This last weekend, I did something new. I was actually "home,” in LA, and I had the opportunity to go to the Brewery Artwalk. Although that sounds like a contemporary art show being held at a brewery in Los Angeles, it’s actually so much more. Brewery is a property and series of buildings containing artist lofts. Interestingly, the lofts are in the buildings that once made up the Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery in LA. But most importantly, Brewery is a vibrant community of artists of all types.
Brewery Artist Lofts is home to people of all artistic concentrations, heritages, personalities, and passions. The area, surveyed from the outside, may seem to be a site for a mental hospital or manufacturing plant. Yet it’s actually home to some of the most unique and creative (and lucky) artists in Los Angeles, CA. Twice per year, the majority of residents open their doors to the public to share that community with interested locals, as well as their personal work and living spaces.
The exploration amongst and between extremes of housing within just one specific community gave me an idea about what housing really means. Many artists at Brewery were living and working in beautiful studios with tall ceilings, massive open spaces, and beautiful views of Downtown LA. Some lofts were just as impressive as the (very impressive) artwork living inside. Within a hundred yards of some of these examples were people sleeping in tents next to shipping containers being stored on the property. Many artists of the same caliber to those living in the swanky lofts were crashing in hammocks over 100% recycled wood decks and organic herb gardens. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Granted, we’re talking about LA where raindrops on your head are not a factor (we get smog instead). But people live where they live, and it’s up to the people to love where they live.
Brewery Artist Lofts is home to people of all artistic concentrations, heritages, personalities, and passions. The area, surveyed from the outside, may seem to be a site for a mental hospital or manufacturing plant. Yet it’s actually home to some of the most unique and creative (and lucky) artists in Los Angeles, CA. Twice per year, the majority of residents open their doors to the public to share that community with interested locals, as well as their personal work and living spaces.
The exploration amongst and between extremes of housing within just one specific community gave me an idea about what housing really means. Many artists at Brewery were living and working in beautiful studios with tall ceilings, massive open spaces, and beautiful views of Downtown LA. Some lofts were just as impressive as the (very impressive) artwork living inside. Within a hundred yards of some of these examples were people sleeping in tents next to shipping containers being stored on the property. Many artists of the same caliber to those living in the swanky lofts were crashing in hammocks over 100% recycled wood decks and organic herb gardens. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Granted, we’re talking about LA where raindrops on your head are not a factor (we get smog instead). But people live where they live, and it’s up to the people to love where they live.
At Brewery's Open House Artwalk
Think for a second: when you are your happiest? Is it just after conquering a challenge you’ve been approaching for months? Is it the space of complete calm during complete focus? Is it a feeling, or it is a place? Is it both?
Is your happy place your bed? Many people would say yes to this. It’s nice to snuggle into the comforter and leave behind all struggles of the everyday. But can that not be recreated? Can you not sleep in the same bed under the stars and feel even more calm than when in the air-conditioned household?
The concept of “home” can be interpreted in so many ways and is only defined by one person. Your own. Your own person. You. I’m not talking about something you pay a mortgage on. Obviously, there are definitions, stipulations, and requirements galore surrounding properties within established countries. But here, we’re talking about “home.” One’s home is where they feel safe, where they feel grounded, where they feel most comfortable to sharpen the proverbial ax to chop wood the next day. Many call the beach their home. Many have their home in the desert. And some claim their home in the rainforest. Each person is different, and I won’t get to “hippy” on you, but one’s home can be whatever they decide.
Is your happy place your bed? Many people would say yes to this. It’s nice to snuggle into the comforter and leave behind all struggles of the everyday. But can that not be recreated? Can you not sleep in the same bed under the stars and feel even more calm than when in the air-conditioned household?
The concept of “home” can be interpreted in so many ways and is only defined by one person. Your own. Your own person. You. I’m not talking about something you pay a mortgage on. Obviously, there are definitions, stipulations, and requirements galore surrounding properties within established countries. But here, we’re talking about “home.” One’s home is where they feel safe, where they feel grounded, where they feel most comfortable to sharpen the proverbial ax to chop wood the next day. Many call the beach their home. Many have their home in the desert. And some claim their home in the rainforest. Each person is different, and I won’t get to “hippy” on you, but one’s home can be whatever they decide.
Home is where the sculptures are... For some. Also taken at Brewery Artwalk.
With all this being said, not everyone has the privilege of getting up and going wherever they please. Not all people can depart for a more interesting “home” each day or even "some day." But it is something worth exploring, either internally or in action.
My home is in my car. If I’m sleeping at my house where I pay rent, it’s parked just outside. But if I’m anywhere else, I have my tent and bedding to comfortably set up “home” wherever feels right. Fallbrook, CA? Bend, OR? Biloxi, MS? Tijuana?? Okay, we’re there.
After a while, we all want those familiar sheets. But your real home, your body, is where you are and where you live at all times. They say to “be comfortable in your own skin.” My advice is to not only be comfortable in it but to love it. And love your environment. Make yourself at home. Take your shoes off if you like. We’re all here.
Welcome home.
- 7Ply Epic
My home is in my car. If I’m sleeping at my house where I pay rent, it’s parked just outside. But if I’m anywhere else, I have my tent and bedding to comfortably set up “home” wherever feels right. Fallbrook, CA? Bend, OR? Biloxi, MS? Tijuana?? Okay, we’re there.
After a while, we all want those familiar sheets. But your real home, your body, is where you are and where you live at all times. They say to “be comfortable in your own skin.” My advice is to not only be comfortable in it but to love it. And love your environment. Make yourself at home. Take your shoes off if you like. We’re all here.
Welcome home.
- 7Ply Epic
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