Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Perkins.
Hi Robert, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I own an off-grid home in the high mountain desert west of Zion National Park, a ten-minute walk into the Park’s un-crowded west side. After my wife died in a plane crash in 2013, I had no idea what to do with myself, or the property.
My resolve became to give back by opening our home as an unusual Airbnb. Unusual because it was our artist retreat and it opens onto exquisite views. Lazalu is a success because of its attention to detail and rustic elegance. It’s been called a hidden gem and is favorably compared to Amangiri, a larger five-star resort in Big Water, near Page.
Lazalu has the energy of an evolving artwork. In the coming year, I will publish my next book: When It’s Dark Enough You Can See The Stars. The book includes a portrait of my wife, Claire, who died too young to have her voice heard. Her poems are for women and about nature. Her book is on the web under the title: Dora and her name is Claire Clube.
I work as hard as I can to promote the arts and encourage tolerance. Next year, I will bring the singer/songwriter, Patty Griffin, to Lazalu for a concert. Stay tuned!
I’m often asked what Lazalu means. Once, watching a sunrise with Claire, I was complaining about the poverty of words to describe its beauty…… there should be a word that captures the essence of beauty beyond words. She said, there is one: Lazalu.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What excites me is that in our age, I can wear more than one hat. I was told growing up that you must choose! One medium, one path. I never wanted that.
I’ve had a 20-year career with PBS producing documentaries about rivers, nature, and cultures around the world. My most recent film is about the Colorado River. It’s on YouTube under its title: Blind Bird Singing Rain.
I’ve published half a dozen books, and have an equal body of paintings and prints. One project has been to illuminate the poems of poets I admire. This colorful work is on the web under my name and The Written Image.
I’ve recently exhibited bowls at a university museum in Chicago. There is a short piece on Youtube under Already Broken and my name.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Yes, I wish I’d known and appreciated that life in the arts is as much about relationships as it is about your work.
Also, something my grandmother often said: “Not by appointment do we meet delight.”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lazalu.com/
