Seven days at a budding commune for artists, queers and creative types was just what I needed. The Appalachian Institute for Jurassic Being and Nothingness (or as it’s more commonly called, “Sassafras”) is a remote outpost nestled in a hidden valley dense with deciduous trees, a forest that inspires much greater botanical mystery than California’s clinical gymnospermous palms. Between mountain hikes, photo shoots, waterfall watering holes, thrift store raids, and a delicious potluck at the nearby radical faerie commune, the beauty and seclusion of the Institute for the first time in a long while allowed me to focus my creative thinking away from the Internet and all of its trappings, towards more fulfilling endeavors.

Sassafras’ awesomely inspiring permanent residents Benjy, Rya and Layard have my eternal gratitude for opening their home to me and my fellow house guests. Check out my pictures from the trip after the jump for a brief glimpse of life on the commune!

Luke shooting Mary-Ann in Benjy’s amazing mirror-room.

Filmmaker Daniel Rehnberg sleeping soundly despite the barrage of camera flashes.

Benjy sporting David Toro and Solomon Chase’s amazing reflective eyebrows.

Supermodel Rya wakes up with the local Maine Coon in her bed.

Daniel Rehnberg is a collar-popper.

David Toro.

Benjy Russell: Hillbilly Descending a Staircase.

Dancer Layard in the midst of planning an upcoming barn party.

David and Solomon playing with watercolor.

Alexa Shapiro in a felt hat.

What a beardo!

The “thank you cake” Alexa and I made… it says “666?”

The trapeze!

The scintillating candlelit Back Barn.

Julie Aurora dancing with fire.