My Life with Artists

I have been thinking a lot about what we consider enough. As always, I turn to art to help me think through my thoughts. Not very long ago, but at a totally different time, I realized that home is not a place for me but actually is defined by being with those I love. Of course, accepting a new reality, absent the traditional, familiar, soothing aspects of a physical home (and community), can also be challenging for any family.

Andrea Zittel designed a comprehensive system for living—the A-Z Enterprise—which asks questions about not only how to live but also what gives life meaning. At A-Z West, located in Joshua Tree in California, her exploration includes architecture, clothing, bowls, food, furniture, and more. It offers ways to think about where we are and how we want to be while we are there. I had the incredible privilege of visiting Andrea in her home and was so inspired by that visit. It made me want to live surrounded by plants and minerals, reinvigorated my love for walking in the desert, and reminded me that simplicity is beautiful and even freedom can be found within constraint.

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