Artist Statement California Burning Series The California Burning Series is a reflection on memory, destruction, and renewal. In 2018, I embarked on a three-week solo journey through California, revisiting landscapes that had once felt like home. This journey was not born of nostalgia, but of a rekindled connection—one sparked by the devastation of the 2017 wildfires. The Thomas Fire, in particular, brought back vivid memories of Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, places that had shaped my identity for over a decade. Through these paintings, I explore the duality of destruction and transformation. The fires, though catastrophic, became a catalyst for reconnection—not only to the physical landscape but also to my artistic self, an identity I had set aside for years. The charred remains of the land served as both a metaphor and a mirror, reflecting themes of loss, resilience, and the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal. This series marks the beginning of a renewed artistic practice—one where destruction is not just an end, but an opening for rebirth. Through these works, I seek to honor both the scars and the strength of the landscape, capturing the emotional weight of a place forever altered.