From Coventry to the Cowboy Life: Photographer Finds Unexpected Community in Arizona
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A Coventry native has discovered striking parallels between his English hometown and the rural landscapes of Arizona, finding a sense of community that transcends continents.Kevin Donnelly, a photographer who has worked across the globe, now splits his time as a wrangler and image-maker in the American Southwest, captivated by the region’s beauty and the strong bonds between its residents.
A Global Journey Leads to the american Southwest
Donnelly’s path to Arizona was anything but conventional. After growing up in the Willenhall suburb of Coventry and attending St Anne’s RC Primary School,he embarked on a photography career that took him to Thailand,New York,and Los Angeles. However, it was in 2020 that he stumbled upon what he describes as “the most stunning landscapes” and a community remarkably similar to the one he left behind.
“Willenhall has an excellent sense of community, and it is echoed out there in Arizona,” Donnelly explained. He observed a willingness among residents to genuinely care for one another, noting, “No one has to pay an interest in someone else’s life, but they do as it’s an honourable, good thing to do.”
Echoes of Home in rural America
The photographer’s experience challenges common perceptions of American individualism. He found that in rural Arizona, a spirit of mutual support prevails.”I feel like when you get out into rural America, people will give you the shirt off their back most of the time,” he said. Despite potential skepticism from outsiders, Donnelly has consistently encountered kindness and curiosity from locals intrigued by an Englishman immersed in their way of life.
He recounts being met with wonder as he photographs horses and embraces the risks inherent in his work. “A lot of people try to give it a bit of stick, but in my experience people have been wonderful – they’re really intrigued that a guy from England would be running around, lying in dirt, taking photos of wonderful horses and taking risks.”
Capturing the Essence of Rural Life
Donnelly views his work as more than just artistic expression; it’s a vital act of storytelling. He believes it’s “an honor” to document the lives of rural communities in the American Southwest, recognizing their crucial role in providing food for the nation. He observed a diverse tapestry of cultures within these communities, noting the presence of “interesting subcultures – people of all ethnicities.”
The resilience and interconnectedness of these communities are central to his photographic vision. “Out there because life is tough,everyone has each other’s backs – especially in Arizona – everyone looks out for one another,” he stated. “There’s a real sense of community and cohesion,and that’s what I wanted to capture on camera. I think it’s critically important to tell that story; it’s beautiful.”
A Unique Perspective from the Saddle
Donnelly’s dual role as a photographer and wrangler provides him with a distinctive vantage point. Working the land allows him to gain a deeper understanding of the communities he photographs. He explained that being on horseback offers “a really unique perspective,” enabling him to capture moments others might miss.
“I’ve always got my camera on me because you never know when a moment or a scene will open up while on horseback,” he said. “so I carry my camera while on horseback and snap and shoot where I can. That’s great, because while riding it’s given me the chance to improve my horsemanship but simultaneously get the shot on horseback, six feet off the ground.”
ultimately, Kevin Donnelly’s journey highlights the universal human need for connection and the surprising places where one can find a sense of belonging, even thousands of miles from home. He believes it’s “important to tell” the story of these often-overlooked communities, ensuring their voices and values are recognized and celebrated.
