American Folklore is a celebration of the iconic imagery of the West and its impact throughout Western culture. If folklore is defined as 'tradition' and 'popular myth', no single moment in American history embodies this as deeply or as widely as the wild American West.
Informed by a love of history and my fascination with mid-century advertising, this body of work highlights the enduring impact of Western imagery. From roadside Motels to coloring books, gasoline advertising and toys, Western iconography is powerful, prolific, and an integral part of our collective identity. This body of work invites viewers to reflect on the complex intersection of history, nostalgia, and the lasting legacy of these beloved narratives.
My work has always focused on the power of mid-century advertising, branding, and imagery. Advertising has always been the way to American hearts. It is a way to simplify, to polish, and to create an attractive (though perhaps not entirely genuine) narrative. In this way, with the use of memorable slogans and beautiful imagery, Cowboys and Indians have gone from rivals to cultural icons. As a result, the lasting narrative of the American West is a romanticized one.
Western images and themes have had a profound influence on our collective consciousness, and they continue to shape our perception of history, identity, and the spirit of the West. While the truth and impact of this brief time in American History is far more complex, there is no question that this is our American Folklore.
