TruemorsAustralia is in mourning for the many people claimed by the immense bushfires in Victoria. It is humbling - devastating and terrifying - to witness such indiscriminate destruction. Our TV stations and newspapers are filled with stories of tragedy and loss and also, survival and courage. Locally, there is a deep sense of grief and shock - and this is in Sydney - far removed from the site of the disaster. Above is a small collage I made while watching the telethon fundraising appeal on TV tonight. Included are newspaper pics. for the background, a TV sketch of a news reporter from a special report earlier in the week and a drawing of Sam the koala (wild koala) accepting water from a firefighter. Apparently, the original image has been shown around the world - a symbol, in the wake of devastation, of hope and humanity. Making this journal page helped me deal with my own feelings tonight as I heard the stories of terror and pain, of kindness and heroism. Tonight, my prayers are with the lost, the survivors and their loved ones.
Fire on Earth
Photo Properties
NP! ID: 2203148
Title: Fire on Earth
File Size: 500 × 354 – 150.71 KB
Created: Sat, 02/21/2009 - 6:12pm
Modified: Sat, 02/21/2009 - 6:12pm
File Type: image (jpeg)
Licence: None (All rights reserved)
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at 18:46 on February 21st, 2009
Australia has been in mourning since Feb. 7th and today we have the opportunity to grieve officially on this, our National Day of Mourning. This is an opportunity for all of us, however far removed, to join together in spirit, care and prayer to remember the many who lost their lives and to support the survivors who lost so much and now are striving forward. I made this sketch collage in the early days after the fires to help deal with my feelings when watching the news coverage. It is humbling - devastating and terrifying - to witness such indiscriminate destruction, even through the screen of a television. And yet, in the wake of tragedy there are so many stories of heroism, courage and kindness to inspire healing and hope. As we unite in grief today, and reflect on those in the midst of this disaster, I hope that the power of the common spirit will reach those who need it most.