Archive * No. 006: Oil, Prints, and Pasta

This issue features homemade Desert Rose oil, Gustave Baumann prints found on eBay, and a simple pasta recipe from my grandma.

EBAY OBSESSIONS

✦ Gustave Baumann Art Prints

I love hunting for art on eBay, especially high quality prints from fine artists. They’re usually printed on beautiful paper with rich color and detail, and they look great framed. I almost always thrift my frames too, which makes it feel extra satisfying (and affordable). There’s something really special about owning a small piece of work from an artist you love. Here are a few I’m eyeing right now.

Pelican Rookery | Pines Grand Canyon | Superstition Mountain

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SOURCE MATERIAL

✦ Gustave Bauman

I first discovered Gustave Baumann in art school, and his work has stuck with me since. He was a fine artist and influential block printer of the early 1900s. Born in Germany, but found his home in the American Southwest, his works often depict western landscapes and everyday scenes with a timeless touch. Prints are full of color, texture, and a lil nostalgia.

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IN THE WORKS

✦ Desert Rose Oil

This week I made a batch of body oil, inspired by the idea of blending the two places that mean the most to me - Joshua Tree and Oceanside. They have contrasting energies, but both feel like home. I wanted to create something that captured the contrast and connection using plants from both our properties.

I paired roses came from our garden in Oceanside with creosote leaves I gathered in Joshua Tree. Creosote is such a defining scent of the desert, it’s the smell that comes after rain, earthy and ancient.

I combined the petals and leaves in a carrier oil and let it sit in the sun for a solar infusion. This process allows the plants to release their properties gently, and the sun adds its own warmth and energy.

Rose is known for its calming, hydrating, and heart-opening qualities. Creosote brings antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, and has been used in traditional medicine for generations.

The result is a grounding, subtly floral oil that holds both landscapes at once. I am super happy with it and made little labels with my Cricut to complete the project.

It smells like the desert meeting the sea.

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HOUSE SPECIALS

✦ Parsley and Lemon Pasta

My grandma and I used to make a version of this when I was younger. Great for a summer night. A big bunch of fresh parsley from her garden, good olive oil, lemon zest, and a mountain of shaved parmesan. Bright, herbaceous, and full of comfort.

Parsley and Lemon Pasta (inspired by a memory, and probably Ina Garten)

INGREDIENTS

Main Dish
– 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
– 1 large bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
– Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
– ½ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
– 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat

TOOLS
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Microplane or zester
– Mixing bowl
– Tongs or pasta spoon

PREP
– Finely chop parsley and zest the lemon. Grate the parmesan. Set aside.
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

COOK / ASSEMBLE
– Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine parsley, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and cheese.
– Add the hot pasta to the bowl and toss to coat, adding pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and coats the noodles.

SERVING
Serve warm or room temp. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Good on its own or alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.

YIELDS
– Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side.

STORAGE

Keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or oil. Best fresh, but still good as a cold lunch the next day.

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NOTES TO SELF

Don’t let one hour ruin your other 24 <3