Jessie Homer French, an 83-year-old self-taught artist, is preparing to showcase her latest collection titled “Normal Landscapes” at the prestigious Various Small Fires gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition, which will feature a series of captivating paintings, explores the aftermath of wildfires and the resilience of life amidst destruction.
Homer French’s garage-studio in Palm Desert, California, is a sight to behold, filled with a dozen canvases at various stages of completion. The artist’s love for landscapes becomes evident as one sees the predominant subject matter of her artworks. However, amidst the serene browns and greens, two paintings truly stand out, depicting wildfires in all their fury and vividness. The fiery tones of orange, yellow, and black capture the intensity of the flames in a truly captivating manner.
It comes as no surprise that Homer French has been incorporating leaping infernos into her artwork for years. Previous pieces in her portfolio showcased flames engulfing a church, freshly set fires in deforested woodlands, a sky darkened with smoke above burning trees, and even a combusting oil rig. Her profound fascination with nature’s destructive forces is truly awe-inspiring.
The exhibition, “Normal Landscapes,” delves into the aftermath of wildfires, providing viewers with a unique perspective on the resilience of life in the face of adversity. One painting showcases the beauty of wildflowers blooming from scorched earth, symbolizing the remarkable ability of plants to regenerate. Another painting depicts blackened tree trunks spiking into the sky, while trout leap from the water, reminding us that life exists even in the most challenging circumstances.
Despite the desolation depicted in Homer French’s paintings, there is an underlying message of hope and resilience. Her artworks convey the idea that even in the face of destruction, life always finds a way to thrive, adapting and overcoming the hurdles it encounters.
The “Normal Landscapes” exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking experience, inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between creation and destruction, and the incredible ability of nature and humanity to prevail. Visitors to the Various Small Fires gallery in Los Angeles will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Homer French’s captivating and inspiring world of art.
