off the grid

What do organic olives, decaying pianos and alternative energy have in common? Kim and Penny from the Wambyn Olive Farm in York, Western Australia can tell you.

In July of 2008 I visited their farm; or should I say world? Kim and Penny not only built their solar and wind powered house but embedded artifacts from their lives into the walls of the stone structure. The galvanized metal roof bounces much of Western Australia's blazing sun while the solar panels supply them with ample power. Wind also supplies power for their olive processing equipment and pumps.

Wambyn farm is located a couple hours north of Perth and is adjacent to a vast wild life preserve. Scattered throughout the rugged terrain are a collection of pianos that have been weathering for years. These "ruined pianos" were placed by Kim and a Western Australian based composer who annually records music on these decomposing instruments.

I hope you enjoy these photos, Kim and Penny are truly a Western Australian treasure.