My first introduction to what the farm might have to offer was the “Queen of Heaven Gate,” a massive but intricately sculpted steel push gate. A cement guard lion is perched nearby. I was a bit awe struck, to say the least.
Through the gate I could see the “Hub of Happiness.” It is marked clearly by a haloed lion mural on its western side. This is the home I was to be staying in for my time in Lower Lake. The woman I was visiting has been living on Dandelion Farm as a renter for a couple years. Her Hub is situated in the sculpture garden, “Dandelion Ballad.”
Several large and intricate metal, tiled, cemented, multi-media, repurposed material sculptures are arranged within the terraced gardens of the Ballad, as well as throughout the farm. A white and gold sculpture called “Metal Hymn,” somewhat resembling a gazebo, stands tall in the dry sagebrush of the hills south of the Hub.
At a higher terrace lies the “Bed of Roses,” a cement bench covered in a glass tile mosaic of roses. The form of a resting woman shields herself in the shade of a metal arbor. Vines trail up to the iron ceiling. The beautiful pieces throughout the farm are created by welder and jeweler Candace Stolley and occasional volunteer farm aids. Candace and her husband, Loren, acquired the 190 acres of the farm a few decades ago and their efforts toward sustainability and outreach, as well as the art, is ongoing. The elaborate and decorative structures are intended to further beautify the blissful natural surroundings and are meant as gifts for a personal spiritual guide, Avatar Adi Da.
The “Lion's Lair” rests beside the Hub. The roof of the open circular structure is an obsolete and enormous satellite dish. While I was visiting, three volunteers, or WWOOFers, were painting a design of purple hues on top its roof (a task not yet completed in this photo). Many of the projects throughout the farm, decorative and functional, are done with the labor of unpaid willing workers.
The northern side of the Ballad houses an unfinished cobbed bathhouse, “Reign of Grace,” situated behind a small flower garden and pond.
A woman's figure, shaped with cement, sunbathes beside the fountain pool.
Within the pond a mosaic fountain blossoms among the irises. The clear glass fountainhead appears to be a repurposed lamp shade. Many of the intact glass objects used in Candace's art pieces appear to be antique dishes and bowls.
Several of the sculptures in the Ballad are welded iron rod structures – some functional like this glass tiled bench. Creeping vines are planted near these pieces and add a living element to the sculptures as they become intertwined.
Another small bench is seated by the “Arbor for Endless Intimacy,” the home neighboring the “Hub of Happiness.”
Leaving “Dandelion Ballad,” one must progress through the "Immortal Portal," the doorway to the iron “Tofu Tunnel,” to walk along the “Magic Carpet” trail.
The carefully welded and painted eyes of the portal watch you as you pass.
A jewel-eyed beast, “Pipe the Magic Dragon,” accompanies the portal. His winding form is composed of PVC pipe, cleverly disguised with painted scales and iron webbing.
Through the “Tofu Tunnel,” the “Snake Charmer” is visible South of the Carpet trail.
A naked figure plays a flute, a tiled sinuous snake around his ankles.
The woman dwelling in the Hub finds this piece particularly eerie. I think it's the representational glass eyes.
The magic carpet trail (yes, it's made with repurposed rugs) continues east.
“Lucifer's Lap” hides behind a blood red flesh-peeling Madrone.
His seat is meticulously tiled with colorful glass shards - however, they won't harm you if you have a seat...
The “Sign of Things to Come” points us to the direction leading out of the Madrone Woods of Lucifer, as well as to many other possible end points.
Madrones have always been my favorite tree.
A view of the northern hills beyond the sculptures, arbors, hubs, and carpets shows a clear blue California sky. There were many more art pieces throughout the farm than I have pictured. As well as some wonderful and functional alternative structures such as a yurt (the homestead for the volunteers), solar panels, rain collection barrels and ponds, and a greenhouse with a sun heated lap-pool and hot-tub.
With the thunderstorms that have been going on all day in the Bitterroot Valley, a dip in a hot-tub certainly sounds enticing.
3 comments:
yes! it works!
:)
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