There's something truly captivating about repurposing discarded trash for a greater purpose, and it seems to ignite people's enthusiasm across this vast land, especially within the distinctive confines of the desert. Is it the scorching heat that fuels this creative ingenuity? Maybe some strange airborne toxin eluding from local cacti that gets people to think “Hey, that broken kiddie pool would be a great addition to this giant statue's eyes”? Whatever it is, we've witnessed this artistry in bottle form at Elmer's Bottle Ranch, and now, scattered across the blistering sands of Joshua Tree, stands an open-air museum showcasing massive art pieces crafted from 100% recycled junk.
A classic Joshua Tree curiosity that has stirred excitement and captivated visitors for years, this ingenious transformation of abandoned materials into sculptures can all be traced back to one man, the individual whose namesake graces the area: Noah Purifoy.
It's epic.
Fucking epic.
Every piece of discarded ANYTHING has been used to make these wacky sculptures. You've got used cars, barrels, sheet metal, old sinks, and broken televisions.
Now, if we were to pick the MVP material of this creative ensemble, a surprising yet undeniably majestic contender emerges – the humble toilet. Yes, this place boasts an abundance of them, more than you'd find in, well, a toilet factory (forgive the slow day on the jokes). It appears that bathroom breaks held a special place in Mr. Purifoy's heart, and his homage to the porcelain goddess is nothing short of extraordinary.
Yet, it's not a case of someone haphazardly grabbing a bunch of junk and sticking it together. These sculptures exhibit supreme quality, clearly reflecting the work of an artist who knew their craft. I would even go so far as to argue that in the realm of desert trash art, this collection takes the cake. Each piece stands as a testament to Noah Purifoy's artistic prowess, transforming neglected items into a symphony of creativity in the heart of the arid landscape.
HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?
Born in Alabama in 1917, long before Joshua Tree came calling, Noah started his illustrious art career by teaching high school students in the area before joining the Navy and being deployed during WWII.
After the war, Purifoy found his way to Los Angeles, where he was chosen as the first director of the Watts Towers Art Center, deepening his understanding of art, sculpting, and culture on the West Coast. Over the years, Noah accumulated some impressive credentials, becoming a founding member of the California Arts Council, earning art degrees, and participating in numerous high-level exhibits. Like many artists before him, Noah was forced to leave Los Angeles in 1989, at the ripe age of 72, due to the rising cost of living and having little to no money to his name. He ultimately found his way to Joshua Tree, 140 miles east of LA, where ten acres of desert canvas awaited him to create what would become his life's masterpiece.
Combing through swap meets, recycling plants, and bartering with locals, Noah began collecting the trash that would become the base for his 50+ desert sculptures. He worked solo for over a decade, building incessantly with little to no assistance until becoming wheelchair-bound in 1999. With assistance from some friends during his last years, Noah continued to create art until his death in 2004.
