Sarnia artist uses COVID-19 theme creating iconic wartime posters

As the battle against COVID-19 continues to be referred to as a war, a Sarnia high school art teacher is taking that concept one step further.

Michael Slotwinskihas had a lot of extra time over the past few weeks, and has used it to createa series of "War Effort Posters."

"You have all of society kind of doing their part," said Slotwinski. "It kind of just gave me this idea that back in World War Two,people were kind of living under similar circumstances ...these wartime posters just caught my eyes and Ithought 'How come nobody is doing this yet.'"

Slotwinskisaid the old posters he's seen have catchy slogans andflashy colours depending on the message

"What they try and do is inspire hope or warn people of the dangers that may be coming," he said.

For his posters, Slotwinskiis sharing messages about COVID-19.

"They're just warningpeople that they want to make sure they're following the rules," he said.

Some show messages about how factories are re-engineeredto help out by making supplies, or how people can still choose to give back by donating blood.

"if you see them just share them and spread the message. That's what they're created for."

Slotwinski is in part inspired by his wife who is a nurse.

"She doesn't see anything more thanwhat people read in the newspaper," he said. "What Iget from her is a message of how adamant and serious we should take this."

You can see more of his works at Slots Art Studio's website or InstagramandFacebook accounts.