We ate dinner Tuesday night at Djerassi director Margot's house, which is the former house of Pamela Djerassi, founder Carl Djerassi's daughter who took her own life many many years ago. Beautiful house, but quite isolated - not a good place to be if you are depressed. The dinner was lively and funny - chemical engineer Curt told stories about the kind of food he grew up eating in Minnesota, with doctor/biographer Charlotte chiming in about her mother's cooking in Tennessee. Lots of jello, spam, canned veggies, white bread, fake whip cream in a can, dreaded lima beans (they both had to eat everything on their plate or stay at the table until they finished). We laughed through the meal. Visual artist Meredith gave a surprise performance lying on the table (cleared of dishes) with projections on the ceiling - a hilarious send up of "what is art." After returning to our property, we gathered in the artist house and Jim gave us all surprise gifts - etched plexiglass tiles with one of his physics symbols on it - quite beautiful. We all gathered round talking about this art/science residency and what can be done to truly start a meaningful conversation about the intersection of the two. Then on to the artist barn, where we danced until 1:15, letting our joy flow out. Our Indonesian residents, Budi and Andreas, had to leave on Tuesday at 8 am, but they partied along with us.
Last day, getting everything together and trying to sear the beauty of the landscape into my brain. The day starts with fresh baked scones by Sasha. I am sitting in my studio writing this, enveloped in peace, quiet and serenity looking at the vistas beyond. Basket making workshop this afternoon with Sasha, final dinner, then sharing our favorite poems with each other after. A fitting end to this time together.
This has been one of the most fulfilling, enriching and inspiring experience I've ever had. I am beyond grateful that I got to live it with this amazing group of people - each so unique and so memorable. I will cherish my days here and hold them close to my heart.
