GREETINGS FROM THAILAND 2005

Artist Statement

This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds.
To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the
movements of a dance.
A lifetime is like a flash of lightning in the sky,
Rushing by like a torrent down a steep mountain.
Gautama Buddha

Documenting an unforgettable experience in travel.

In February 2005, our winter vacation coincided with one of the largest natural disasters in recent history. An unplanned detour led us to Thailand's Koh Phi Phi, an island where more than 25% of its population and 70% of businesses were washed away with the tsunami of December 26th, 2004. Those who remained began to clear out the rubble and debris on an island too small to be noticed by aid agencies, and virtually ignored by the Thai government.

Surrounded by scars of loss was an organization of international volunteers who were working alongside locals to rebuild their town. We were moved to join in the relief efforts and were compelled to document our experience in photographs.

We offer these images to continue the channel of destruction and creation, of change and transition. We invite you into our experience to mourn the dead and illuminate the forgotten survivors. We also offer you a glimpse into the beautiful and compassionate nature of humanity, which we saw in abundance in the face of a waking nightmare.

We hope that every person who views these images becomes another witness, and in doing we hope to lift the heaviness in our own spirits. For this, we thank you for visiting. Proceeds from the sale of all materials will be donated to Hi Phi Phi International in support of child welfare and education on Koh Phi Phi.

Maggie McAdorey and Lisa Santonato