LA River Portfolio

Our collective memory of the Los Angeles River is a mixture of fact and fiction. Many of us have only a vague understanding of why the river was channelized with concrete, or no understanding at all. Television and cinema have contributed to L.A. River mythology as a place best to avoid, and many of us can reference movies or scenes shot in the river, but few know the history of what existed before the walling off of its natural banks. My brother in law summed up this sentiment when I told him we went for a walk along the river by joking, "Did you see any drag races?" As an artist I am interested in creating work that explores the history of a place, calling into question common assumptions through narrative imagery. 

My print for this atelier was inspired by photographs taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of The Report on Engineering Aspects, Flood of March 1938 by the U.S. Engineer office in Los Angeles. Throughout its history the Los Angeles River has been prone to flooding, with records going back to the 19th century. The massive floods of the 1930's motivated congress to authorize the channelization of the river, which allowed for development closer to the river's edge.

"Los Angeles River Natural History: Los Angeles River, 1938 With Elderberry, Mugwort, and Mulefat" references 18th century botanical illustrations that often feature a landscape in the background. The plants depicted are native plants of the Los Angeles river area chosen for their medicinal use by indigenous people and references to folklore.

Miyo Stevens-Gandara, 2015