LOS ANGELES — When Asher Bingham sits down to draw, her pencil brings more than just lines to life. It restores memories.
The Los Angeles-based artist has spent the past two weeks sketching homes destroyed by the recent Southern California wildfires, offering grieving families a drawing reminder of what was lost.
“I started with one drawing for a friend who lost her house,” Bingham said, sitting in her home office, surrounded by completed sketches. “I didn’t know what to say, so I drew her home instead. She was so moved that I realized I could do this for others.”
What began as a single gesture of kindness quickly grew into an unexpected mission. After she posted the drawing on Instagram, requests began pouring in. Families, friends and even strangers reached out to Bingham, many sharing stories of loss and heartbreak.
“People started sending me addresses, saying, ‘I don’t have a picture of my house, but can you find something online.’” Bingham said. “A lot of people don’t take photos of their homes. Google Street View has been a lifesaver for many of these families.”
So far, Bingham has completed dozens of sketches, with hundreds more requests waiting. She’s enlisted the help of other local artists to keep up with the demand. Each home, whether a modest bungalow or an elaborate mansion, is given equal care and attention.
“These homes represent safety, history and stability,” Bingham said. “It’s not just a house — it’s someone’s whole life. That’s what I try to capture in my drawings.”
“It’s heartbreaking to know so many people lost everything,” she added. “But at the same time, I feel so honored to help them hold on to a piece of their memories.”
For many recipients, the sketches are more than just art. They are a symbol of resilience and a reminder that even in loss, something beautiful can be created.
“It’s healing, for them and for me,” Bingham said, carefully packing a completed drawing into an envelope. “And I’ll keep drawing as long as there are families who need this."
Bingham’s work is a testament to the power of art in the face of tragedy — offering hope, one drawing at a time.