Question 1: Tell us about our cover toad. Who is this toad? What's he thinking? Where does he find smoking jackets that can be tailored down to his dimensions?

"Oh, he's a very good friend of mine! Here, I'll let the amphibian himself answer these ones."

[from the artists’ imagination…]

The Toad hops up politely.

"Today? Rib. I'm thinking about spring breeze over a serene lake. Ribbit. Barely rippling the water, just enough to cause a stir. Roak. That's a good way to describe my life. Ibbit. Spring breeze over a lake. Rrrrr-ribb."

His throat bubbles thoughtfully.

"Smoking jackets that are my size?

Rrrrr-ribb. Easy. Ibbit. Lots of thrift stores in Joplin. Lots of old doll clothes. Croak."

He smooths the front of his jacket with obvious pride.

Question 2: How would you describe the art that you create? What does the process look like for you?

"I have a hard time finding the right word for such a unique medium, but papercutting seems to fit at the moment. Typically I sketch or trace the picture I want, then lay it over colored cardstock and cut directly into that in a sort of destructive copy technique. I have to keep the layers firmly in mind as I go, or things can get pretty wonky."

Question 3: What inspired you to take on the creative pursuits that you're currently a part of?
"My creative output is widely varied, and is typically focused on the market, but sometimes I let myself play with ideas that stick in my head. I, like most artists, can't say where they come from exactly, but my biggest source of inspiration has always been stories. Books, movies, games, comics, friends - I thrive on stories."

Question 4: How has living in the city of Joplin affected your life as an artist?

"I've never lived anywhere else, so it's kind of hard to say what's special without a frame of reference, but my close community has made an enormous impact on me as an artist. I just wouldn't be actively creating and pushing boundaries without these good people surrounding me with encouragement and stability."

Question 5: What's your favorite toad?

"Our very own Joplin Toad, of course!"

The Toad rises elegantly, then abruptly dabs.