No reason this whole pandemic thing can’t be stylish, right?

That’s the philosophy behind the designs found on masks made by local artist Marty David, now available for sale ($14.95) at Olympic Trading Post in Port Hadlock, the Penny Saver Mart and Aldrich’s Market in Port Townsend.

David, perhaps best known for his picturesque postcards and regularly seen out and about painting around town, said the masks are meant to lift the spirit of those who see them and those who wear them.

“What I really like about this is that it highlights and brings to the forefront where we’re at right now. And instead of approaching it with fear, it’s an inspiration,” he said.

“In my dealings I will be carrying along my travels every day a few extras,” David explained. “I’ll hand somebody a mask that needs a mask. There’s no pressure for anybody to buy our masks, but I feel like what I’m helping to do is — I’m just helping to shed some light on the discussion that wearing a mask is OK.”

David estimates he has made about 80 masks total. They are washable and while at least one customer reported they fared fine in the machine, the artist himself recommends hand-washing only, with mild detergent.

David has produced five distinct designs, four that feature wildlife (whales, crows, eagles, frogs) and one floral arrangement (roses).

As to what makes a good design for a mask specifically, as opposed to a picture or postcard, the artist said it’s all about instinct.

“All of that depends on the artist,” he said. “This is something that an artist spends a lifetime, somebody who is in visual communications and does the things that I do, I could not explain that to you. There is no such thing as laymen’s terms.”

For David, the wearing of a mask is a glass half-full scenario filled with delayed rewards.

“What we’re in, it’s not all pretty. But besides some vegetables on our plate — ‘Oh, I have to wear my mask!’ — you can have desert. You can go, ‘Hey, I’m going to go peel off my mask!’”

David can be reached for inquiries regarding mask availability via martydeey@gmail.com.

More information about his work can be found at www.martydavid.blogspot.com.