Hey guys! I hope you all had an incredible winter break and got some well deserved rest before our next semester starts! Over winter break I was lucky enough to travel to Los Angeles, California, to visit one of my best friends! My trip was absolutely amazing! I got to see the Hollywood Sign, go to Santa Monica Pier, see the Walk Of Fame, visit The Grove, go to Disneyland, see Rodeo Drive, go to the beach in Malibu, see the Pacific Ocean, meet the most incredible people, and so much more!
As I’m sure all of you know, Los Angeles, as well as many other cities and towns in California, suffered from some of the worst wildfires in history, just days after I returned home. So many of the places I visited, the sights I loved seeing, and the activities I participated in, no longer exist. Homes, businesses, wildlife, and so much history, have all been scorched and destroyed.
Thankfully, my best friend’s apartment complex was spared in the fires. She returned home safely after her evacuation with no damage or loss. This is obviously not the case for many people residing in these areas. This entire disaster has caused me to reflect and think deeply about the trauma inflicted on thousands of individuals. That’s where I see Art Therapy coming into play. After disasters such as this one, Art Therapists are often sent in to aid in recovery efforts. I know that this will help so many people in their healing processes. Obviously, Art Therapy will not rebuild or recreate things lost in the fires, but it will help individuals process the trauma and grief they are experiencing.
I recently began a project inspired by this devastating event. (When it is completed, I will share pictures) The concept of the piece is a black line down the center of the canvas, dividing it into two halves of a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The half on the left side is engulfed in flames, resulting in its inevitable destruction. The half on the right side is perfectly untouched by fire, as well as surrounded by peace signs, flowers, and symbols of hope. The reasoning behind the left side being on fire is because you read from left to right, the story of this piece starts with devastation and tragedy. The half on the right signifies rebirth, thriving, and peace, as that is what I know will come after.
So today, and for many days to come, please keep California in your heart and hope that the suffering and destruction quickly comes to an end.
Thanks for reading!
~Madi