Kim DeLaSalle, a nature photographer, published writer and former resident of LaSalle Parish, is making her mark in the Louisiana art and photography world. Her piece “Art in the Bark” is currently being shown at the BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center’s Swamp Art Spectacular in Baton Rouge.
Though a photographer for many years, DeLaSalle was able to devote more time to her passion upon the graduation of her two youngest sons, Dylan and Devin DeLaSalle, from Jena High School. Her love for animals, nature and the outdoors inspire her many photos of wildlife, plant life and other unique phenomenon only found during a walk in the woods.
This love of the outdoors and a chance to capture its beauty inspired one of those walks eight years ago.
In March of 2016, a great flood occurred in LaSalle Parish and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, DeLaSalle’s family did not fare well against the flood waters.
“My mother’s house was literally engulfed by the flood water in Trout, on Hwy 8,” DeLaSalle said. “You may have even seen photos of it in The Jena Times.”
Once the water receded and the ground was dry enough for a stroll, DeLaSalle set out behind her mother’s house to see the damage, camera in hand.
“I only saw destruction. The landscape was changed, and the woods’ floor was flattened by the weight of the water,” DeLaSalle remembered. “Once the water receded, it left a film of dried debris and greyish mud.”
However, it wasn’t only destruction that DeLaSalle found. Nature was proving once more its resilience in the face of adversity.
“Small green sprouts of grass and trees had begun to grow. Every small pop of color stood out,” DeLaSalle said. “And then I came across a tree where a beaver had boldly left his artwork on display.”
DeLaSalle discovered and photographed what she termed “Art in the Bark,” a 100-year old oak tree that a beaver chewed on.
“It was a serendipitous discovery for me. A beaver left a bird and a camel etched in the bark of a tree,” DeLaSalle shared. “I wondered, ‘Is this an arbor glyph? A riddle? A beaver joke?’ But the swamps and bayous are filled with secrets not meant for us to know.”
DeLaSalle is excited to share her photographs and tell the story of her hometown’s own perseverance.
“In August of 2016, a catastrophic flood hit the Baton Rouge area too. When I submitted my photo (to the Art Spectacular), no one that I spoke to was aware of the flood in LaSalle,” DeLaSalle said. “I was a bit taken aback that over half the state had been flooded that year and they didn’t know it hit more than just their area.”
The artist was eager to share about what her hometown had gone through and the story behind her photo, linking the resiliency of nature to those who were affected by the flood which wreaked havoc for her own family and friends.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years, but it’s not forgotten that LaSalle is a strong community and has come back better than ever, “DeLaSalle shared. “Even though I don’t live there full time now, I am proud to say that I’m from LaSalle, and I’m honored to represent my community in the art show.”
If the flood of 2016 and one beaver’s work can teach anything about the residents of LaSalle Parish, it’s one thing – and artist Kim DeLeSalle said it best: “Nature will always prevail after the storm.”
For more information about the BREC Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center’s Swamp Art Spectacular in Baton Rouge, visit www.brec.org. The Swamp Art Spectacular features work from local artist in the field of Fabric Arts, Fine Arts and Photography – focusing on the theme “Impressions of Louisiana Nature.” DeLaSalle’s work can be seen on display at the BREC in Baton Rouge until February 25.
