That old expression "you can't see the trees for the forest" has, in my opinion,
quite a bit of relevance when applied to cowboy art. Many moons ago, in my childhood days,
growing up to be a cowboy was what most kids wanted to do. Of course, this idea was a result of all the
cowboy movies youngsters could see on Saturday afternoons, particularly if you weren't living in cowboy territory.
The cowboy and the western life represented an ideal American way of life, where
good conquered evil, and hard work and loyalty to ones friends and the family spread
was synonymus with what was good and true about this nation of ours.
I am not to sure if this concept still exists, at least in this country. At times during the past 30 years
I've had the opportunity to travel to Europe and the Far East, where the idealized version of cowboy life
apparently still exists. Even though the USA is not the most beloved country in the world, my wife and I
were always greeted warmly when people saw us on the street, dressed in Western clothes as usual. Apparently, the american cowboy
is something special to many who live in countries other than the United States - it's like the feelings had as children when
we all wanted to be cowboys.
Unfortunately, the cowboy, the rancher, and the farmer are, to some extent, looked down upon
these days by our own citizens. Too many forget the contributions made by this group of citizenry, a practical example of not seeing the forest for the trees.
As a professional organization, Cowboy Artists and Photographers of America (CAPA)has as one of its
goals the enhancement of the cowboy and western lifestyle and basic values. And we look to do mit through
telling the cowboy story through paintings, drawings,sculpture, and photography. In this regard,
we look for art which tells the story and expresses the sentiments inherent in the life, and what it means to
America.
Australia and New Zealand are countries which have a cowboy life history similar to our own.
Australian cowboys are among the top rodeo cowboys. Russia has seen festivals of cowboy/western music, and recently there was a great Russian country western group playing here in the States.
So it should come as no surprise that relevant cowboy art is produced in countries other than the United States and Canada. One such artist is
Anatoly Kalashnikov, whose epic mural work "Montana Cattle Drive" celebrates what is great about America. In its effort to promote cowboy art in all of its forms,CAPA has established a "Special Membership
Classification" for artists whose work would qualify for CAPA membership if they were American artists. See the "New Member information" elsewhere on this page.
Joe Chernicoff, CAPA Exec. Director
Bull Riding Fans
If you haven't visited cowboyartshow.com recently, here are images you might enjoy
Cowboy Poetry
In the last issue (Volume 3, Number 8) we featured some cowboy poetry, and this month we have the work of Steve Dirksen.
Cowboy Art
Someone draws or paints the scene
I've always bought magazines
each artist has a gift to share
Rodeo Schedules and Other Events of Interest
For rodeo schedules and information - including barrel racing schedules, visit:
The following artists and organizations are active in supporting and promoting
cowboy and western art and photography. CA&R appreciates their efforts
at keeping this art form in front of the public eye:
Most of you have probably read some of the articles posted on the CAPA web site
(http://capausa.or/columns/directory.htm) which were written by
Dorothy Gauvin, a highly accomplished artist and author, who works out of Cairns,
Queensland, Australia, where she owns a gallery selling her work - original
paintings and prints, has been awarded an Honorary Membership by Cowboy ARtists and Photographers of America (CAPA)
in appreciation of her contributions to the organization and her work depicting the
history of Australia during much of its turbulent times in the late 1800s. Like the American West, the history of Australia is filled with events that
Americans can understand and appreciate.
For Gauvin, Australia's most famous song, "Waltzing Matilda", the song penned by
A. P. "Banjo Paterson, about a knockabout wanderer that was to become the
unofficial anthem for Australians all over the world, and the poet himself - all
became "the inspirational heart of her eight-year search to portray, in prose and
on canvas, the events of 100 years ago that helped shaped the character of this
nation" (Sunday Standard Mail magazine, June 11, 1995).
to let us see more clearly
a part of cowboy life
that holds a moment dearly
or books...which isn't silly
then taped a picture on a wall,
or in a scrapbook neatly
for a closer look at "cowboy art"
though now seen quite petitely
abstractly or concretely
of places, people or animals
true western scenes completely
©2003, Steve Dirksen
Other Rodeo - Bull Riding Schedules
Your News in important to us! Send your local cowboy art news, rodeo schedules, personalities facts - all information we may be able to use here. Use this form.
Honorary Membership Granted
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Current and Future Events of Interest
Margo Petterson, WAOW, CAPA current show schedule:
Oct. 10-12 WAOW 3rd Annual at the Wm. S. Hart Ranch in Santa Clairita, CA
Oct 18 WAOW Strathern Foundation Show at the Regan Library in Simi Valley, CA (don't know if I made that one yet)
Sharon K. Hunt and her cowgirl art will be at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, CA, on September 19, 20, and 21st. he art exhibit will be open on Friday,12-8:30; Saturday, 8-8:30, and Sunday: 8-7
New CAPA Members
Biographical material on the members listed below is located here
Anatoly Kalashnikov
Special Member Category
Although having a limited personal connection to the United States, Russian artist Anatoly Kalashnikov has devoted the past twelve years to realizing his vision for a mural depicting American history and its folklore from a distinctive Russian, post-soviet point of view. In doing so, he has created a new type of American iconography and human mosaic where time, events, geography and culture merge to create a common bond of optimism and ideas. Presently installed in his studio in Yekatrinburg, Russia, the mural study for "Montana Cattle Drive" towers at seven feet by sixty feet and was published in a book in 2002.
An internationally known and well-represented museum artist, A. Kalashnikov's journey to Montana began in 1969 while watching the news on Russian television. A brief, five minute segment about that year's Great Montana Cattle Centennial Catlle Drive captured his imagination and inspired the next decade of full-time creative work.
Because of his dedication, interest, and newer form of cowboy art, a special CVAPA membership was granted to Anatoly Kalashnikov.
