Palisades Fire

It was a surreal environment to be in—the only way I can describe it is in between pain and grief. After the fire, but before the communities were allowed to go home.

These first two sections were photographed on January 23, 2025—sixteen days after the fire—in the Palisades and Malibu. It hits differently when it’s your hometown. I sat in the car longer than I expected. It took me a while to get out. To see all images, click this link.

Destruction

People

Meeting first responders during the aftermath, firefighters from Utah & Oregon, military from different parts of the state, and LADWP. “Tell them LADWP is showing up and doing their job”, ___ said to me. Every person said this was a honor to help out, and that it was also the worst they’ve ever seen in their career. These were a few of the people protecting the Palisades & Malibu before residents were allowed to return.

Unidentifiable

After speaking with a homeowner in Malibu, I was inspired to not show large scale images of destruction. She said that every time she sees photos on the media of her house it feel like looking at a funeral. As an artist, I can’t help but see the beautify in the raw material and details. As a human, I can’t help but have so much sorrow, shock, and love for my community. The pain of this disaster has barely begun.