On Earth as it is in Heaven
Wildfire aftermath and print sales for relief
“It’s possible, at least, this is the only place where complex biology is emerged in our galaxy. If that's true this is the only island of meaning in the galaxy of 400 billion suns. And you are responsible for it because you are the world leaders therefore if you destroy it through deliberate action or inaction then each of you would be personally responsible for destroying meaning in the galaxy of 400 billion suns potentially forever. Now go and discuss that.”
-Professor and Physicist Brian Cox, speaking to world leaders at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow
Tough start to the year. January has proven to be a test on our systems and the last bit of trust we had for them. I’m still comprehending what this actually means and wondering why our fire hydrants ran dry. Now we can see the blind eyes among us happen to be the ones steering the ship we’re standing on.
I understand you’re here to learn about all things photo and architecture but I’m sitting in a city with new scars all the while knowing this could have been greatly avoided to some degree. This earth is your home. Wouldn’t you be distraught if someone set it on fire right in front of you?
I suggest you watch Carl Sagan testify before congress in December of 1985 about the effects of climate change on our planet. Listen to the individuals who have dedicated their life to studying the complexities in our universe. Do you think of yourself as an anomaly? We are comfortable on a planet of abundant resources, sentient enough to ponder our own existence, form bonds and prolong the survival of our species, all among a galaxy of 400 billion suns with little living proof that there is even a semblance of what we have out there. Your homework for this week is to watch Robert Zemeckis’s Contact (1997).
All this to say, I’m moved in deep ways by our aftermath efforts even if this event has pushed me into a more-existential-than-usual state. There is something to be said for how quickly people have mobilized on this issue. It has made me hopeful again. Zero hesitation before any official state intervention. Shoutout to Watchduty.org. Friends over at Pair and Care, the Santa Anita Racetrack Distribution Center, Altadena Girls, all the peer-lead Photo Print Sales for wildfire relief… I am amazed. You see the preciousness of togetherness. The oneness is felt. And it almost goes without saying but sometimes awful things just happen without the need for moral justification; from religions written on rice papers or from politics. Mother nature is an agnostic, apolitical, shameless wind. Let’s take better care of each other and better caution towards this home we have. It’s a gift that we live here. Despite the ash, I can smell the sweetness on Earth as it is in heaven.
Opening this Wednesday is a group show hosted by Panafold Magazine and Kalon Studios featuring this print of mine. All sales go to wildfire relief <3 Come say hi
& more print sale fundraisers to come… Stay in touch.
Hugs,
Liz
Always beaut