The Deep South shapes my roots and guides where they extend. Based in Tennessee, with family in Alabama, I experiment with certain concepts and materials tied to Southern Culture. The ratchet strap is a tool and icon that appears throughout my work. Traditionally used to tie down cargo, these straps are essential to the blue-collar Southerner. 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 bridge. Wrapping these symbols in bands of color explores those influences, whether they are restricting or secure.