On Rattlesnake Hill – personal encounters with Heinz von Foerster at home

Purpose The article provides an in-depth memoir/compilation of many visits and discussions between Professor Frank Galuszka (past president of the American Society for Cybernetics) and Dr Christina Waters, with their friend and colleague Heinz von Foerster. These visits took place at the von Foerster family home in the hills above Pescadero, California, offering a glimpse into the natural environment in which Heinz von Foerster’s late work evolved and the spirit of community that encouraged open-minded thinking and deeper reflection. Design/methodology/approach Through interview and original artworks (on-site paintings and intaglio portrait), we report from our visit to von Foerster’s domestic household on Rattlesnake Hill in 1999, including visual art created on location and a conversation with him. Findings Rattlesnake Hill presented itself as an idyllic setting where art, science and philosophy were invited to interact, thrive and endure, reflecting and sustaining the salon cultures fostered formally and informally by the households of his grandparents, parents and extended family. Originality/value This is the first time that Christina Waters’ complete and unabridged interview is made accessible to the public. The personal account of the visit to von Foerster’s home and visual art included allow for a unique kind of observation which is essential to cybernetics.