THE PROJECT

"The Westerners" is a new take on the visual essay, designed to exist on a wall. Each person depicted, in mixed media narrative portraits, is a real person who shared their story with me. Mostly from my home state of Utah, they are friends and friends of friends who have a unique connection to the West (either geographical or idealogical). I hoped viewers could stand face to face with these people and consider their words. Though the full interviews are available here, I hand painted a single quote from each participant for the visual essay. This is meant to encourage viewers to engage more deeply with the narratives embedded in the images, in the text, and wonder about the people they depict.  The project is designed to be able to be reconfigured and fit in a variety of spaces, be they galleries, schools, libraries, or other public spaces. 
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–Sarah Hawkes

Meet the WESTERNERS

Scott -  Rancher

Scott Chew is a 3rd generation rancher from Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Utah. He is also a community leader and a state legislator.

LANEY - BARREL RACER

Laney grew up on Schultz Ranch in Croydon, Utah. She is a competitive barrel racer and new roper at only 15.

Justina - INFLUENCER

Justina grew up in the 4H program and now builds community for newcomers to the Western world from her home in LA. 

Kerri - Musician

Kerri is a self-taught musician who shares traditional Native American music with the hikers of St. George. 

Giliberto - cowboy

Giliberto has spent 20 years shepherding and herding cattle during the summer at Chew Ranch. 

Victoria - Social worker

Victoria is pursuing her social work masters so she can be an asset to urban Native American communities across the U.S. 

Izzi - Pop Artist

Izzi is a painter who decided to begin exploring his own Western heritage through his work. 

FLOYD- PSYCHOLOGIST

Floyd is a retired psychologist and social worker turned scholar, author, and community leader. 

Amina - wildlife Conservationist

Amina works at the endangered wolf center but her work is about people as much as animals. 

Brad - environmental restorationist

Brad, along with the rest of the Northwestern Shoshone, have worked to restore the true history of the Bear River Massacre-- land, river, and community.