The Neighborhood News Online

Synchronicity L.A. An Intentional Living Community

Details

Category: Community News

Published on Friday, 09 April 2010 21:22

Written by Renee Montgomery

West Adams’ large affordable homes naturally lend themselves to cooperative living units

Behind the Tibetan banners of a Harvard Heights craftsman house, live the members of  a growing movement called “intentional communities” – groups living communally under a unified mission.  By pooling resources, such
collectives provide a haven for creative individuals to nurture their talent and draw inspiration from each another   The eight-bedroom house dubbed Synchronicity L.A., is home to 12 artists, musicians, writers, educators and social workers sharing the common goal of reducing harm to others.   In commune style, the group divides the rent, chores, meals, and studio spaces.  At a bi-weekly salon, feedback is offered for creative projects.

Residents collaborate in joint projects too.  House-mate Marla Sabicer, a nurse at Children’s Hospital, writes on the group’s website about treating swine flu with illustrations by artist Lisa Solomon. Explains Sabicer, the Synchronicity house was established in October 2008 to address “the need for closer human interaction than one achieves living alone and to counteract the waste that comes with individual living.” Also posted online are several model DIY projects using natural products for recipes.  One room in the house is set aside solely for “hospitality” – as temporary housing for short term guests, such as art interns.  The front yard was developed as part of the Westside Permiculture “100 Gardens of Gratitude” program.

Meanwhile a few doors down, writer Fletcher Kauffman is establishing another communal household. Drawing certain elements from Synchronicity, Kauffman hopes to attract a more mainstream audience, in particular, individuals more advanced in their careers or contributing some business or management job experience.  Communal areas of the house will be used by freelancers for office purpose. West Adams’ large affordable homes naturally lend themselves to cooperative artist units.

Share

Tweet

• < Prev
• Next >