Editor’s Note Welcome Fall! As the hot breath of September winds its way through the Joshua Trees near Kessler Peak the campers at Hole in the Wall enjoy their last days under the canopy of the milky- way and the dunes of Kelso prepare for the long cool nights of winter we here at The Desert Light Gallery open another amazing exhibition. “Shimmering Sky” by Gerard Burkhart Photo: Cedar Rest - Bob Killen a well known street photographer and master of portraiture has employed his talents for his first landscape project here at Mojave. The results are stunning. Urban landscapes melt into the desert. Familiar scenes of pollution rising from industrial complexes are replaced by rain clouds dissipating across the barren desert floor. Street lamps are replaced by starburst strobes and the boca lights, familiar to any night photographer, are remedied colorless in cholla cactus. The show is sure to please. Also in this issue, Norman Schwartz revisits his Artist in residency with two images of the Kelso Dunes and a stunning portrait of a cinder cone. Bob Killen provides us with a review of Amir Moshfegh’s exhibition “Essence of the Dunes.” The exhibition was a great success. Prints are still available while they last. Finally, work continues on the O.X. Ranch. Bob will have a full debrief in our next issue. Solar Power is working, water is hooked up and most of the cosmetic issues have been repaired. We are looking forward to hosting many Artists in Residence in the years to come. You can join in the donation drive by clicking here: mojaveair.org You’ll find me under a wandering star. Peace. The Desert Light The Magazine of Mojave National Preserve Artist Foundation EDITOR IN CHIEF: Tom Lowe ART DIRECTOR: Melody Duque ON LINE: Elisabeth Hewlett PHOTO EDITOR: Joe Raggin MOJAVE NATIONAL PRESERVE ARTIST FOUNDATION 310 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701 WHO WE ARE The Mojave National Preserve Artist Foundation is a Not- for-Profit Corporation dedicated to supporting the Artists in Residence Program (AIR), and the restoration of the Kousch Homestead, a future home for artists creating work in Mojave National Preserve. MAKE A DIFFERENCE The Mojave National Preserve Artists Foundation is an all- volunteer organization dedicated to the development of the arts within Mojave National Preserve. When you make a donation, you make a difference, contributing funds that will help restore our new artist’s residence, the historic Kousch Homestead, expanding arts on the Mojave National Preserve, and enabling us to present exhibits that educate, entertain, and inform through the work of gifted artists. WHAT WE DO The Foundation provides programs to encourage diverse artistic interpretations from emerging growth and seasoned artists to pursue themes that will establish a continuum of understanding for the public regarding the land, history, atmosphere, and the many visual communities of Mojave National Preserve. HOW TO DONATE Contribute today by going to https:// www.mojaveair.org/ contribute or send your tax deductible donation check to Mojave National Preserve Artists Foundation, 310 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701 EDITORIAL MISSION The Desert Light fosters an appreciation of the contributions and work of artists who participate in thematic projects for Mojave National Preserve. The magazine uses the power of imagery and language to forge a lasting bond between MNPAF members, readers, while inspiring new readers in our efforts to develop art in national Parks and to complete the Kousch Homestead Restoration Mission. HOW TO REACH US On line: [email protected] Phone: (562) 665-7472 Mail: Mojave National Preserve Artists Foundation 310 W. 5th St., 2nd Floor Santa Ana, CA 92701 Tom [email protected] Sept/Oct 2018 | THE DESERT LIGHT 3