Some of my earliest memories are from the antique stores near my childhood home in a historic rural town. The detail and ornamentation would captivate me, and I’ve carried that love into my art. The artists and craftsmen of the turn of the twentieth century are a huge source of inspiration for me, and their attempts to bring beauty and opulence to the everyman is something to be admired. However, that same time was one of the worst instances of class warfare and inequality in modern history, something that is reflective of the present day. With that in mind, I try to bridge the gap between high art and illustration. I draw from the classics, but tell modern stories, depicit modern values, and use modern techniques to create art that is accessible and approachable to all, regardless of artistic experience or financial status.