The Ilan-Lael Foundation, home and studio of artist James Hubbell, is one of those rare places where art, architecture, and landscape feel inseparable. Tucked into the hills of Santa Ysabel, the property unfolds as a series of sculptural spaces built largely by hand, where stone walls curve organically and stained glass catches the shifting light. Walking through Ilan-Lael feels less like visiting a single artwork and more like stepping inside a living philosophy about how humans can build in harmony with nature.
Today, the site is preserved as a nonprofit cultural foundation that hosts tours, educational programs, and gatherings that continue Hubbell’s mission of connecting art, nature, and community. Photographing there felt especially meaningful for my practice, which often responds to the forms, textures, and spirit of the spaces I work within. My collaborator and friend, photographer Angela Garzon, was visibly moved as we explored the grounds together. There was an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity, but also something deeply emotional in realizing this wasn’t just an artistic vision, it was James Hubbell’s home, the place where he raised his family and lived out the ideas reflected in every wall and window. That personal imprint made the experience feel intimate and human, and our shoot became less about documentation and more about responding to the spirit of a place shaped by a life lived through art.
I’ve been a longtime admirer of Hubbell’s work, often seeking out his public pieces throughout San Diego over the years. His sculptures and architectural elements quietly shape the spaces they inhabit, and I’ve always been drawn to how naturally they belong to their surroundings. Being able to experience Ilan-Lael felt with private access to the property and meeting the people who now care for and steward this remarkable space made the moment even more meaningful. It was inspiring to see how Hubbell’s spirit continues to live on through the community dedicated to keeping this place alive. Creating imagery here truly felt like the shoot of a lifetime, and I feel deeply honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to work in such a special place.
All Photos: Create with Gusto
Visit here for information on this amazing space: Ilan Lael Foundation
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