date. 2020

materials. silver wire spiral 4 in 1 chain and copper 

size. 18 in

This piece is dedicated to generating conversation around a topic that is often overlooked in the polarized issue regarding immigration. During this pandemic we cheer, value and respect essential workers (as we should be) because without them on the front lines, we would descend into chaos. Healthcare workers, grocery store staff, maintenance and custodial staff, thank you. There is another group of essential workers that is “critical to the food supply chain” in our country. Field workers, many of whom are undocumented and even though they are considered essential are not exempt from being deported. Even while in the front lines and at risk of contracting the virus, not only are they vulnerable to deportation, they are also facing reduced wages as an initiative by the government to “help U.S farmers who are struggling amid disruptions in the agricultural supply chain compounded by the outbreak.” Pollinators too are essential and critical to the food supply chain. They protect us and our way of life even though we don’t protect them, quite the opposite. We continually use pesticides that kill and massively reduce populations of these valuable essential workers. They are essential pillars and an often overlooked component to the delicate balance that is our food chain. Pollinators and field workers are our unsung heroes and deserve our respect and protection. It is ironic and hypocritical to see some demanding a return to normalcy, a claim to their rights to walk freely without face masks, without restrictions, without shortages of toilet paper, flour, or disinfectant, while also demanding that we be rid of those who are not here legally. Those who are not here legally greatly help protect the sense of normalcy everyone so desperately wants to reclaim. Creating awareness and political consciousness around such topics is my call for protection for them. I am from the filter, gateway, funnel, the border through which many of our field/essential workers are introduced into this country. These topics have been present in my life since I can remember.

There are multiple benefits to wearing copper on our skin. Among many health benefits, spiritually speaking, it is said that copper absorbs negative energy and promotes healing energy. It made sense to create the pollinators in my piece in this material. During the Chicano movement of the 1960s, Cesar Chavez used an Aztec eagle with geometric stepped wings that he would explain to his followers was a symbol of dignity and pride. It became the symbol on the flag of the United Farm workers. This symbol heavily influenced the geometric design of the pollinators in my piece. The choice of chain that mimics a DNA strand was also purposely chosen for this quality. Every time I hear the term “The American Dream,” I immediately connect it to blood, sweat and tears, this is the way it is for most seeking a better life here.