VIRTUAL EXHIBITION
kevin martini-fuller
cowboy poets
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Ernie Sites, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
Kevin Martini-Fuller, a seasoned photographer, photo educator, and the principal of 'Novelda Editions,' discovered his passion for photography at the age of 12 when he first experimented with a 'Kodak Brownie Hawkeye.' This early experience sparked his fascination with camera mechanics and the magic of the darkroom.
His initial enthusiasm led him to delve into historical photographic processes, motivating him to explore this aspect of art history. After obtaining a BFA in Art History from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, Martini-Fuller earned an MFA in photography from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. During his time at SIU, he specialized in photogravure and carbon printing.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Martini-Fuller shared his expertise by teaching photography workshops across the U.S. and Europe. He also served as an adjunct professor for 15 years, covering various photography subjects at four universities in St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1990, Eastman Kodak Company appointed him as their 'Corporate Ambassador' at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, a role he held for 15 years. His responsibilities included organizing summer photography programs for park visitors and capturing the essence of the American Southwest for Kodak.
Martini-Fuller's contributions to photography education were recognized in 2000 when he received the 'International Grand Prize Award' from the International Photo Imaging Education Association. This achievement led to a yearlong traveling exhibition displayed in 45 venues worldwide.
In 1986, he initiated a project to create portraits of poets and artisans at the 'National Cowboy Poetry Gathering' in Elko, Nevada. This ongoing project, now in its 36th year, features over 1,100 portraits and more than 40,000 images.
Continuing his artistic journey, Martini-Fuller focuses on personal projects and limited edition portfolios. His recent exploration involves wet-plate collodion, resulting in captivating tintypes and ambrotypes, showcasing his ongoing creativity and innovation in photography.
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, A.K. Kathy Moss, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
“...there’s something magical in the simplicity of life, the honesty and the humor.”
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Dom Flemon, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
Book Cover Image, Portraits of the Gathering: Photographs by Kevin Martini-Fuller © Kevin Martini-Fuller
PUBLICATION
Portraits of the Gathering: Photographs by Kevin Martini-Fuller
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PUBLICATION
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering: The Anthology
by Baxter Black
Section xvi
About the Photographs Kevin Martini-Fuller
Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-13:9780762796847
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ESSAY
'Cautious But Not Silent;'
Photographer Kevin Martini Fuller's
Three Decades of Cowboy Poet Portraits
Written by Renata Certo-Ware
“Many of these men and woman are the subject of over three decades of photographer Kevin Martini-Fuller’s work, an expansive portfolio that reads like a stop-motion timeline of the inner, artistic lives of people who are so intrinsic to everyday life in America, but are rarely ever considered least of all as artists or wordsmiths.” -Renata Certo-Ware
Artist Statement
When I began this project in 1986, I was simply looking for a venue in which I could make a lot of portraits, in a short period of time, as a way of becoming more comfortable with photographing people. My work at that time was primarily western landscape and I had a growing desire to make portraits.
In mid-1985, I learned that The Western Folklife Center was planning to host the second ‘Cowboy Poetry Gathering’ the following January in Elko, Nevada.
I contacted the director with the proposition that if I were provided space and the opportunity to make portraits of the participants during the gathering, I would donate a set of the work to the Western Folklife Center for their publicity purposes.
What began as a simple project has evolved into a life of its own. I have become a part of this annual event and each year I look forward to next January. I have been warmly welcomed into this family of writers, poets, artists, musicians along with working cowgirls and buckaroos.
I initially thought this project would last three, maybe four years. The 2023 Gathering marked my 36th year of creating portraits. The archive of this project contains over 40,000 images of more than 1,200 persons. The Gathering was not held in 2021 or 2022 due to covid.
Over the years I have created many wonderful and extremely rewarding friendships with the poets. I have also been saddened by the passing of many beautiful souls who spoke so eloquently and honestly from their heart about life and their world.
My life has truly been blessed by this project.
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Jim Brooks, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Randy Rieman, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Lloyd Wright, Pip Gillett, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Doris Daley, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Jarle Kvale, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Annie Mackenzie, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Chris Henrich, Wetplate Collodion, 5 x 4 inches, 2020
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Georgie Sicking, Archival Pigment, 5 x 5 inches, 2000
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Gillette Brothers, Archival Pigment, 5 x 5 inches
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Cowboy Poet Grid Panel, Archival Pigment Print, 18 x 36 inches, 2022
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Halleck, NV #2, Archival Pigment, 7 x 17 inches, 1998
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Wranglers #1 - Grand Canyon, Archival Pigment, 7 x 17 inches, 1997
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Grand Canyon #1, Archival Pigment, 7 x 17 inches, 1997
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Hopi Elders, Second Mesa, Arizona, Archival Pigment, 7 x 17 inches, 1997
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Furrier Shop, Grand Canyon, Archival Pigment, 7 x 17 inches, 1997
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Riders In The Sky, Archival Pigment, 7 x 17 inches, 1998
PRESS
Amie Potsic interviews Kevin Martini-Fuller about his many years photographing the American West and creating tintype portraits of cowboy poets.
Kevin Martini-Fuller © Courtesy of the Artist
Time Travel with Tiptypes
Written by Cynthia Delaney
All Artwork Images © Kevin Martini-Fuller
'Cautious But Not Silent;' Photographer Kevin Martini Fuller's Three Decades of Cowboy Poet Portraits
Written by Renata Certo-Ware
After Nyne Magazine, Issue 15, The Photography Issue
© Kevin Martini-Fuller, Cowboy Poets series
To learn more about Kevin Martini-Fuller’s work, visit his website and follow her on Instagram @martinifuller.
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