Cindy Zimmerman

The religious tradition I grew up in told stories of saints and ascetics who went out in the desert to look for god. By means of narrative painting, I am making up my own religion, and the desert wanderer in my story is a particular version of Mary Magdalene. Recently she has absconded and I’m going to Desert Dairy to look for her.

In my long experience being an artist, I have made photos, paintings, parades, adobe monuments, and circuses, just to give a few examples. I have seven sisters, a couple of kids, some grandkids, a husband, friends, colleagues, and, well you get it, my life is crowded and full of distractions.

The last time I visited Desert Dairy, I was with a group of women, and we had some amazing experiences, Yet I knew I needed to come back, solo. To sustain my work, I need solitude, and permission. I know I can find that here, in this beautiful place and nurturing space.

​-Cindy Zimmerman

Click here to see Cindy's video, directed and edited by Ted Meyer.