The West Is: The Rodeo, is a project exploring the rodeo, its culture, and people. The series has a two part goal; one, to depict how the rodeo is a defining feature of the West, and two, my family's history as rodeo cowboys. I want people to connect to this project, no matter their background, by provoking romanticism, curiosity, and historical connections. It begins like this: The West Is: dust and dirt, broken bones and a whole lot of hurt. It’s bucking broncos, riding bulls, roping calves, and wrestling steers. The West is a 4 piece band, two stepping, and line dancing. Hot Summer nights and bar fights. It’s a sombrero under the afternoon sun. The West is a couple dressed in their best, a cowboy hat and shined boots. The West is restless horses yearning for the pasture and angry bulls. The West Is: The Rodeo
