The Good Steward

The culmination of my bachelor of fine arts degree came down to this project right here…

All of my pieces are inspired from my own personal experience and images that I have captured throughout my 22 years of life.

My work is about more than the cowboy. It is about the spirit within the life that they inhabit--a life grounded in labor, perseverance, and beauty. Glimpses of beauty are seen in the everyday, like tiny silhouettes scattered across a landscape or an old, overlooked fence post. Each holds significant value as an essential part of someone's purpose and livelihood. These are the many familiar silhouettes that have been deeply ingrained in my mind from a young age.

When creating my body of work, I found satisfaction in the physical process of screen printing. Making works of art that relied on my body movement felt parallel to the physicality of the subjects that inspire me. The colors of the Rockies at sunset or the sagebrush that dot the spacious landscape in the early morning—all are softened by a cover of dust that coats just about everything.  These memories motivate the palette for my works. Utilizing flat shapes, expansive color fields, and silk screen printing, I honor the beauty and grit this life holds.

All of the pieces are for sale! Contact me if you are interested.

Framed: $400

Unframed: $250

*there is also an option to buy the entire collection

‘entryway’ 18”x18”

These entrances are grand and simple. A familiar shape that has enamored me since I was young. I have always seen them as large picture frames placed in our landscapes. Giving us a moment to freeze and see what is happening within that space.

‘going to greener pastures’ 18”x18”

When stringing out a herd, I like to think of the separation of land and work. Often so caught up in the work and movement of the cows, the beauty of landscape is often forgotten. Taking a step back brings together this odd parallel.

‘morning quiet’ 18”x18”

Barns are often a place of action, purpose, and safety. During the day they can be busy people and animals coming and going. They are homes to miracles and heartbreaks. During the early hours of the morning, often while it is still dark, I enjoy the stillness of the beloved big barns.

‘community’ 18”x18”

The classic rodeo scene. I could not help but include it in my collection of gentle works. As heavy as work can be there are moments of joy, buzz, and excitement that rodeo brings. Giving folks a chance to come together and be a community. Who doesn't like the air of a friday night rodeo in the summer.

‘storylines’ 18”x18”

If you have ever fixed a fence then you get it. There is a lot of it. Fences also hold a lot of character and can create a lot of good and bad. There is always a spot that is broken, a gate that is left open, or it’s just holding up really well. So much fence, so many stories. It’s up to you to interpret those stories.

‘last loop’ 18”x18”

Sometimes the work never seems to end until the sun makes its end. Often a stray can lead you so far from the herd it feels like you are in a completely new space, with the herd completely out of reach.

‘heavy rest’ 18”x18”

There are about a thousand songs about those big western skies. You can’t help but be enamored by the big clouds. Those big clouds can often bring a big rain. You can’t always work when it’s raining so it allows time for rest and relief. There is a gratefulness for the water from both land and creature.

‘an ode’ 18”x18”

Nature creates in own shapes and patterns. There are often patterns that we are not conscious of until we are able to look back in a photo. The shapes of a herd lining out and coming all together to move to a new place is one of my favorite things.

‘OH!’ 18”x18”

The iconic cowboy silhouette. It captures us all.

‘beginning and end’ 18”x18”

The ritual of tacking up in the morning and untacking in the evening. It all starts and ends the same. I like that.

I am so grateful for all the friends and family who have supported me throughout the whole making process. I cannot wait to continue to have experiences and create from them!

Please contact me if you are interested in buying any pieces!

morganmsailer@gmail.com

instagram: @morganthesailer