Privately commissioned custom chandelier assemblies by Christopher Hardy, Photographed by: J. David Tabor
If you've visited Cosanti lately, you may have been lucky enough to get a first-hand look at these one-of-a-kind chandeliers, inspired by archival light fixtures crafted by artisans under the tutelage of Paolo Soleri⏤some of which can still be see around the site at Cosanti (pictured below).
Archival light fixtures, on display at Cosanti, Photographed by: J. David Tabor
Each piece is completely unique, illuminating the collaborative process between Originals artisans at Cosanti and Arcosanti, and the ways in which we practice our most foundational values of frugality and sustainability through craft.
Hardy, who will be celebrating his 18th year with Cosanti this April, is renowned for his sculptural bells, assemblies, and custom projects that bring together bronze, aluminum, ceramics, and sculptural elements from our archives.
Using a combination of carefully selected bells that feature iconic designs from artisans across both of our foundries, along with a myriad of irregular castings that would otherwise be melted back down (such as hangers and parts that didn't turn out quite right or don't meet our quality standards), Hardy repurposes each part and piece to become essential linkages and elements in these grand assemblies.
Photo (above) by: Jessica Jameson
Photo by: J. David Tabor
Each masterpiece is a demonstration of the power and beauty built through community and diversity. Every individual piece⏤model or misfit, large or small, complete or raw⏤has a place it belongs, working together, to create an assemblage that is far more valuable than the sum of its individual parts.
We look forward to celebrating and further building community together with you in this year, and years still to come.
For more information on how to reserve or commission an original chandelier, stop by our gallery in Paradise Valley or send an email to christopher@arcosanti.org.