Fire Station 11

 

The central image is a raging industrial fire that happened in late

winter 2004. The image symbolizes the intensity of fire and the heart

of the fire fighters' mission. The fire was big news, covered from the

air by all the local news channels so I was able to see the overview,

and realized how interested I had become in the logistics, nuts and

bolts of fire fighting.   The next day I was on the scene while fire

crews checked for hot spots and put more water on the flare-ups.

This was the first time I have been so close to such a large fire, the

amount damage and debris was over whelming.

 

As soon as I saw this flaming skull logo I knew it should be a part of

the painting. Shift A rode motorcycles, sometimes went on trips together.   I learned not only that fire fighters are a community and culture unto themselves within our community but also that this 'brotherhood' extends to all fire fighters everywhere.

 

One of the most important and intriguing aspects of this residency has been the unknown nature of the 911 calls and when they will come; the realization of how the 911 system has become the catch all for a myriad of situations from the dangerous and tragic to the ludicrous and comical.

In marked contrast to the fighting of fires are the medical calls.   I was struck by how the clients need for assistance overrides any concern for privacy. I often felt like a voyeur and consciously tried not to notice anything unsightly within private homes but it is impossible not to put yourself in the place of the client sometimes. Unlike when the police are called, generally everyone is glad to see the Fire Department arrive.

 

                                                                        <<back