Hi :)

Thanks for stopping by and taking an interest in my work.

Each piece is designed using maps, ink and original photography. I draw on vintage city maps, current and historical topographic maps, navigation charts and aviation charts.

I illustrate the map lines, one by one, by hand, creating the intricate designs you see in each piece.

The map and ink are on plexiglass, the photograph in the background is printed on aluminum. The artwork is layered and bolted together- a new design concept that showcases the individual components as a whole.

My work combines modern and vintage elements as well as technology and old school design.

How did I come up with this idea?

I was gifted old film negatives from the department of Fish and Wildlife. The negatives were clear, black and white maps. The simplicity of a transparent map was beautiful to me and I started illustrating on the negatives to see what I could come up with.

The ah-ha moment came when I found my first elephant silhouette in an Idaho map - I realized I could illustrate familiar shapes from the map lines and I was off and running.

My work began in shadowbox frames from Ikea; illustration & map in the foreground, photograph in the background - the layered effect allowing all the different parts of the artwork to shine.

It wasn’t until I was commissioned to do a 4’ x 6’ piece that I realized I needed to upgrade the framing format. When I designed the current “un-framed” style I opened up a world of contemporary art that introduced light, shadow, multiple layers and magic in to the work you see today.

All the background images are original photography, taken by me, on location and I've finally used up all the recycled maps. I design all the maps you see in my work today based on USGS, Aviation Maps, Nautical Charts and historical map hidden in the archives.

I take on a handful of commissions each quarter and sell my work at art shows and a few small galleries around the US. If you’d like more information on a custom piece please fill out my Commission Request Form and I’ll get back to you shortly.

Have more questions?

Feel free to shoot me an email - hi@modernterrain.com

The photo below is me with one of the original maps in my Portland Studio in 2016.