Cobb Mountain Art and Ecology Project
I had the pleasure to be an AiR at Cobb from October 2022 - May 2023. Scott Parody is funny, generous and an excellent ceramic artist. It was a pleasure to get to know Scott and his family. The other residents during my time there were also lovely to get to know. The community Scott is building out there on Cobb Mountain is filled with excited, passionate folks. Passionate about wood-firing, food and of building each other up and the sharing of knowledge.
A huge highlight for any canine friend owner is that Cobb is very dog friendly, one might call it dog heaven. Scott himself owns a posse of five dogs, who are all very friendly and well trained. The property is vast with room for a dog to run, roll, jump, play and smell all about the mountain side.
I lived in the loft above the studio with 2 other residents and in January, a third moved in. There was additional housing in a resident house and two personal tiny-homes. With so many housing options, Cobb is able to host up to 8 or 9 residents at a time. The location is isolated, with the closest grocery store 20-30 minutes away through winding roads and down the mountain. This was inconvenient at times and with the gas prices so high, got to be pretty pricey. Some of my co-residents faced challenges in the search for part time jobs as businesses are sparse near Cobb, requiring 20+ minute commutes.
If you are a wine lover like me, Napa Valley and Sonoma is only an hour drive from Cobb. Outside of Napa, there are plenty of other vineyards that can be found locally.
The studio building was large and heated by a beautiful wood stove. Residents all had their own studio space, some private and some within communal spaces. Artists are required to bring the materials and tools they need with them and electric wheels are available to use.
It’s all hands on deck during large wood-firings which happen every two or three months. The kilns there are in good shape and unique to fire. Scott’s way of firing results in very colorful ash utilizing heavy reduction. If you are living in the loft, there will not be much personal time or space during these times, as the large, well equipped kitchen is used by the people on shift to fire and guests staying for the firing. The energy is positive and cheerful throughout the firing and new guests are welcomed into the community with ease.
At Cobb you can do work-exchange for cheaper rent. We would do wood prep for upcoming firings, maintain the land, gardens and studio, and whatever else needs doing at that time. The property is gorgeous, filled with trees, wildflowers and walking paths. Scott’s koi pond is also something to behold!
