ON THE PHONE with Beau Simmons
Eric: I know you've been traveling all over the country, how is your summer is wrapping up?
Beau Simmons: This year has been quite busy for me. I recently had an art gallery show at Anne Nielsen Fine Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, which wrapped up at the end of August. I have a permanent representation there, and I also have new artwork on display for the next two months. Additionally, I'm working on my second art gallery show at Markowicz Fine Art in Dallas, Texas, which is set to start on November 16. It's going to be a significant event featuring artwork I've been working on for the past three years. We're also premiering a short documentary about my journey, which we just finished filming after spending five months working on it. We filmed at various locations, including the Four Sixes Ranch, San Francisco where my artworks are printed, Dallas, and a bit in Colorado. This documentary, which is about 7-8 minutes long, dives into my background, why I got into photography, my fascination with the western lifestyle, and the process behind creating my artworks. Additionally, I'm still working on my next coffee table book, set to release in 2026.
Eric: Let's dive into your coffee table book. Are there any ranches you haven't visited yet that you're hoping to include in it?
BS: There are still a few ranches on my list. I've been fortunate to visit some of the bigger names like King Ranch, Four Sixes, Bell Ranch, Singletons, Matador in Montana, YP in Nevada, and ORO in Arizona. However, I'd like to explore more and document places like Waggoner Ranch and Pitchfork here in Texas. I'm also interested in ranches in Wyoming and Montana that experience snowy, frozen conditions, showcasing the challenges of cowboy life in those seasons.
Eric: Looking at your work, it's clear that you draw inspiration from Kurt Markus. Did you have a personal relationship with him?
BS: While I haven't met Kurt Markus personally, I have become friends with his wife, Maria. We actually met up in New Mexico this year. I shared my work with her, and we had wonderful conversations about our journeys. We both come from a fashion background, having worked in Los Angeles and New York on commercial projects with celebrities. Interestingly, we both had the opportunity to photograph cowboy culture and fell in love with it, leading us to shift our focus. For me, it's been about six years now of photographing people's stories, providing lasting images for cowboys and their families, and educating society about this way of life. Cowboy culture is not fading; it's evolving, and it's crucial for people to understand where their food comes from and what this lifestyle entails.
Eric: What camera are you currently using for your photography?
BS: About 80% of my work is shot with the Pentax 67 Model II, the latest version. The other 20%, I've recently started using the Mamiya RZ67. I work extensively with both of these cameras, taking them with me on horseback to ranches. I often capture moments in between working with the cattle, sometimes only for a few minutes at a time.
Eric: What was it about cowboy culture that deeply resonated with you?
BS: My background in the fashion industry taught me valuable lessons, but it was an environment where God and morals often took a back seat. In my late 20s, I felt like I was losing myself as a man. However, when I visited my first ranch and spent time with Cowboys and their families, I was deeply moved. These people prioritize God, their children, the land, and the animals. They care about where their food goes and who consumes it. I was drawn to their selflessness and their commitment to a way of life that isn't always fully appreciated in our modern, digital age. I felt called to photograph this lifestyle and share it with the world. As an outsider, I've been welcomed into the homes and lives of these private individuals, and it's been an honor to highlight them in a positive light.
Eric: What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this industry?
BS: I believe that asking questions is key to getting started. If you have a genuine and authentic interest in cowboy culture and are coming from the right place, don't hesitate to ask questions. Start by connecting with smaller ranches or dude ranches; they can be found in surprising places. It may take time to gain access to larger ranches, but it's essential to demonstrate your commitment for the long haul. Learning the basics, such as riding a horse, can be a good starting point. Remember that the small ranches are just as deserving of attention as the larger ones, and building trust and respect is crucial when entering this world.
Beau was kind enough to share some works from his upcoming gallery. Check them out below.
