When Words Are Not Enough: Katrina

Some subjects leave such an impression in my mind that words are not enough. Such was the case with the human disaster that came about at the heels of hurricane Katrina, which formed on August 23 during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, and caused devastation along much of the north-central Gulf Coast.

This is a big canvas, 36x60. When it is hung on the wall, you are face to face with the figures at the bottom half of the canvas, those who with their last shred of resistance are struggling to survive this incredible deluge. They are caught up in a swirl of emotions: grief, disbelief, helplessness. With her hands wrinkled by the prolonged wading through the water, the woman in the center gathers the other survivors, leading them to a safer ground, to you.

Over your head, one figure can be seen, ascending into the arms of Katrina and is being whisked away. Is this salvation--or else, a moment of all hope extinguished?