Born and raised in Smiths Grove, KY, Mark Whitley has been a professional wood artist in his hometown for the past 14 years. "I live and work in Kentucky because I love Kentucky," Whitley said, but his inspiration does not come from his home state. "I knew I had to leave," Whitley said, and with nothing more than a backpack he traveled the world engaging different cultures in a way that dictates how he works today. Produced by Brian Powers