31 Illustrations Exploring The Devastating Impact Of Hurricane Helene Drawn By This Artist

Hurricane Helene was devastating to a lot of people, and all of them have coped with it differently. In this case, Kira Bursky, a multidisciplinary artist, decided to draw her emotions out on a piece of paper, which was an ongoing inspiration for her Inktober challenge as well.

In total, Kira created 31 illustrations exploring the loss and damage to people’s property, as well as the emotional impact of Hurricane Helene. To help with the situation, from every sold print, Kira will be donating 20% of profits towards Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

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Illustration of figures reaching for the moon against a starry sky, created by artist during Hurricane Helene.

Bored Pandareached out to Kira, who shared more about her background.

Illustration of a person climbing a ladder among trees during a flood, under the moonlight; inspired by Hurricane Helene.

Illustration of a person with binoculars, tree roots, and a house on their head, with storm and crescent moon in the background.

Kira explained what drew her to the world of artistry.

Illustration by artist depicting a surreal tea scene to cope with Hurricane Helene, featuring cups and a teapot in a dark setting.

Illustration of a house with stormy waves and a tree, inspired by Hurricane Helene.

We were wondering what emotions or thoughts inspired Kira to start drawing in response to Hurricane Helene.

Artist’s illustration for coping with Hurricane Helene, featuring a figure balancing on rooftops amid rising waters.

Illustration of figures holding hands under a full moon, capturing an artistic response to Hurricane Helene.

Kira also described the themes and/or symbols that appear in her drawings.“Some of the main imagery throughout the collection includes twisting trees and branches, overwhelming bodies of water, and people fleeing.Thematically, the work explores the feelings of having to escape, the impending doom of water rising, the overwhelm of processing it all, journeying away from home, snapshots of things once loved being lost to the decay of water, as well as a community coming together to support each other through the aftermath.There are other themes and symbols throughout, but those are just a few examples.”

Kira also described the themes and/or symbols that appear in her drawings.

“Some of the main imagery throughout the collection includes twisting trees and branches, overwhelming bodies of water, and people fleeing.

Thematically, the work explores the feelings of having to escape, the impending doom of water rising, the overwhelm of processing it all, journeying away from home, snapshots of things once loved being lost to the decay of water, as well as a community coming together to support each other through the aftermath.

There are other themes and symbols throughout, but those are just a few examples.”

Illustration of a car atop a hill amid swirling waves, symbolizing coping with Hurricane Helene through art.

Illustration by artist showing a book with tree and cloud, created to cope with Hurricane Helene.

As for the audience’s takeaway, Kira wrote: “I hope those that went through Hurricane Helene or other experiences of unexpected tragedy and devastation feel less alone in their complex feelings of grief, processing, and making sense of it all in the aftermath. I hope people feel me giving them a hug through this collection. I hope my community feels their story is being told and that they are not forgotten. There is a lot of rebuilding that needs to be done in Western North Carolina as well as many other towns throughout the Southeast. We need your support as we process and rebuild.”

Illustration depicting a hand reaching for a passport, symbolizing Hurricane Helene’s impact through surreal imagery.

Illustration features boots, a swirling sky, barren tree, and tilted house, creatively representing themes of Hurricane Helene.

Lastly, Kira added: “12 x 12" signed art prints and the full art collection book are available in my online shop. 20% of profits will be donated to BeLoved Asheville and ArtsAVL towards Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Available on mywebsite.”

Illustration depicting a hand reaching through stormy waves under a full moon, representing coping with Hurricane Helene.

Artist’s illustration depicting a figure walking in rain toward a sunlit hill with houses, inspired by Hurricane Helene.

Illustration depicting abstract elements to cope with Hurricane Helene, featuring eyes, hands, and stormy motifs.

Illustration of houses in a stormy sea, with a pointing finger; inspired by Hurricane Helene.

Artist’s abstract illustration with raining cloud and paintings inspired by Hurricane Helene.

Artist illustrating a scene amidst dark, swirling patterns, inspired by coping with Hurricane Helene.

Illustration depicting Hurricane Helene with an eye over flooding waters and houses, created by an artist for coping.

Illustration depicting an abstract scene with a moon, tree, and houses related to Hurricane Helene.

Artist’s illustration capturing the impact of Hurricane Helene, featuring a figure balancing on a log near a house at night.

Illustration of a violin in water, inspired by Hurricane Helene, with cascading tree roots above.

An illustration by artist depicting a compass with an eye, symbolizing the experience of Hurricane Helene.