My work is about working-class America, what it really means to be patriotic and the fragility of the American Dream.  I grew up in a rural small town in Indiana. Moving away has allowed me to reflect on what I see are Midwestern values; honesty, hard work, kindness. During my time away, I have also witnessed some heartbreaking changes in my community; unemployment, rampant drug use and the breakdown of traditional family structures. I also recognize that this pattern is replicating itself in many other similar communities all over the country.

I use printing techniques in my work because of the democratic nature of producing an edition. My parents own a printshop, so my interest in print is also familial. The imagery I appropriate is rooted in political advertising and print media from the Victory Garden campaign and Uncle Sam era.  I’m combining this type of patriotic imagery with writings of mine to be positive or inspiring in regards to the current Midwestern plight. I want to be optimistic that the American Dream is still possible for my generation.