Aftermath of Helene: Currents

On September 27th, 2024, all studios on the first floor of the Riverview Station building, directly across

from the French Broad River, in Asheville, NC, were completely submerged, destroying almost all within them. My studio

was Studio 160, on the first floor of this building. I lost 99% of all work, materials, tools and whatever else that was in the

studio during the storm. All artists planned for 4 to 6 feet of water, as predicted. It ended up being just a “bit”

more than that: Almost 20 feet more. Many other buildings and artists were similarly affected. In fact,

80% of the working creative people in the River Arts District were displaced after what has now been

declared to be the “1000 year storm”.

This painting, “Aftermath of Helene: Currents”, comes from within me in response to Hurricane Helene and some of its effects upon me and those I know. It explores the literal and psychological forces of water, mud, wind, and whatever else was rushing through the lands, with a strip of one of my ruined paintings cradled in the broken branch. Walking through our parking lot of Riverview Station, after most of the water had receded, was akin to walking through a war zone of sorts. Trees and broken branches and overturned trucks and cars and materials of all kinds were all over the expansive lot, maybe drifting in the currents from miles, and miles, away.

Upon entering Studio 160 for the first time after the flood, there was a literal dimness (no electricity) with light streaming

through the broken and mud-soaked windows. 4 to 6 inches of brownish mud and water were all

over the entire floor, with mud also over the walls and ceiling. A 14-foot-high ceiling, no less.

In this visual response, I have used a color palette that reads to me of the mud and waters and

turbulence of the storm. I have used the actual broken branches I collected that were dispersed in front of

Studio 160 and nearby our front door, in the parking lot. I have used, a strip of a favorite oil painting of mine that was destroyed in the studio.

Hurricane Helene left indelible marks on my life and soul. It gave me an increased understanding and

respect for the powers of Mother Earth, as well as increased humility for the relative “smallness” of

humankind. Many lost their lives and homes. I find myself in moments of silence, aware of these human

beings, and much other life that perished. I turn now to the present and future with a love of life and

this world, and with a renewal of hope. Hope that the remainder of my life, and all of our lives, will be

geared towards love and respect for each other and this magnificent world in which we live.

All pieces used in this work have been cleaned, varnished, and are safe to touch.