Dedicated to those who lost everything in the Altadena fires.

The NOMAD epitomizes the intersection of my inside and outside realms. As my traveling home, NOMAD has facilitated the creation of unique residences in urban and rural places that otherwise might not have the infrastructure to host an artist. As a functional work of art, the NOMAD is a nurturing oasis where I can dream. Because dreaming is the seed of my creativity, my home is that space.

Outside of the sanctuary of my small mobile dwelling, the outdoors becomes my studio. As an assemblage artist, finding objects within a site happens spontaneously; where all materials can become a medium that speaks to that time and place. And the storyteller within me will express that narrative, often within the public view.

This dynamic has inspired people to become part of the process. Collecting and washing bottles, finding sticks and rocks, and salvaging an old window is not always what people associate with art making, but transforming something into beauty is deeply understood. Memories are embedded in objects; they remind us of something we may have lost and then found again.

Altadena was the place where this journey began—where both the land and people are now intertwined into my narrative of the NOMAD. I was introduced to this community by the late renowned Assemblage artist, John Outterbridge, where I met the folks at Zorthian Ranch, Side Street Projects and Funky Junk Farms…just a few of the large diverse arts community who live in Altadena.

And now just a few weeks ago wildfires consumed the familiar places, welcoming homes and creative livelihoods of many of my friends in that neighborhood. In the wake of this fire, having NOMAD at Freeze LA is not only a dedication to its story of home but to the artists and community that have lost so much in this devastating firestorm. At an event like Frieze LA that celebrates art, it’s also a catalyst for the support of the artist community in Altadena, because they are the spirit of our creative experiences today.

— Dominique Moody

Please consider making contributions to the following GoFundMe links to those who supported the NOMAD:

Outterbridge Family Archive (Tami Outterbridge)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-southern-california-fire-victims

Zorthian Ranch (Alan Zorthian)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-zorthian-ranch

Side Street Projects (Director Emily Hopkins)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-emily-hopkins-and-jon-lapointe-recover

Funky Junk Farms (Johnny Agnew)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuild-funky-junk-farms-help-johnny-and-yipsy

Grief and Hope

The Artists-led non-profit who provides direct funds and assistance to those who have been impacted by the fire.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-the-lives-of-las-artists-and-art-workers