautiful fashion. Being able to work in a semi-protected environment keeps us in touch with the natural world we live in.

Our studio generally employs 6 people. One person produces all of our tile work, about 5000 pieces a year. The other 5 people produce all the bells and pots, about 10,000 pieces.

The production process begins in Globe Arizona, about a four hour drive from a Arcosanti. For decades we have been digging raw clay from a large deposit on private land which is sold to us. For $35 per ton, we truck about 12 tons per year up to Arcosanti and deposit it in our production area.

We mix this raw clay with water until the clay dissolves and forms a thick milk-shake-like consistency known as slip. Our first method of production involves the use of plaster molds. The shapes of these molds was determined by Paolo Soleri, the number of which increased over time. For spherical-type bells, two piece molds are used to accommodate the broadest part of the bell which is the middle. For conical-shaped pieces a one-piece mold is sufficient.

Slip Casting with Plaster Molds