Field Trip: Phoenix

My annual holiday sojourn to the Sonoran Desert always brings a bounty of inspiration. It’s a place that’s near and dear to my heart. From architectural sites like Cosanti by “arcologist”/architect Paolo Soleri and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Biltmore Hotel, to the Heard Museum of indigenous arts, to simply taking time to rest and listen to the desert birds flying between the saguaro cacti while sitting on a giant quartz rock, it’s always a good time. Below are some moments that were captured on film which brought me true joy. Come follow along on the journey…

A desert oasis in Phoenix at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Truly #blessed to get to stay there and relax.

A stunning architectural moment courtesy of Frank Lloyd Wright and protege Albert Chase McArthur, at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Their use of cast concrete bricks really inspires me. Also, how about those desert skies?

There are 19 "Solemn Sprite" statues sprinkled around the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptor Alfonso Iannelli. Considered to be embodiments of the spirit of Gaia, they are believed to be the guardians of the land where the Biltmore sits, watching over and protecting the property.

My friend Kate (who accompanied me for the 2nd half of the trip) and I charging ourselves on giant quartz rocks in the desert ;)

Post-quartz-charging glow selfie

A fire horse to carry us into the Year of the Fire Horse, courtesy of the Heard Museum and sculptor Houser

Floating along… sculpture over the backdrop of an iconic mid-century modern apartment building, at the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix (artist unknown)

Checking out artworks by well-known 1960s-80s Phoenix artist Dick Seeger, who was an old friend of my mother’s, at Red Modern

Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti, an experimental architectural project intended to be the architect’s home and studio, which began in 1956. Today artists still stay and work on-site to help cast the organization’s signature metal and clay bells. Cosanti was known for favoring innovative "earth-casting" techniques to create organic, concrete structures that integrated with the natural landscape.

Portals and bells at Cosanti

Details at Cosanti

Peering into the studio at Cosanti

Thanks for voyaging! Onwards and upwards :)