Street artist turns attention to developing PPE

A street artist based in Los Angeles has turned his attention to producing personal protective equipment (PPE), including face shields.

Plastic Jesus has adapted his 1000 sq. ft. studio to the fabrication of face shields for use by doctors and nurses caring for critically ill patients requiring intubation prior to mechanical ventilation. Although it is standard practice for all members of the care team to wear a face shield during the intubation procedure, a severe shortage of face shields has meant that often only one face shield is available – and that is used by the physician actually doing the intubation.

When materials supplier Goodfellow became aware of Plastic Jesus’ project, it donated PET – a clear, strong and lightweight plastic – required for the project. 

Goodfellow CEO Stephen Aldersley said: “Goodfellow has invested heavily in supporting companies combatting COVID-19 and assisting front-line workers by providing materials to aid treatment and research. When we heard about the efforts of Plastic Jesus, we gladly offered to supply PET for the project.”

Assisting Plastic Jesus with the face shield fabrication is Laser Gnomes, a Los Angeles company specialising in precision laser cutting and engraving. It expects to cut enough of the PET material for Plastic Jesus to fabricate hundreds of face shields for distribution to hospitals with the greatest need.

Plastic Jesus said: “I have an engineering background, and I learned early on that if someone before me has made something, I can probably make it, too. As with my street art, I decide what I want to create, then I figure out how to do it.

“In a crisis like this, each one of us has a skill that can be used. It’s time to pull together and make a difference.”