BRIAN MCCUTCHEON Native

2016

Native is an overturned Desert Fan Palm, chosen as a symbol of the region and the people who inhabit the harsh landscape. This palm is the only native Southern California palm. It is extremely hardy and has been used by people since the area was first inhabited. The native Cahuilla people ate the fruit and used the leaves to make sandals, roofs and baskets. Despite the palm tree’s contemporary image as a symbol of relaxation and ease, the palm survives extreme dry, heat, and cold; it is as tough as those who chose to settle and remain in the region. This varied demographic of resident is best described by Joan Didion who is also from the Inland Empire: “Here is where the hot wind blows and the old ways do not seem relevant. Here is the last stop for all those who come from somewhere else, for all those who drifted away from the cold and the past and the old ways.” The Inland Empire has produced many punk and alternative bands including Frank Zappa. A monument to this community necessarily needed to be at least a little irreverent. See more on Brian McCutcheon's website.