After Hurricane Helene, Tanger Outlets invited me to paint a mural at their Asheville location. This piece reflects the nonlinear, evolving process of recovery, both individual and collective.

The mural is composed of four distinct sections, each capturing a vital stage in the healing process:

The Overthinker represents the chaos and uncertainty that follow disaster. With sharp edges and bold contrasts, it conveys the disruption the flood caused—both in the landscape and in our minds. It’s the chaos before clarity, the overwhelming swirl of emotions that accompany starting over.

Holding Space embodies the stillness where healing truly begins. This section is a quiet moment to sit with grief, process loss, and recognize the resilience within ourselves and our communities. It reminds us that healing isn’t only about immediate action but also about allowing space for reflection and emotional recovery.

Nurture illustrates the patience and care required to restore what was lost. Using organic elements, this part symbolizes the slow rebuilding of spirit and home. Just as nature gradually reclaims what it once lost, so too must we nurture our connections and our environments.

Flourish celebrates transformation rather than returning to what once was. It stands for the resilience of those who endure hardship and the renewal that comes with rebuilding. Flourish is the rebirth that follows struggle—the moment we recognize that healing has been happening all along.

This mural honors the cyclical nature of recovery, acknowledging that healing may involve revisiting stages but also carrying forward the wisdom to grow and renew continuously.