Sasha Samuels

Sasha Samuels (California, USA)

Fire Study #1, 2020

oil, canvas

7 x 10 inches

Having survived the CZU Lightning Complex wildfire of 2020, on the heels of leaving an abusive relationship, I turned to my art practice to process my compounded trauma. What is on the other side of trauma? On the other side of ten thousand lightning strikes? Healing, and ultimately, post-traumatic growth. Both were elusive to me while creating this painting, but I knew intuitively the creative process would help steward me there.