Boundless: Ecosystems that melt I.C.E— WATERCOLOR

"Boundless: Ecosystems that melt I.C.E.” is a 9x11'' hand-carved watercolored linoleum block print made on 11x14'' Strathmore 280gm cotton rag paper using Cranfield traditional oil based ink and watercolored with Japanese pigments in a limited edition of just 11. 

The long-held symbolic connection between monarch butterflies and migration inspired this block print. The butterfly's annual migration from Mexico to the United States and back, which can take four generations and can require up to 3,000 miles of flight for the small creature, symbolizes the right of all living beings to move freely in search of safer habitats and survival.  Migrations for humans, specifically throughout the Americas, is just as grand and magnificent as our insect friends. An aspect of human existence that is as natural as can be, human migrants are often held in opposite regard to monarch butterflies. Fellow humans often spew claims that seek to devalue their lives, undervalue and mistake the decisions/ choices often forced upon them, and make small the massive sacrifices required for leaving home for a new beginning. Migrants who venture towards the United States often travel out of necessity, making the journey to flee political and gang violence, intimate partner and sexual violence, encroaching climate catastrophe, etc in search of economic stability and safety.

The life cycle of the monarch butterflies is represented in this print in hopes of paying homage to the millions of immigrants who arrive in the United States as children and whose livelihood and state-sanctioned safety rely on receiving DACA. This is a piece of legislation that provides protection for childhood arrivals and is consistently on the chopping block, alongside other protections for immigrants, refugees, and asylee seekers. We cannot live without one another and it is our responsibility, as human beings,  to keep each other safe. That includes those born in the US and those who have migrated here--legally or not. We cannot individually thrive unless we all thrive. We are all we've got and our mobilization and commitment to valuing the life and safety of all immigrants is imperative for keeping a healthy garden. 

The title of this print comments on the longstanding violence of the United Satates Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agency against immigrants, specifically those crossing the southern borders. Throughout Trump's presidency, ICE enacted a zero-tolerance policy that criminalized every person who crossed the border without proper documentation. This policy was sandwiched together with a barbaric family separation policy, separating over five thousand families, breaking human rights laws, and traumatizing so many in the process. 

Framing Recommendations: 9x12 for a tight fit, 11x14 if you want more “breathing room” around the print. Custom cut mat recommended. Display out of direct sunlight in order to preserve the life of your print.

Due to variations in the artists water color application, there may be slight differences in the piece you receive from the piece pictured. Each print is hand watercolored and therefore each will vary in appearance slightly. Each print from my studio is made by my imperfect hands, with love.

*Please note that due to the nature of hand-carved linoleum block printing, every print will have its own unique quality. Each edition is inspected to be the best quality and similar, but I cannot ensure exact replica of the print pictured on this site. Part of the magic of printmaking is all of the print-specific marks like "noise" or carving marks that add to the feel of the print. Please take note of this when ordering.