Fi Connors and her partner, the ‘Brunette’ took a road trip across the US to visit the startlingly original artist Delmas Howe in his studio to find out just what inspires his unique genius. It would prove to be the perfect example of why you should meet your idols. Photographs courtesy of Michael Winkler, art work by Delmas.

It’s a hot day setting out for Truth Or Consequences.

Yes, you read that name right - we are on the road barreling towards this distant, oddly named town in New Mexico, our hair blowing in the wind. As an homage to AA Gills’ Blonde, my partner - the Brunette is sitting on the air conditioned seat beside me… with every window in the jeep down. She is way too excited, her eyes glued to the road, laughing off the ‘leaping deer’ roadsigns, driving ever so increasingly “gently” over the speed limit.

We are late, and on our way to meet one of her art heroes for tea and a chat. Well, coffee and a chat.

This IS America after all.

The desert has a strange feeling of being almost dream-like in the way sand meets sky. It is arresting, disorientating and profoundly calming all at once. As the hours pass we feel horizon-tipsy, then horizon-drunk. This trip to Truth Or Consequences is not borne out of madness. And yes, before we even begin with the wonderment that is this interview, here are some quirky facts to do with this approaching location;