Artist Journal Entry:
I captured this photograph on a ranch in Weatherford, TX. A family who has become dear friends of mine. A family who has been ranching for over six generations. When I visited, I was introduced to an office-sized room filled with floor-to-ceiling picture frames hanging on every wall, vintage saddles, old books, and dusty hats that have been passed down through the family. Six generations full of memories and moments to look back on. Row upon row of photographs with stories illustrated beneath them. Spider webs interweaving between layers of old cowboy hats. I was in awe at the amount of history that was preserved on this sixth-generation ranch. I knew I wanted to honor this family and other ranches who passed their Western heritage down to the next generation. After grabbing six hats off the rack, I set them up outside against a simple white backdrop to showcase the unique characteristics of each one. A way to honor their story and the cowboys who once wore them. After capturing this photo I sat there thinking about the men and women who have once worn these hats. Their life has come and gone but their memory will always live on. A cowboy may hang up their hat when it’s time to go but eventually, someone else will come along and continue its legacy. Until then they are kept untouched and left hanging on the rack. There for us to honor and pay our respects to the ones who came before us.