Unfortunately our many differences cause strife, which generates an attitude of both apathy and hostility. We have many factions that are extreme in their stances, unwilling to compromise for the greater good. Resultantly, the economy is on a downward spiral, and we, as a community have difficulties accomplishing some of the simplest tasks. This has caused a loss of population over the years, as well as a numbing of our competitive ability to compete in an aggressive American market. Nevertheless, New Orleans manages to maintain a charm and character that is like no other.

On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina crashed onto our doorstep and became the catalyst for life-changing events for all who call New Orleans home. Katrina’s destruction and the scar it has left on our culture and in our souls has been catastrophic. The avalanche of events, especially those that followed the storm, has taught us lessons about endurance and kindness, about greed and ineptitude. We have learned that we can no longer carry on our “relaxed ways”. We must fight for our existence and we must prove that we are worth the effort. In front of a global spotlight, each of us has been forced to face the region’s beauty and spirit along with its inequities and incompetence.

What a strange time this has been; each day we start anew, trying to rebuild, searching for what works and combating that which has added to our downfall. Sorting through information and making decisions in a minimal amount of time are daunting tasks. We who remain, and those who are fighting to return are searching for the significance of community. What do we need to thrive? What gives our lives meaning? How often in a life do you get to question with such frankness the meaning of existence and then work as a unit to bring it into fruition? This process is unbelievably interesting, heart-warming and frustrating. For every small step forward, many details have to be worked through, starting with the most basic of needs: communication, electricity, housing and education. We are far from coming to grips with any one of these; how long will it take? Can we endure until we succeed?

These thoughts have filtered dramatically into both my imagery and the journal that I keep, creating a new urgency to capture the essence of who we are. I am obsessed with putting this project together, with sharing our rich and compelling story. The hurricane and our recovery will become our epic of survival, and although we would love to accomplish all that is needed on our own, the requirements are too great, and national input is imperative. Never before has our country faced a natural disaster of this scope, brought to an even heightened intensity of destruction by man-made failures at all levels. In order to learn and grow, we must make this excursion personal. I sift through my inventory of local imagery compiling a portfolio that captures our spirit. My mantra, is to make this personal with the hope of creating something good. I share my thoughts and my visions, and I hope that you will see who we are, and why we choose to call this place home.

My journal is a love song full of warts and childish sentiments. I apologize for that, but know that it is my personal view and that it comes from the heart.