The Zen feeling at Big River Farm comes from many influences: the deep quiet of the huge second growth trees, the intention of the community that built the buildings, the sound of the wind and the splendid passing of the seasons marked by the flowering/fruiting trees of the orchards. This is a wonderful place to create art.

The Story of Big River Farm and the MendoZendo

The MendoZendo was the original meditation and gathering place for the Zen Buddhist community that built the Japanese inspired buildings at Big River Farm. The Butsu, my studio, has a sign over the door spelled out in twigs that says Namu Kie Butsu, which means I take refuge in the Buddha. Creating art here, while looking out the tall windows into the forest, brings me peace. The inspiration of the giant redwood trees & flowers of the orchard are painted on canvas or carved into wood or linoleum blocks. The moon rises over the Barn and sets in the opening behind my studio, framed by the trees. Down the hill, the magnificent Pacific Ocean is always changing, bringing shells and driftwood to the beaches, birds dancing along the shore, and hiding the underwater kelp forests that can only be experienced by diving. Big River Farm is my muse. What more does an artist need?

Debra Lennox, owner, architect, artist.