Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl with artist Tom Bakker, who painted “Rising From Ashes” and donated it to the community.
Artist Tom Bakker said that he and his wife were watching television on January 7 as the Palisades Fire was covered on every channel.
“We were distraught,” he told a small group of people gathered at the Ronald Reagan American Legion Post at La Cruz on April 12.
“I need to respond,” he thought. “What can I do to help?. . .but I don’t have millions of dollars.” What he does have is talent and a mission in life to uplift people and he’s hoping the painting can be an inspiration to rebuild.
Thus, was born “Rising from Ashes,” a painting with the symbolism that this piece of art will uplift, encourage and strengthen people who have lost everything.
He emailed Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl, who said she has been getting hundreds of emails, but “when I heard from Tom, it was different.”
Bakker donated the painting and he and his wife Kristin drove to Pacific Palisades to see the installation ceremony.
Former Post 283 Commander and Adjutant Kevin Niles got approval for the painting to be installed at the Post until a new library or other community area could be opened to receive it.
At the installation ceremony Bakker spoke about symbolism in his painting.
“This work has seven colors,” said the painter who is originally from the Netherlands. “Number seven is my favorite number because of the Biblical meaning of perfection.”
The bottom of the painting is black, which symbolizes destroyed properties and lives. The next area is grey, which represents the fire left behind – the ashes.
“The lighter blue area represents the blue skies and is symbolic for brighter times ahead,” Bakker said, “and the white area represents the goal of life on earth, which is going to heaven.”
He then chose primary colors and shapes to connect the phases of rebuilding. “The blue square and red triangle combined represent the simplest way a child draws a home; it represents all the rebuilt homes and lives,” Bakker said and added that “It signifies there will be homes again.”
He positioned the shapes so that they function as a bridge between every phase of rebuilding. “Symbolically, it means that each season of rebuilding flows into the next; from black to grey, from grey to light blue and from light blue to white.”
Bakker participated in the “Other Art Fair” in Los Angeles in February and will be participating in the “Superfine Arts Fair” in New York City in the Brooklyn Navy Yard April 24 to 27.
Kohl said that as the piece was hung, “This is such a happy event you’re already bringing inspiration to Pacific Palisades.”
After the installation about 20 people ate sandwiches supplied by the Palisades Garden Café and cookies from Cookie Good Bakery in Santa Monica.
During that reception, Bakker said that he likes to do custom art, tailored to a client. “I like the personal stories – almost like a song writer,” he said and when he finishes. The “painting has started its own life.”
The installer at the American Legion was Hilary Rose Mix, who met Bakker at Art On The Avenue Gallery in Bellevue, Washington in January.
“I loved the energy of his work, and he is very dedicated to his craft. It has been a pleasure working with him in Bellevue,” said Mix, who lives in Woodland Hills and also donated her time to install the work.
To reach Bakker, call (206) 877-3327 or email tom@tombakkerart.com. To see other art projects, visit www.tombakkerart.com
Tom Bakker with his wife Kristin and former American Legion Commander and Adjutant Kevin Niles, who allowed the painting to be installed at the Post, until a new community building can be opened.
A Wonderful Initiative, Pacific Palisades Strong!