SURVIVORS: THE THOMAS FIRE SERIES
In Survivors, I explore the aftermath of the Thomas Fire through a series of vivid, detailed color landscape photographs. This collection captures the stark, haunting beauty of the once-lush landscapes around my home in Ojai, California, after the devastating fire in December 2016.
I was in Los Angeles when the fire started, far from my home. At first, I thought, "It couldn’t possibly reach me." But by the next morning, it had surrounded the entire town, with flames visible in every direction. I rushed back to Ojai, packed what I could—mostly my film archive, artwork, and surfboards—and fled, hoping for the best.
When I returned a few days later, I found the landscape profoundly changed. The once-green hills were now barren, with trees reduced to ash and surreal colors and textures everywhere I looked.
The Thomas Fire caused over $2.2 billion in damage and burned 440 square miles, leaving a lasting impact on the region. My photographs aim to document this dramatic transformation, showcasing both the destruction and the resilience of the natural world. Through these images, I hope to highlight the profound impact of wildfires and the landscapes that survive and continue to evolve in their wake.
These images are intended as large format prints - or just find the largest monitor you can.
SURVIVORS - ONE YEAR LATER
Nature is a powerful force.
These two photographs are the reason the series is entitled "Survivors".
The Making of "Survivors"
Surrounded
Smoke and flames encircle the small town of Ojai. View from my backyard, just before packing up and evacuating.
The Evacuation
Driving down the 101 freeway near Solimar beach. The fire jumped the freeway and burned right down to the Pacific Ocean.
The Return
Still-burning trees in the Taft Nature Preserve, a few days after the fire. During my explorations, I continued to encounter active fires over a week later.
Heroes
A fire truck from Avondale, Arizona on Route 33 in the Sespe Wildnerness, north of Ojai.
Vantagepoint
Photographing the aftermath, overlooking the Ventura River Preserve.
Survivor, Lake Casitas
I've long been drawn to solo trees backdropped against the sky. Here, just north of Lake Casitas, a lone survivor still stands.
