In January 2023, the devastating Palisades Fire swept through the Pacific Palisades in California, destroying homes and leaving families to grapple with profound loss. Among those affected was Chuck Trout, who not only lost his home but also cherished possessions, including his surfboards. “We put up a good fight, but it was time to get out of there,” Trout reflected on the harrowing experience.
The aftermath of the fire could have marked the end of a chapter for Trout, but it instead sparked a creative collaboration that would preserve the memory of his lost home. A visit to a friend’s house introduced him to the work of contemporary artist Pierce Meehan, whose art incorporates materials reminiscent of surfboards and boat-building. “I saw this cool art that kind of looked like it was the material of a surfboard,” Trout recalled. Inspired by Meehan’s unique style, Trout decided to commission a piece that would honor the memories tied to his family home.
Meehan, who works from his studio in Costa Mesa, described his artistic approach as a blend of various materials typically found in surf and boat manufacturing. This distinctive technique resonated with Trout, who wanted to infuse a part of his home into the artwork. “I just gave him those two pieces of wood, and he says, ‘What do you want me to do?’ and I said, ‘Just run with it,'” Trout explained.
The result was a striking artwork that incorporates charred beams from Trout’s former residence, along with vibrant colors echoing the surfboard he lost in the fire. “What a great tribute to the house, without being too heavy and emotional,” Trout noted. The artwork’s design serves as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity, transforming loss into a source of inspiration.
Meehan expressed his motivation for taking on this project, stating, “I don’t know how to help and whatnot, so if there’s something that I can do to help preserve one family’s memory in a small way, then it feels good to just do something nice.”
As Trout looks forward to the rebuilding of his Pacific Palisades home, the new artwork will find a place of honor in his office, where his favorite surfboard once stood. This collaboration not only serves as a tribute to a lost home, but also exemplifies the power of art to heal and commemorate.
