"Rebuilding Art from Ashes: A Sculptor's Journey of Renewal"

My name is D. Yoshikawa Wright. I'm a national award-winning stone sculptor. Although I live in the Hollywood Hills, my studio is on the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena, California. The Eaton Canyon fire has eviscerated the studio. Initially, I felt truly blessed when I found the

Zorthian Ranch. For many years, I had worked in an industrial space, but this new studio offered something I had long yearned for: the chance to create in the midst of nature.

But in the blink of an eye, the dream went up in smoke. The studio structure has collapsed, my tool shed with all of my working tools and equipment has been incinerated. This devastation has occurred while I'm in the middle of a major public art project.

I created a ten-foot-tall sculpture entitled "Sacred Fire" to bring awareness and to commemorate the Caddo people who once inhabited the plains near Dallas, Texas. The irony of this situation is that now this sculpture has been christened by the Eaton Canyon fire.

In order for me to get back on my feet, I need to clear out all the debris. On an immediate basis I need to purchase a tool shed, buy tools and equipment to complete my project. The list of tools and equipment is extensive. This includes an overhead hoist, large and small angle grinders, large and small diamond blades, die grinders and diamond tips, hammer drills, bits for the hammer drills, sling belts, propane and oxygen tanks, chisels, hammers, generator, compressor, etc. The funds raised beyond what is listed here will be used to rebuild the studio structure for the Zorthian Ranch.