This Baltimore themed nostalgic collage is crafted on a base of Baltic Birch and is titled, “Be-More.’ It is composed of hundreds of items that are iconic from Charm City Baltimore.  The center eye serves as the anchor of the piece and it is the iconic “Natty Bo” symbol from National Bohemian beer. It is surrounded by Maryland flags and crabs.  In Baltimore, having beer and crabs, seasoned with Old Bay from the McCormick Spice Company, is a long-held tradition.  Pieces included in this work represent regional themes such as horse racing, the flagship university of the state, the University of Maryland, and the iconic Domino Sugars plant, from the heart of Locust Point, Baltimore. I hunt for unique pieces from the past and assemble them into complex collages of texture and color creating “Nostalgic Art.” Although many pieces are vintage, others I create by hand. Each piece is positioned strategically to create a pattern that draws the work together. Planning takes several months for a new design. Assembly begins in the center and I work outward with construction taking place over several weeks. This piece is sealed using multi-layer epoxy resin, which creates shimmer and protects the work.  The resin also allows you to trace your fingers over the different textures, for both a visual and tactile experience. Each work of art is handcrafted and, although they may appear similar, no two works are exactly alike making each a unique statement for your surroundings.