InfoSearched
Published -
- February 16, 2020
- 11:02 am
When Dan Price returned to his home state of Oregon in 1990 he was determined to avoid mortgages or rent (he and his family had just finished caretaking a mansion with a heating bill of $500/month).
He found an unused meadow in Joseph, Oregon and began renting it from his neighbors for $100/year (in exchange for cleaning downed trees and repairing fences).
In his meadow paradise, Price now also has an underground “hobbit hole” style home, as well as, a composting toilet, a propane-powered shower (using river water) and a pine wood propane sauna. He’s not hooked up to city water (he discovered a spring on the property), but he’s hooked up to the grid and it’s been approved by the county and city.
How does Dan Price’s artwork reflect his love of nature, simplicity, and social justice?
Dan Price’s underground home, art & philosophy on $5,000/year
Dan Price, a self-taught artist and philosopher, made headlines in 1990 when he decided to live in an underground home in rural Oregon. He built the home by hand using only a pickaxe and shovel and spent less than $100 to finish it. He was only 30 years old and had no job at the time. He planned everything with very little money, including meals which he would pick by himself in the woods, he based his new life on the principles of non-violence and simplicity.
Price, who grew up in a large family in Kentucky, had to give up a comfortable life to pursue his lifestyle philosophy. He firmly believed that reducing one’s reliance on money and materialism could improve their quality of life. His decision to live in an underground home was not just about saving money, but about taking control of his environment and living a more peaceful, self-sufficient life.
Price’s incredible art depicts his life philosophy in a unique way. His work reflects his love of nature, simplicity, and social justice. He sculpts intricate designs from recycled materials such as old oil cans and scrap metal to create pieces that are not only visually stunning, but also environmentally friendly. Most of his art is infused with his sense of humor and satire.
One of his most famous creations is a magazine he created called “The Ensign” which promotes the ideals of simpler living. It teaches readers how to live a life of self-reliance and creativity on a small budget. It also features his artwork, photos of his unique house, and articles that promote non-violent living.
Price’s underground house, with it’s custom built underwater tunnel, is a testament to his creativity and determination. The home was positioned in such a way as to maximise natural light, and temperature regulation as well as protection from the elements. The underground abode boasts of a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine which was powered by the sun, a shower, composting toilet, and a rudimentary heating system. Dan relied upon the land to supply all of his needs from a steady diet of nuts and berries to energy one could derive from the solar panels installed within the surroundings of his dwelling.
Price is an inspiration to many people who are tired of the rat-race and have lost touch with their sense of spirituality. He proves that it is possible to live a fulfilling life without money and material possession. His message is all about remaking oneself and the world around us in the image of greater simplicity, truthfulness, fairness and kindness.
In conclusion, Dan Price is an artist, philosopher and pioneer who has dared to push the boundaries of conventional living. His underground home, art and philosophy on $5,000/year remains an astonishing example of how to live creatively and practically with little or nothing. He proves that it is possible to live in sync with nature and the present moment in this fast paced world. His message to us is that we can all take small steps towards living a more harmonious life.
