Kelly Akashi’s Journey Through the Angeleno Wildfires: Resilience in the Face of Disaster

On January 7, Kelly Akashi, a beloved artist in the Los Angeles art scene, made a swift decision to leave her home in Altadena amidst the onslaught of powerful winds. Attending to her cat and securing her safety from the impending darkness, Akashi packed hastily, leaving behind the contents of her studio and an exhibition set to open at Lisson Gallery.

Akashi, known for her fiercely devoted network of artist friends, did not want to linger in a perilous situation. The winds were fierce, and the power had been cut off to prevent forest fires. Unbeknownst to her, a fire was already spreading, posing a significant threat to her home and studio.

Carving out a path through the high winds, Akashi’s mind raced with concerns about her cat and her artwork. She decided to drive quickly, hoping to avoid the dangers of flying debris and high-speed winds. Little did she know that the fire she ignored initially would soon become a threat she could not overlook.

A few hours later, alerts flooded her phone. A massive inferno was approaching her street, and the news had yet to reach some of her neighbors. Fearing for her home and studio, which housed bronze sculptures and glass installations for a crucial gallery show, Akashi made her way to her friend Olivia Barrett’s home in Los Feliz.

From her vantage point at Barrett’s, Akashi watched helplessly as the fire spread. Her fears were realized when she saw smoke engulfing her neighborhood. The intensity of the situation was palpable, and there was a sense of inevitability hanging in the air.

Returning to the Ashes

A few days later, Akashi braved the perilous journey back to her Altadena home. When she arrived, it was a haunting scene. Her studio and most of her artworks were destroyed, scattered in piles of rubble. The only piece that remained intact was a bead of hand-blown glass, preserved in her Skutt kiln.

Undeterred by the destruction, Akashi and her friends embarked on a mission to salvage what they could from the ruins. Dressed in protective gear to shield themselves from toxic debris and hazards, they cautiously entered her studio.

Among the wreckage, two bronze seedpods caught her eye. These were the pieces scheduled to be showcased in her upcoming gallery exhibition. Against all odds, they had survived the intense heat of the fire.

The Larger Impact

The aftermath of the wildfires left a lasting impact not only on Akashi but on the broader Los Angeles art community. The fires razed communities and displaced countless residents, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.

The resilience of artists like Akashi served as a beacon of hope. Despite the devastating loss of their work and homes, they continued to create, rebuild, and support each other. This sense of community and determination highlighted the indomitable spirit of Angelenos.

Six weeks after the fires, Los Angeles resilience persisted. The city, while still bearing scars from the disaster, was gradually healing. The art world, too, found ways to adapt and move forward, with exhibitions and shows becoming opportunities to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges.

Conclusion

Kelly Akashi’s story is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her experience during the Southern California wildfires underscores the vulnerabilities artists often face and the importance of community support in times of crisis.

As the city continues to recover, Akashi’s story serves as a reminder of the strength and creativity found within the art community. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit and the never-ending pursuit of artistic expression.

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