Desert


When I first stepped foot in the desert I knew my bones would end up here.
Raised in New Jersey, I had no understanding of landscape affinities, but this one was clear.
   

I began coming out here regularly in 1992 while working on MAUVE DESERT . My friend and brother Fred Drake (1958-2002) invited me to come stay at his RANCHO DE LA LUNA studio in Joshua Tree in order to finish a script I was struggling with. Since 1996 I have maintained a studio presence in the High Desert.

THE HOBE CHOBE (aka the Smokey Johnson Memorial Center for Research & Development), is a humble yet glorious sanctuary for the people who visit and the animals who naturally inhabit it. Besides being my home in the desert, it serves as host to wandering artists in need of a space to work, think & dream. Its informal residency program (Sept-Nov, March-June) offers simple accommodations in exchange for "leaving the place better than how you found it." Since 1996 more than 25 writers, visual artists, performers and musicians have stayed here for 1 week - 3 month periods of time. Guests have included ELIA ARCE (performer), RUBEN MARTINEZ (writer), JANE MARU SCHAEFFER (batik artist), SACRED NAKED NATURE GIRLS (performers), The Ocotillo Project (electronic artists), Femi Dawkins (poet and sculptor), and Sara Takahashi (filmmaker).

I have found that the expanse of the landscape, the intensity of its climate, the warmth of the desert community, and the freedom to contemplate stimulate creativity. Inspired by my mentor Smokey Johnson (1909-1993), I have opened his former homestead to others who are in need of being here.
   

Facilities:
5 acre site on the eastern edge of civilization
Studio & accommodations (earthdome, converted garage workspace, 1950s trailer)
Indoor plumbing
Outdoor bath and shower
Abundant & renewable energy resources
4.5 miles to Joshua Tree National Park
Lots of spots for pitching tents
Active campfire permit
Labyrinth (in progress)
Sweat Lodge on premises
   


Write or call for more information:
write (ajenik @ ucsd.edu) or call for more information: (760)367-2909