SANTA YSABEL: James Hubbell's Santa Ysabel compound recognized

By GARY WARTH - Staff Writer | Sunday, September 21, 2008 5:08 PM PDT ∞

SANTA YSABEL ---- If you live in North County, chances are you've seen the artwork of James Hubbell.

Now that his Santa Ysabel studios and residence have been named a historical site and placed in the hands of a foundation, another part of Hubbell's legacy will be preserved for generations.

"It was a tremendous honor for the Historic Sites Board to recommend approval for his property to the local register and have him attend the hearing," said Glenn Russell, interim deputy director of the County Department of Land Use, which placed the property on the register this month.

Most people do not survive to see their homes designated as historical, but the Hubbell art compound, a blend of elements and styles described by board members as "magical," was a natural choice for the county register despite its relatively young age, Russell said. Hubbell had asked for the recognition himself.

"It was an obvious thing to do," Hubbell said about seeking recognition for the property, which is owned by the Ilan-Lael Foundation he formed in 1982. "It gives people who are donors some confidence that it's going to stay around."

Seeking a site both tranquil and inspiring, Hubbell moved to the quiet hillside overlooking Santa Ysabel's rolling hillsides about 50 years ago with his wife, Anne. The couple raised four boys on the property, which eventually included eight stunningly unique buildings that defined a style at once abstract yet organic.

Smooth adobe and concrete walls and roofs curve like nautilus shells; mosaic tiles wind like a flowing stream across a floor or form pictures of peacocks and a mythical fire bird; and stained glass adorns skylights and windows.

Hubbell's flowing style is immediately recognizable. It can be seen in several areas: in a long-standing sculpture at Palomar College, in Pacific Rim Park on Shelter Island and the new Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Interpretive Center built by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Asked if there is a name for his style, however, the modest artist just smiles and shrugs.

According to the county, his style is a leading example of "Modern Organic Architecture," described as a movement that features nature-inspired forms.

Russell said the Hubbell compound is the 39th site the Department of Planning and Land Use has approved for the Local Register of Historic Resources since the Historic Sites Board was established in 2002. The registry also includes the Bonsall Schoolhouse, Ramona Town Hall, and the Masonic Cemetery and Oddfellows Cemetery in Fallbrook.

Russell said the recommendation for the compound's historical status came not just because of the buildings themselves, but because of Hubbell. One of the register's criteria for recognition is an association with someone important to the history of San Diego.

At 77, Hubbell works in his studio every day except Tuesdays, when he visits clients.

"These big rings are for a courtyard in a home in Point Loma," Hubbell said, walking through his workshop devoted to metal work.

About half of Hubbell's work is for private clients, but he is much in demand for public work. Just six months ago, he was asked to draft a new version of the Oceanside Bandshell, although he said he does not think the project will be built.

On Sept. 26, Hubbell will attend a reception, scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m., marking the 10th anniversary of the San Diego Pacific Rim Park on Shelter Island. Hubbell designed other Pacific Rim parks built in China, Mexico and Russia, and more are planned in the Philippines and South Korea.

Hubbell's compound includes his home, a custom swimming pool, the house where his sons lived, studios where his contracted workers and interns help create his work, and storage areas that hold artwork in media ranging from cut glass to cast bronze.

Somehow, Hubbell is finding the time to learn the flute, and just last week he completed his latest work, a ringed metal sculpture that will be part of an exhibit of his work at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery from Oct. 11-Nov. 23.

Hubbell said that while he is not ready to retire from working on projects yet, he is working to make sure his compound remains around long after he dies. He has formed the Ilan-Lael Foundation, which now owns his compound, and the James Hubbell Endowment Campaign, with a goal of raising $5 million.

With funding for the endowment, he said he hopes to keep the compound an active studio for future artists and a place that can serve as a retreat for certain groups. He does not want it turned into a museum, but does hold an open house for visitors every Father's Day.

"Trust life," he said about his outlook on the world. "Life is on our side. But we act as if we're at war with it."

Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com.