Daydream
I've been daydreaming about a concept I call "Artist Cohousing" -- a group of artists living in community together and sharing resources. Not that this hasn't been done, but I haven't found such a community that I feel is right for me. Perhaps I will have to create one.
I borrow my vision from the European concept of cohousing, which is spreading throughout the United States, the experiments during the 1960s with intentional communities (also known as communes), and the American tradition of struggling artists grouped together in the least desirable parts of a city. But this will not be an artist ghetto. If those of us who own homes here in Southern California pooled our real estate resources, I think we could afford something quite nice.
I envision it as being semi-rural, but also near a large city, if that's even possible. It's my fantasy, and I can envision whatever I want! Naturally there has to be a Whole Foods Market nearby, unless we get really ambitious and decide to grow some or all of our food. I think between six and twelve artists, along with their significant others. Off the grid -- wind and solar power. A large piece of property with small separate homes for each of us, and a large shared studio space. Straw bale construction. Maybe other shared space, too, such as a common room, kitchen, and laundry facilities. There's the potential to share other resources, like vehicles and equipment. Need a van occasionally to haul paintings around, but don't want to own or rent a van? Use the community's van!
I would like to live with other people who share my interests and have a similar vision of being able to create a better world for ourselves. Are those people out there? Are you one of them?
I borrow my vision from the European concept of cohousing, which is spreading throughout the United States, the experiments during the 1960s with intentional communities (also known as communes), and the American tradition of struggling artists grouped together in the least desirable parts of a city. But this will not be an artist ghetto. If those of us who own homes here in Southern California pooled our real estate resources, I think we could afford something quite nice.
I envision it as being semi-rural, but also near a large city, if that's even possible. It's my fantasy, and I can envision whatever I want! Naturally there has to be a Whole Foods Market nearby, unless we get really ambitious and decide to grow some or all of our food. I think between six and twelve artists, along with their significant others. Off the grid -- wind and solar power. A large piece of property with small separate homes for each of us, and a large shared studio space. Straw bale construction. Maybe other shared space, too, such as a common room, kitchen, and laundry facilities. There's the potential to share other resources, like vehicles and equipment. Need a van occasionally to haul paintings around, but don't want to own or rent a van? Use the community's van!
I would like to live with other people who share my interests and have a similar vision of being able to create a better world for ourselves. Are those people out there? Are you one of them?
posted by Cassandra at 1:47 PM
3 Comments:
Mooney wants to know if well-behaved cats are allowed in your community?
Also, what could you offer to non-homeowners that would allow them to join your community?
Is Mooney an artist? Last time I checked, neither he nor you were pursuing art. You'll have to come in under the "significant other" clause, assuming you both stay in the good graces of an artist friend.
As for your question about non-homeowners . . . we could subsidize some rental units.
Check out this list and map of natural foods providers in your area, perhaps alternatives to the mega-store WFM.
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