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Hawaiian Cowboys: A photographic journal
The enduring beauty of hawaii is often attributed to its sandy beaches, temperate oceans, and tropical flora. Just as integral to Hawaii’s verdant landscape–though perhaps more seldom noticed–is the cowboy, or paniolo, who has been cattle ranching on its vast pasturelands for over 175 years. Rooted in a rich history shaped by kings, Mexican vaqueros, and generations of cowboy families, the paniolo way of life has resisted becoming part of generic America while perpetuating that most quintessential of American icons–the cowboy, thought by many to have disappeared into the dusty annals of a simpler time. Intrigued by a way of life rich in tradition, devotion, and pride, mainlander photojournalist Michal McClure, over a three year period, traveled to the islands where he was invited onto the ranches and into the lives of the paniolo.
The result of the relationships forged and the trust earned is a remarkably candid and stunning chronicle of America’s westernmost frontier, where close-knit paniolo families rise early to work the cattle as a crew, brothers and neighbors compete for pleasure and pride in dusty rodeo corrals, and knowledge is passed down to children in a tradition that honors both the paniolo’s ties to the land and to the generations of cowboys that preceded him. Bracketed by essays that provide insight into the rich cultural and spiritual history of the paniolo, McClure’s pictorial essay records for posterity the vitality and vigor of a contemporary lifestyle that is, in the words of Dr. Billy Bergin, “uniquely Hawaiian, Western, and American.”
Book Signing: Hawaiian Cowboys, a photographic journal
Michal is scheduled to do a book signing at Parker Ranch Store on August 22 (from 4-6pm) and also be available Saturday the 23rd in the afternoon (noon – 3pm).
Michal McClure has traveled extensively throughout his life, capturing cultures, people and nature through the lens of a camera.
After completing his formal education in physics, Russian and business management, McClure became a management consultant and investment banker. He later formed his own company. During this period, he also discovered the Oldenburg Sporthorse of Northern German, and introduced it to North America for high-level horse breeders with access to some of Europe’s leading performance sires.
McClure’s photographs have been shown in Santa Fe and at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming. His stories and photographs have appeared in a number of American and Canadian publications, and can be viewed at www.mcclure-studio.com
He and his wife, Ilse, live on a northern Illinois horse farm where they raised their two sons, Brian and Christopher, who are also photographers.
$ 25.95
