The artist at home
La Jolla Historical Society
June 17 - September 3, 2023
For centuries, the private spaces of artists have sparked fascination, promising a portal into the genesis of creativity itself. Frequently, the lines between life and art blur in an artist’s home. The architecture of the artist’s home is engineered to support the creative process, and results in unexpected and highly original interior and landscape design.
The exhibition The Artist at Home, presented by the La Jolla Historical Society, invites viewers into the studio and domestic spaces of artists from throughout San Diego and Baja California through partial reconstructions and reimagining of their studios, original photography, as well as images of historic artist homes from across the country. Curated by La Jolla Historical Society Executive Director, Lauren Lockhart, and Independent Curator, Joey Herring, the exhibition explores how these spaces influence artistic production and collaboration, and what they reveal about the modes of living and being as an artist. Original artist projects by Irène de Watteville, Jean Lowe and Kim MacConnel, and irmaSofia Poeter will transport viewers to their private spaces, and playfully explore the history of Wisteria Cottage as a residence.
Herring photographically documented artists’ homes and studios from San Diego and Baja California, including those of Beliz Iristay, Einar and Jamex De la Torre, Johnny “Bear” Contreras, Marisol Rendón and Ingram Ober. Herring’s photographs reveal a stunning range of sites where creativity is housed and nurtured throughout the region.
Additionally, on view will be historic images and stories of La Jolla’s crucibles of creativity including the Green Dragon Colony, and key historic figures from La Jolla’s artistic community. Finally, the exhibition will consider the value of preserving and interpreting artist’s homes and studios and share examples of these efforts through a collaboration with the Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios (HAHS) program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
