After the floods in Spain…

There are only about 117,000 giraffe left in the wild now, so every giraffe is important and matters. Here’s a giraffe looking for a new home as her habitat diminishes.

On October 30, 2024, the Valencia Region of Spain suffered the worst flooding of a generation and is still building back.

It will be a long journey of rebuilding physical homes, businesses, and transport infrastructure. The loss of life, trauma of the event, and slow cleanup process burdans the minds and hearts of those on the outskirts of the city who were greatly impacted and those in the city who were spared.  Two months later we all are still reeling from the fragility and losses. Though we don’t know all of the future repercussions and impacts yet- the ongoing transport problems, health care stresses, personal and governmental debt,  future job losses, and migration away from the areas worst hit are all a part of the unknown. Volunteers and government workers are still cleaning up and building, fixing, feeding; tending to reliable water, internet, and electrical sources. 

Here’s some elephants looking for a safe home as their habitats disappear. Population declines over several decades due to poaching for ivory and loss of habitat, the African forest elephant is now listed as critically endangered. The African savanna elephant is also listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Like any natural disaster these days, the flood has opened our eyes to the impact of climate change.

The subject of climate finally takes up more room on the airwaves. It isn’t far away anymore.

It’s here in the Mediterranean countries, at our doorsteps, literally. 

I don’t know solutions to the complex weather patterns we’re seeing, but I do know we have to adapt. It is unlikely that our government leaders will put the attention, expertise, and most importantly, money into preparing enough of our infrastructure, energy consumption (and abuse). Insurance and financing to restructure after damages will be a burden. We’ve been warned for years and done little.

This lonely penguin is watching the ice melt.

What does it mean to adapt? 

People react differently to events and environments based on their unique experiences, but there is no doubt that neuroplasticity plays a huge role in our ability to adapt. “Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to form and reorganize our synaptic connections, especially following injury.”-Oxford Dictionary. Pivot, revamp, change gears, reevaluate, be flexible, reorganize- these are all skills we’ll be leaning into as we deal with nature, immigration due to changing climate, and its’ economic repercussions. Or at least our children and grandchildren will rapidly adapt as a result of our reluctance to begin now.

What Does Painting Teach Us about Adaptation and Neuroplasticity?

Painting teaches me to constantly problem-solve, pivot and adapt in a very controlled, safe environment. In the studio, on a canvas, or small piece of paper I follow instinct, incorporate skills, and experiment to tackle each project. Any creative endeavor, teaches the skills of flexibility, prioritizing, and discerning or evaluating situations. That is why art should be a part of all school curriculums. We have to change habits, rework the way life has always been, to seek personal and community solutions. Adaptation is about taking different actions, changing, or altering our routine paths. 

Neuroplasticity is important, not just in individuals, but within whole communities as we face challenges.

Thousands of volunteers came out the first days after the floods in Valencia to clear away the water and mud in homes and streets- this is an example of this plasticity- To not overthink, over- talk, over research. Immediate action and organization and in that fast community response, Spain’s leaders were put to shame for their limited, hesitant reaction.

The ability to adapt is part of our survival and our kinship.

We cannot be slowed by hesitant thoughts “What can I possibly do? I’m only one person and governments and businesses that help are bigger than me, what can I possibly do? It’s too overwhelming.”

Instead, we can look at whatever talents, drives, and resources we have and apply them to solutions. Pick up a broom, sandbag, or rake, raise money, lend a hand, cook a meal, search for loved ones, adopt a lost pet,  donate food and clothing, help build, vote for competent officials, march in the streets, write letters and columns, and, together with the myriad of efforts make our way towards better solutions.

What does this have to do with painting?

2025 will ring in a new year of hope as Valencia builds back from the floods. So in January and February all of my featured animal original paintings for sale on my website , 25% will be donated to local animal shelters and rescue groups in the Valencia region.

I will keep you posted and show artwork and this project in the New Year.

These groups are continuing to house, find homes, feed, and provide supplies for displaced pets and families recovering from floodwaters. Go to my PORTFOLIO page and contact me for information about purchasing and shipping. We can all be agents of change and hope.

A friend living in the Valencia region brought her rescued chickens into her home during the floods to keep them safe.