Talk Less and Say More: Photos Capturing Everyday Montana Moments

Bozeman Library Atrium, May 4 - May 31, 2021

Inspired by Jim Owen's Ten Principles to Live By, a translation of the Code of the West, this show features photography and graphic art capturing the everyday Montana moments that embody principle number 8, "Talk less and say more." This collection of images highlights life on Montana cattle ranches and outfitters in the backcountry. Experience these moments from feeding cattle in the morning to calving and yearly branding events to pack strings with mules and horses as they wander through the fantastic scenery in Montana's backcountry. These images tell the story of people and animals, their lives intertwined, capturing the emotions and impact of everyday life in Montana.

This show will raise funds for the Bozeman Library Foundation that strengthens the Library’s ability to innovate, adapt to change, and raise a new generation of readers.

Visit chatanikaphotography.com to see the photos I will be featuring.

Talk Less and Say More: Photos Capturing Everyday Montana MomentsThis collection of images highlights life on Montana cattle ranches and outfitters in the backcountry. Experience these moments from feeding cattle in the morning to calving and yearly branding events to pack strings with mules and horses as they wander through the fantastic scenery in Montana's backcountry. These images tell the story of people and animals, their lives intertwined, capturing the emotions and impact of everyday life in Montana.

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.” – Maya Angelou

From the anticipation of the first barrel by a barrel racer to the white shirt and lariat of a roper at a branding to the look of a curious lamb, horse, calf or cow, my photos capture a moment in time in a life that may or may not be familiar to you, and gives a glimpse into the emotion of the experience. As I go about #mymontanalife, I capture the everyday traditions and experiences of life in the American West. With my camera always by my side, I can’t resist that urge to capture that different view or isolated moment that tells the story.

My work captures the play of natural light on the scene and is enhanced by being printed on metal. Like the holograms of the 1970s, the effect is having many pictures in one depending on how the light hits the photograph. In some cases, I have found that I can enhance the impact of the photo by creating graphic art. I use the software to add color and texture to my photos and create a whole new reality. My work was featured on the cover of the NILE Livestock Premium Book in 2015, Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) Stock Show and Rodeo, selected as the cover photo for the 2018 Western Ranch Spring Catalog (representing calving season) and won Contest Finalist in At The Rodeo Photo Contest on Viewbug.com in 2015.

I have followed many paths in my life – all focused on finding the story. Growing up in northern Alaska, I was curious about how the natural world worked. When I went to college, I continued to hone my ability to understand and test the world around me as my passion for research grew. Eventually, I got my Ph.D. at Yale University and started working for a large pharmaceutical company telling their research story. I moved to Montana and now help faculty at Montana State University tell their story to grant funding agencies. With photography, I have embarked on a different kind of storytelling, not of facts and figures, but of people and animals, their lives intertwined - capturing the emotions and impact of everyday adventures.

”There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou