I can't help the 'overshooting' here ... I see many stories present in this illustration.
What brings us together? Trying to be a source of light and not getting extinguished in the process. Keeping the rising waters at bay and our heads above that water of ... and here comes the overshooting ... dissension, the societal norms dictating what is and what is not acceptable. (That may not be a universal one for all.) Now ...
A highly evocative piece Matt. This one must have taken you some time. The line work is quite good and quite clean. Your proportions are excellent. Nice work.
As a suggestion (forgive me here, as I cannot be silent ... ahem, given my own propensities :oP), any thought as to fleshing out the background with, hmm, a manipulation of a photo? Simply I would like to see the ... and I use this phrase very loosely ... use of the available space there better employed.
I say this, 'cause at 1600 X 1200 it is more noticeable. ;o)
I can't say I'm surprised at your creativity, nor your execution of your concepts. You are more than adept at, well, now literally painting a picture and creating one in someones' mind with your words. Thanks for putting up some more of your minds' thoughts.
as for what purmusic said, i can see the fire,water and earth but no air maybe you could find a way to fill the empty space with the fourth element, as per usual just my opinion and feel free to ignore it completely.
very cool.
widow