east meets west
living in the desert has always provided a unique view of natural beauty. i have lived most of my life in this desert. growing up here there were no roads that came up to where this picture was taken let alone a house with neighbors! east meets west is situated on the western edge of a property where it drops down to a small valley below, in the monsoon season water rushes through like a mini river to cleanse and satiate the needs of living creatures. the bamboo’s are made of iron, stainless and galvanized steel. some will rust quickly, others will turn over age but the galvanized and stainless will remain unmarred by time.
living in the desert requires more thought as to what a resident can plant in their yards due to water issues and conservation. today as i type this the morning newspaper read that in the week we will hit record highs to reach 105, AND this is the end of september where most other states are enjoying the fall season and the magic of mother natures colorful palette. someday i hope to live near water and experience the other side…until then i do what i can, fabricate “bamboo’s” to coexist in the environ. a perfect fit here in the desert! they do not need watering, they add an element of mystery (confusion to the wildlife …and some humans) and sculpturally add a new dimension to the existence of the natural saguaro’s and their skeletons.
black bamboo 2008
my eastern influence or karma has me fascinated with bamboo’s. i love their natural beauty, tall, graceful, elegant in form yet strength unmatched by most tree’s. i have been a huge fan of bamboo farming way before it became the new “organic” building material used today. my only way to honor this magnificent species is to try in my humblest attempts upon nature to fabricate them with love and educate westerners.