This piece is part of the Sun Valley Museum of Art print series.

Despite the unknown and the uncertainties, early in the pandemic, these essential workers went out, performed their everyday jobs, and even went above and beyond what was expected of them to ensure that they were keeping themselves and their community safe. Today I would like to introduce two people who you all interacted with one way or another during the pandemic. These two women worked at their local grocery store—stocking shelves and or cashing people out for their everyday groceries. Unlike some of us, these women had to physically go to work to financially support themselves and their family.

“It’s been crazy! People have masks, some [dont’].” She said as she explained how difficult it has been to grapple with covid related loss and grief while being the primary provider for her children who live in the Philippines. “I ask [customers] where is your mask? Some are rude… I need to come to work, for my kids. My kids come first.” She mentioned as she placed my groceries in the bag.

We are aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color in the US, and in a global scale has ravaged through many developing nations like the Philippines. When Rovelyn was asking customers about masks, she was simply following the CDC guidelines, store policy and most importantly, trying to stay safe so she could one day see her children again.

These prints were created to thank and honor those realities of those people who were and continue to be the essential tapestry and foundation of this nation.

Thank you Rovelyn and Verlene.

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The design was sketched and carved by hand, then printed with traditional oil based printmaking ink onto 100% cotton, acid free paper. Each piece will be titled, signed and labeled as an edition of 12.

*This block is printed on white Canson edition paper— 250 gsm paper, and the red button is individually hand painted with watercolor paint.

Each print is produced using a manual printing press, therefore, each print will be unique and may differ slightly from the pictured original. This is the beauty of linoleum block printing.

Paper Size: 18”x22 ”

Image Size: 12”x16”

Paper: Canson edition—100% cotton acid-free

*print does not come framed

Shipping: Prints are carefully packaged and shipped within 3-5 business days.

*If you’re interested in seeing the process visit my Instagram .