March 25 - April 17, 2016
Shootin�
Anne Savedge
Digital Photography
Main Gallery
Opening Reception for the Artists
Fourth Friday, March 25, 2016
7:00-10:00 pm
Free and Open to the Public
Closing Artist Talk
Sunday, April 17, 2016
2:00 pm
Free and Open to the Public
Artist Statement
As a young girl growing up, I was fascinated by Westerns and admired Annie Oakley, with whom I shared a name. Dressing up in cowgirl clothes, along with my sisters and neighbors, running around the yard and shooting with a play pistol occupied many of my summer days. It was a fantasy for a young child that is lived today by a group of people who belong to an organization called the Single Action Shooting Society, or SASS.
SASS members choose a western persona, dress accordingly and attend various shooting events. At these events, a scenario is followed; they say a phrase, which starts the timer, and shoot at targets, using pistols, shotguns and rifles. The most accurate marksman with the shortest time wins. There are elaborate trappings, carts to transport guns, ammunition and other accoutrements.
For the past few years, with my hat, sunglasses and earplugs in place, I have been photographing some of the Richmond area SASS events. My favorite events are the black powder shoots, when sometimes the guns actually shoot fire. I am also interested in documenting the cowgirls, who are every bit as dedicated as the cowboys. SASS members have been most helpful in finding me the best vantage point to get the best photos. They are living their dream of being cowboys/cowgirls in the modern era.
Considering the events of the recent past, this subject matter might seem too hot to show. However, SASS members are not shooting assault weapons or multiple magazines. They are hobbyists who find shooting at targets to be a fun pastime. Safety is paramount. They have been well mannered and charming to me in all circumstances. I am not a gun enthusiast, haven�t ever owned a gun or shot one, so beginning this was a stretch of my experience and knowledge about this hobby.
I dedicate this exhibition to the memory of my friend, Laura Cole, Miss Annie Ross, who introduced me to Lost River and Smoke on the Mattaponi.
More at: www.savedge.com/digital
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