I finally got the chance to revisit Joel’s palace.  Joel is a man who has spent over a decade building his home in the wild.  His hard work has been recognized by the authorities and census bureau alike.  

The palace is set into a bluff face, and is constantly expanding as Joel excavates dirt and stones from his surroundings.  He has an artesian spring near the rail road tracks where he gets his fresh water, and inside of his sleeping quarters he has dug a fridge into the sandstone which keeps his food at a respectable temperature for all seasons. 

“Joel’s Palace”
Completed Late 2011 - Photography Work - Shapes Industries

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine (pictured in the forth image) showed me a palace that a man named Joel had built over the last decade or so.  Joel’s palace is positioned alongside a bluff face, and has been his home ever since he started working on it. 

We both talked to Joel for awhile, and learned that his palace had not been built without hardships.  At one point, he was in threat of being “evicted” by the rail police, who combed the trails alongside the train tracks, and found encampments to break up and disperse.  Joel’s home was so impressive, that the police allowed him to continue living there without disturbance.

He remains there to this day, both during the winter and the summer.  Although he is one of the rare individuals who has claimed his own land and has built his own house there, he mentioned that he is often lonely, and has started inviting people up to chat.  

Amongst his few possessions are the trinkets he has found while digging out the cliff side, that he proudly displays along the wall.  After only a short visit, I can’t help but conclude that he’s gotten things figured out quite nicely for himself.

“Joel’s Palace”
Completed Mid 2011 - Photography Work - Shapes Industries