After Joanne Cole’s art studio in Western Bay was destroyed by a fire in August, she faced the loss of three decades of her work. She had to evacuate during the Kingston fire, which ravaged Conception Bay North, destroying more than 200 buildings.
Among the items lost in the fire were sketches and paintings from Cole’s early career, old books used for journal binding, and a painting she had been working on for three years. Additionally, sentimental items like her grandmother’s rocking chair and work tables were also destroyed. Despite this, Cole’s house remained unscathed, and she now uses a corner of her living room as a temporary studio until she can rebuild next year.
Reflecting on the devastation, Cole described the experience as surreal. She recounted driving through the area and witnessing the destruction of other people’s homes. Cole, who moved to Conception Bay North in 2022 and established her studio in 2024, drew inspiration from the landscape for her paintings.
Post-fire, Cole continued to paint the view from her window, but the scenery had drastically changed. Instead of lush forests, she now saw charred trees and rocks. However, she found a renewed sense of creativity amid the ruins.
The fire exposed geological features previously hidden under vegetation, offering Cole a fresh perspective on the landscape. The altered scenery, with its stark contrasts and haunting appearance, inspired her to create art that reflected solitude and resilience.
Cole discovered that ant hills produced colorful clay ranging from light brown to deep red, representing a symbol of regrowth and transformation. She collected burnt sticks for charcoal drawing, embracing the elements of destruction as tools for new artistic creations.
Embracing the challenge of rebuilding her artistry from the ashes, Cole expressed her determination to craft beauty that resonated from her heart with the transformed landscape as her muse.