Emile Norman’s home is a living testament to more than half a century of art making in the wilds of Big Sur, California.
Throughout his life Emile infused his creativity into every utilitarian aspect of his home, resulting in an experience of total integration of art and life. Emile’s incredible breadth of work, which includes decorative arts as well as fine arts and craft, evolved from his deep understanding and regard for the ecology of Big Sur, formed over the sixty years he spent living and working there from 1946 until 2009. Fortunate visitors gain an experience like no other, a full integration of art and life married with the awesome richness of nature that is Big Sur.
The Vision
As we look to what the future holds for Emile’s legacy, we recognize the Emile Norman House as the ideal place for an artist residency and art center in Big Sur. Not only does his home represent an inspiring place from which artists could be invited to work, Emile Norman’s legacy presents rich historic and cultural contributions which beg to be understood and communicated. His life’s work is an integral part of Big Sur’s cultural heritage. Emile perfectly exemplified the challenging balance of artistic vision, relation to place, and work ethic; setting the cornerstones of what can now further evolve into a dynamic creative center, supporting artists in Big Sur and beyond, and fulfilling Emile’s vision past his own well lived lifetime.
The Home
In 1946, almost one decade after the completion of Highway One through Big Sur, Emile and his partner Brooks Clement, travelled north on Highway 1 from LA thinking they would go all the way to Mendocino, but they fell in love with Big Sur, and soon after moved there and began constructing their home on a 120 acre parcel on Pfieffer Ridge, which was sold to them by Florence Pfieffer. Every part of the home and its contents; every table, counter, piece of furniture, wall and floor were inlaid with wood, glass, copper nails, stone, or mosaic. The house received from Emile the same amount of attention as his sculptures, and some consider it to be his greatest work of art.
The Residency
It was Emile’s final wish to allow his home to serve to support future generations of artists so that it may continue to inspire beyond his lifetime. The Emile House offers space for three artist in residence to live on a termed rotating basis. In addition there exists a large working studio space, woodshop, and outdoor work area. Emile had a passion for music, specifically Bach, and had also hoped to support musicians. A magnificent custom wood inlaid Baroque organ is also available and lives on the main level of the home which saw the heights of Emile and Brooks much anticipated parties and concerts.
Public Offerings
Education happens by reaching out to a wider community. Our approach extends beyond preservation and supporting artists in residence. Emile’s home offers important insights into historic and cultural relevant art as it intersects with art making in California over many years. We aim to foster an invaluable public dialogue through various public programing such as sensitively guided tours, member events, and exhibitions and performances in collaboration with local and non-local partnerships,
I believe in whatever I’m working on…it’s a love affair. The idea consumes me. Once the piece is finished, it no longer possesses me nor does it satisfy me. I have to go ahead to the next inspiration. What I have learned from the last piece I have completed, I apply to the next creation.
— Emile Norman
Contact
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Email
emilenormanhouse@gmail.com