Lafigata in 29 Palms, California
Since it's inception, almost 100 years ago, LaFigata has been an oasis far from the bustle of L.A. and the rest of the world. Artists and characters from all walks of life have passed through here since the mid 1930's. I came to make my own mark here with the overarching idea of creating a space that cultivates creativity and growth. Turning neglected land into a desert oasis full of gardens, shade trees, native plants and animals. The idea is to create a park like setting where artists and others can come and create in the heart of the Mojave.
29 Palms sign, 20 x 24", pastel on paper, 2023
The Adobe at Dusk, 10 x 10", oil on canvas, 2023
Summertime, 10 x 5", pastel on paper, 2023
Twentynine Palms Hotel Sign, 8 x 10", oil on canvas, 2022
Twentynine Palms Hotel Sign, 10 x 8", oil on canvas, 2022
When I'm not painting around the property, I'm using that creative energy on the grounds themselves. Using a lot of found objects, rusted desert junk and aged wood, I'm creating useless art that doesn't really make sense. The other half of my time is spent building up gardens, adding native plants and trees, contouring the land, creating walking trails, helping the orchard thrive, creating butterfly gardens and tending to the garden beds. The idea is to eventually have something edible around every corner. Right now the area is patchwork of old plants and disturbed land. The gardens being built will keep expanding until they merge and the whole area becomes one large desert oasis.
