Leonard Knight - a photo on Flickriver

Leonard Knight

Driving up to Salvation Mountain, I was anxious. I was afraid that we'd either be treated as hostile interlopers or that we'd find some mad evangelist who'd try to stamp a crucifix on our foreheads (metaphorically speaking) before we left. In Leonard Knight, I found neither. He was warm, outgoing, friendly and incredibly happy. He didn't try to push his message at all. Of course, everything on this mountain of his already does that, so he doesn't need to. Instead, he is an incredibly gracious host, welcoming everyone on to his land, inviting them to crawl all over his creation, answering every question posed to him. While I am not completely comfortable with his message, it is humbling and moving being in the presence of someone so completely one with his life's work. He's clearly pleased with the attention and the fame this has garnered him, although he's careful to correct himself when he says it's good for him, saying instead that it's good for God and His message. What isn't clear from the postcards of the place or the DVD he gives away freely or even the snaps we all take of the place is how good it feels to be there. Leonard is a truly happy man, doing his life's work. He is living his dream. It's hard, primitive living but he's doing it without compromise and the sense of inner joy and peace he radiates is contagious. We should all be so lucky.

Intending to just stop by on our way to Slab City, we ended up staying for over two hours, watching other groups come and go while took our time, reluctant to leave. Leonard actually let a couple of us visitors help paint the top of the mountain, which I was initially afraid to do but glad I actually did. It was incredibly hard work and all I was doing was putting down a base coat; no artistry involved. After 20 minutes or so, I felt like my back was breaking. Leonard just kept at it, telling me I was doing a good job over and over again. Of course, he couldn't remember who I was for more than a few moments at a time, so that might have been why he was so forthcoming with his praise.

This was the last frame on the roll, taken after painting with Leonard and subsequently dropping the Holga. Dropping the Holga was a mixed blessing. I'd not have thought to retake Leonard's portrait if I hadn't discovered the bulb switch was set to ON when I checked the camera over, but dropping the camera got dirt all over the film, which prevented the spots behind the dirt from getting exposed to the light. Never mind. Leonard's pure joy is clear and I think that's all that really matters.

Salvation Mountain, Salton Sea/Slab City, CA

salvationmountain.us

Taken on: April 13, 2009

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