Velocity

Artist Lelita McKILL

MediumDigital Photograph

Dimensions24 x 30 in. (61 x 76.2 cm)

ClassificationsPhotograph

Credit LineSeattle City Light 1% for Art Portable Works Collection

Artist Statement: My inspiration to document Essential Workers during Covid-19 was to focus on what is the heart of a community. I wanted to highlight the individuals and organizations (not just first responders) that kept showing up for their community, from the UPS delivery person to the coffee shop owner. The gallerists, the dancers, the pet groomers, the housing advocates, the mutual aid volunteers. . . these and others, have been Essential to helping their communities during Covid-19 by staying present and involved and providing some semblance of familiarity, reliability and safety when there was so much uncertainty. I think it is important to emphasize why these photos were taken and the time frame during Covid-19. That these are real community members, not actors or models. People that tried their best to keep helping during Covid. That some of the organizations/businesses did NOT survive the economic effects of the Pandemic.