First, I cannot believe I neglected to post for over a month. New Years resolution...at least one post per week..
That being said, today I took an adventure with some friends to Watts where you can find these towers hiding out amidst one story houses and old workers' bungalows. The story of Simon Rodia is intriguing to say the least. After divorcing his wife and setting out to "do something big", he spent the next 34 years building this elaborate world of towers (which are remarkably structural...) and adorned with hundreds of thousands of tiles and found pieces of glass and ceramic. After 34 years he moved to Oakland and gave the property to his neighbor. Eventually two men bought it for $20 and worked to restore and protect it. Insane.
So, seeing this brings forth the question of whether the need for creative expression in some people leads to isolation and self indulgence....or can you have it all? But then maybe it takes people like Simon to sacrifice their life to the making of gems like this one.
2 comments:
Hi Lindsey,
Those towers are something. I thought at first they were a tribute to the Spanish Architect Gaudi. Have you ever heard of him? Once you've seen something of his you 'll never forget.
Joy
Good to see you are writing again. I have never visited the towers, un believable, though i have read about the m for years. I will be down to visit Philip this April, for sure a visit then!
Say Hi to Jackie when you can.
Michael
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