Emile Norman’s home is a living testament to half a century of creating art in the wilds of Big Sur, California.
Emile lived in Big Sur from 1946 until 2009. His incredible breadth of work, which includes decorative arts as well as fine arts and craft, evolved out of his deep connection to the vibrant ecology of the Central Coast. Emile’s artistry has been infused into every aspect of his life and home. Fortunate visitors gain an experience like no other, a full integration of life and art married to the magnificent richness of nature that is Big Sur.
The Vision
As we look to what the future holds for Emile’s legacy, we see his home as the ideal place to realize an artist residency and Arts Foundation in Big Sur. Not only does his home represent an inspiring place from which artists will be invited to work, Emile Norman’s life 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’s perfectly balanced artistic vision, work ethic, and relation to place, illuminate a way of being in the world. He set the cornerstones that we are now building upon to support artists in Big Sur and beyond.
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 and as the story goes, fell in love with Big Sur. Soon after moving there, they began constructing their home in 1952, on a 120 acre parcel on Pfeiffer Ridge, which was sold to them by Florence Pfeiffer herself. 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 it is considered 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. ENAF is currently developing plans so that In the future, The Emile Home will offer space for artists to be in residence, to live and work on an rotating and ongoing basis. In addition to living space, there exists a large working studio, woodshop, and outdoor work area. Emile had a passion for music, specifically Bach, and had also dreamed to support musicians. A magnificent custom wood inlaid Baroque organ is also available to be played and lives on the main level of the home which saw the heights of Emile and Brooks much anticipated parties and concerts.
Public Offerings
Emile’s work offers invaluable insights into historic and cultural relevant themes as it intersects with art making in California over many decades. We aim to foster public dialogue through various public programing such as seasonal member events, 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