Stetson Hamilton: capstone

Abstract

The artist's statement: The cowboy way of life is a piece of our history as a nation, and it is still important as a continuing way of life today. Industrial economic growth and expansion were spearheaded in many regards by the farming and ranching communities throughout our history. This series titled "Fading Voice" will involve many aspects of daily life in the way of the rancher. I do not think that the scope of what I want to cover can be seen in one or two pieces of work. I do think that by through scope and differing subject matter, the ideas I want to represent will become clear. My image choices are based on the humility of everyday life. It is often the simplest things that carry the biggest meanings. Daily life is one of the only reoccurring, and constant visible sign to others about what you believe. So, my image choices are naturally going to represent daily life and the little things that ranchers do every day. For example: fixing barns, mending fences, managing land resources, caring for the health and welfare of livestock, and supporting environmental awareness. However, this said it is important to note my use of absences in my work. These absences are proposing questions or statement that usually point toward something that should be, that is not. This relationship changes from piece to piece, but when the questions are added up I hope to construct what voice is fading from existence. I am looking to address issues of land use, industrial development as an invading force, and the dwindling traditional ranch and farming communities due to these modern pressures. Modern life often overlooks the rancher and farmer; treating it as a place and time in older history. This has raised the stereotypes of non-existence and dramatization that ultimately undermined the relevance of their lifestyle today. These people have stood for centuries as caretakers and protectors of land, advocators of proper resource management, and animal ethics. What dangers lie in store if this voice faded to the point of non-existence?