The Deep South shapes my roots and guides where they extend. Born in Tennessee and currently based in Alabama, I encounter certain symbols and ideas tied to the Southern man. These symbols follow him and are bound to his identity. The ratchet strap is a tool and symbol that appears throughout this body of work. Traditionally used to tie down cargo, these straps are essential to the blue-collar Southern Man. Using straps to transport belongings back and forth in the bed of my grandfather’s truck, my father’s truck, and now my own truck is a multi-generational connection. Wrapping Southern symbols in bands of color explores those generational ties that the southern man carries, whether they provide security and liberation or become restrictive and limiting.