“We strive to rise.” Rebecca U.-G. ’29 Paints a Symbol for Westridge in Response to the Fires
“When [the phoenix] is reborn, it’s not reborn from nothing. It’s reborn from ashes, destruction. We have to have our resilience rebuilt,” said Rebecca U.-G. ’29.
On the night of Tuesday, January 7, as the Eaton Fire initially began to break out and spread across the city, anxiety levels spiked. Countless, confusing, scary and formidable thoughts crowded the minds of an entire county. While some took to their group chats to discuss with friends, others tuned into the news to stay informed. Eighth grader Rebecca U.-G. turned to her trusty colored pencils and sketch book.
Emotional, Rebecca took pencil to paper to express her thoughts and anxieties as she and her family watched the fires grow around Los Angeles County. This process resulted in Rebecca’s piece “Vibrant Tears.” Once Director of Lower and Middle School Dr. Zanita Kelly saw Rebecca’s piece, she knew that Rebecca had something meaningful, powerful, and colorful to express for Westridge.
“I thought art is such a beautiful way of processing emotion, and sometimes when words fail you, having some way of creating something is helpful and cathartic,” Dr. Kelly said.
Dr. Kelly then reached out to Rebecca and asked her to illustrate a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Rebecca was excited for this opportunity, as art has always been an outlet for her. “[Vibrant Tears] was kind of tapping into the notion of sadness. So when [Dr. Kelly] reached out and wanted a piece that was more hopeful and uplifting, I found it really inspiring,” said Rebecca.
When Dr. Kelly initially brought up the idea of using a phoenix as a symbol, Rebecca jumped at the opportunity and immediately understood how the phoenix could be a hopeful symbol for Los Angeles.
“It was rising from the ashes, rising from the destruction, and creating more of a vibrant and peaceful world,” said Rebecca.
The vibrancy of the warm tones and intricate patterns within the wings are a metaphor for the individuality and complexity of each and every Westridge student.
“Every time I see [her art] in Mudd, I am just reminded of the resilience and community that Westridge has,” said Sophie G. ’29.
Dr. Kelly’s intention is to have the posters of Rebecca’s artwork framed around Westridge campus. “This is a historic moment. These posters will remind students not only of their inner strength but also Westridge’s Latin motto, ‘Surgere Tentamus,’ which means ‘We strive to rise,’” she said.
Dr. Kelly continued, “My hope is that we can look at that image as a reminder that we’re tough and that we are resilient, that we have the capacity to carry on.”
