Several artists live and create at
Rubel Castle in Glendora.
There's a fantastic print shop operated by Iris Porter.
Scott showed us how the press works. He and my husband John are speaking on this video.
There's a blacksmith. His name is Big John Lybrand and he "works with other interested amateurs on Saturdays," says Scott Rubel.
I couldn't resist messing with this photo of part of the anvil.
There's a musician. That would be
Craig Woods.
And sculptors. And a tile maker, Sandy Krause, who also lives at the Castle.
And many more. Artists have been part of the Castle since as early as the 1960's. In this large studio building there was so much, I didn't know what to look at. It's a wild and wonderful space.
There was much more to photograph and I took so many pictures! But you get the idea. Rubel Castle is a great place to visit, and you'll probably want to go more than once. Tours are by reservation only. You can make them at
the Castle's website.
Here's Scott Rubel, standing inside the real caboose that's an apartment at the Castle. Chickens, dogs and horses live just outside. Like I said, there was so much to photograph.
Thanks to everyone at the Castle for being so nice (
and for eating the donuts!). Special thanks to Scott Rubel for sharing his knowledge, and his memories of an amazing youth spent living and working in the family Castle.
10 comments:
Oh man, live in a caboose? That's the ultimate childhood fantasy (for children of all ages). Your photos are just charming.
Thanks. Got to get you out there, Karin.
This is a truly amazing place. I'm trying to imagine what it would be like to live there and interact with these artists and artisans on a daily basis...to feed off of their creativity!
That photo with the type made me go back to some days many years ago when I set type for a brief period of time. Speaking of time - it changes everything!
Thanks for sharing your photos and thanks so much for your commentary.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
The anvil closeup is my favourite. Merry Christmas to you!
I like that one, too, William, thanks. I have a couple of favorites in this post.
Merry Christmas to you, too!
Lowell, I've been trying to imagine it, too! It touches my hippie heart. Yes, I've still got it. Merry Christmas!
That's quite a place! Merry Christmas, Petrea.
Merry Christmas, Geoff! Stay warm out there by the water.
I had an graphic design instructor whose parents were printers in the days of movable type. Both deaf, he explained that it was a trade taught in hearing impaired schools. My instructor eventually acquired the family business (all the type and press). Just about the time Apple was getting a toehold into the business of everything. He took the materials and set up a hand press division through Art Center. Now everything moves so fast it makes me dizzy. Nice to step back into the past when you can.
PA, I thought of you a lot while I was there. You and Mr. V would love it.
Scott told us that fighters are often good at working the press because they're strong, and because their reflexes are fast so they don't get injured.
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