2020 VOTE!

I began October, participating in Inktober, which is an annual challenge to create an image every day for a month, and post it online. I had a vague story line that I was going try to follow, in addition to the word prompts. Somewhere around day 11 or 12, I began to stall out; troubled by the news and the stress of the upcoming election. I couldn’t wait to cast my own ballot, and was anxiously awaiting its arrival in my mailbox.  

While scrolling to distract myself, I came across the work of Mary Englebreit. Her work is as familiar and as present in my life, and probably yours, as Earl Gray tea. I had seen plenty of her adorable, comfortable, kitschy and grandmotherly illustrations on cards and calendars, but I had never taken a close look at Mary Englebreit herself. I found her feed on Instagram, and right away had new respect. Her quotes are witty and direct, and she does not shy away from speaking her mind, even if her opinions might differ greatly from those of her fans. 

Especially intriguing to me, were these words she used in several of her pieces, “Vote. The constitution isn’t going to uphold itself.” 

I have spent far too many days and years in this life, wringing my hands and feeling insignificant and powerless to change what I often see as a sad future course of humanity, especially in my home country. Yet there it was. One thing I could do. I could vote! I could spread that simple message. I made a drawing of myself with Englebreit’s words. 

I posted my drawing on social media with the message that I would make an illustration for anyone who would like one, with the word VOTE, to share with their friends and family. 50-something (apparently I can’t count right now), illustrations and one (still undecided) election later I feel like something positive actually did happen. 

Each person who trusted me to make a drawing for them brought me joy, and gave me the chance to feel connected to them during this strange and isolating time. I know that I also lifted spirits and eased stress for my friends and collaborators and others. 

My Inktober was derailed, but my October was saved. These will not be the last vote illustrations you see from me, because I know that there will be many more important elections in our future. 

VOTE my friends, and thank you for doing your part to uphold our constitution.

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