On one of the last days in Saint Lucia, I visited the town of Soufriere.
My hotel was located in the hills above the small city. From above, the coastal town looked picturesque. Pastel hued dots of homes quilted the shoreline nestled between lush green hills and the grand Pitons in the distance.
Up close, when these dots came into focus, the reality was less picturesque. Many houses were in a state of disrepair, exasperated by the horrific storm that hit the Caribbean on Christmas Eve causing massive mud slides and flooding.
Yet despite any damage, each home retained a sense of cheer. Brightly painted shutters flanked broken windows, vibrant lace curtains floated in the gentle breeze, cheery Christmas lights wove between the streets, and hopeful hand-painted messages added personality to door frames and wood siding.
The homes pictured here were particularly captivating. Each had a strong sense of personality - a sadness but also an optimism - that I am hoping to capture in some paintings down the road.
Shot in Soufriere, Saint Lucia. All photos by Nicole Weiler.