Gifting a memory: Artist sketches family homes lost in Palisades, Eaton fires

Out of the many people volunteering their time and resources, a local artist is working one pen stroke at a time to gift memories to those who lost everything in the January wildfires.

West Los Angeles artist Rachel Siegel is drawing family homes for free, using her talents to memorialize and honor what was taken by the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires.

“We know so many people that lost their homes or schools or businesses in the midst of it all,” said Siegel. “When I need to redirect myself or the fear or helplessness, I go to art.”

The architect-turned-artist told KTLA’s Gene Kang that five years ago, she followed her passion – which blossomed.

Now, the sentimental sketches in her “Lost Homes” series serve as a love letter to fire victims, including Kevin Yoo.

Yoo lost a very special place to him in the Eaton Fire – his father-in-law’s home, where Yoo got married in 2023. So, he decided to surprise his family with Siegel’s artwork. 

Yoo said he first came across Siegel’s work when a friend shared one of her posts on Instagram.

“I really liked it so I sent in a photo of the house that was actually taken during the wedding,” said Yoo. “It’s cool to have something that’s not just a photo but an original artwork that someone put hours into.”

So far, Siegel has illustrated 57 homes and said the response has been heartfelt and almost overwhelming.

“It’s really been meaningful and it’s been emotional,” said Siegel. “The people are so appreciative.”

The artist said she will continue to do free artwork of homes for fire victims.

More of Siegel’s work and information can be found on her website: rachelsiegelart.com.