In those long, shapeless days after Hurricane Helene, Asheville mixed-media artist Li Newton says she “moved through the chaos on automatic — shutdown from reality.” Existing in this dissociative state was the only way to survive.
“Everyone I know lost something,” says Newton. “Some lost homes, loved ones, and especially any sense of safety.”
It took three months for Newton to begin making art again. When she did finally return to the canvas, her mixed-media collage “Exhale” came pouring out. Newton says the piece symbolizes “destruction, confusion, loss, helplessness, and despair,” but also the strength of togetherness.
“What got me through this process was the incredible sense of community and friendships that developed through disaster and recovery,” says Newton. “Working side by side with complete strangers and acquaintances, I became part of why this area is so great. What I learned was how much we all need each other.”
Newton’s piece is currently on display at Trackside Studios as a part of Lessons from Helene. The group show honors each artist’s personal journey through the aftermath of the storm while also celebrating the collective resilience of the community. (Case in point: More than 200 volunteers spent countless hours restoring Trackside Studios after the French Broad River flooded the basement and first floor.)
In addition to Newton, represented artists include Pat Abrams. The abstract painter says she found it “impossible” to even consider making art in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
“The level of devastation was so extreme that processing it required an emotional shutting down,” she says. “Painting, even as a therapeutic activity, was inadequate and irrelevant.”
But after six weeks, she began to think that if she didn’t return to her studio soon, she might never.
“I didn’t want to be done with that part of me, but I couldn’t muster any creative spark. I was dulled,” she recalls. “Still, I sent myself back into my studio and just started pushing paint around, not trying to create anything, just getting reacquainted with my tools and process.”
After another six weeks, her piece “Re-entry” took shape. The painting represents a shift in style for Abrams — a movement away from muted, neutral tones and toward more vibrant colors.
“Even as this community is beginning to rearrange itself into a new normal,” the artist says, “my interior landscape, too, is taking on new and unexpected dimensions.”
Lessons from Helene runs through April 30 at Trackside Studios (375 Depot St., River Arts District, Asheville). An artist’s reception is slated for Saturday, April 12, from 2-4pm with artist talks at 2:30pm. See tracksidestudios.com for more information.