As an artist, I was deeply affected by the Valley Fire that devastated Lake County, California, in 2015. The destruction of over 2,000 structures and the loss of life was a stark reminder of the power of nature and the impact it can have on our communities. To capture the dark beauty of the aftermath, I created a series of platinum/palladium prints with 24k gold accents that focus on the plants and trees that survived the fire. Each print is a portrait of a different plant, capturing its resilience and beauty in the face of such devastation. The dramatic tones of the platinum/palladium process reflect the somber mood of the landscape, while the gold accents add a glimmer of hope and beauty. For me, this series is a personal tribute to the community and nature that were impacted by the fire and a reminder of the importance of resilience and hope in times of tragedy.

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About
Yelena Zhavoronkova is a fine art photographer and graphic designer originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, now based in San Francisco. Her work has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the de Young Museum and the Center for Photographic Art, Carmel, as well as in galleries throughout the USA and Europe. Yelena's photography has been published in various magazines, including The New Yorker, Analog Forever Magazine, and All-About-Photo Magazine. She is represented by the Anzenberger Gallery in Vienna and the Corden Potts Gallery in San Francisco.