The West lives on at the three Steamboat Springs, Colorado, galleries helmed by professional athlete-turned-photographer Jace Romick. Here, he tells us more about the contemporary artwork and historical photography he curates to keep that spirit alive.
From ski racing to rodeo roping, you’ve lived the Western lifestyle in a very physical way. How do those experiences inform the art you showcase at your galleries? I look for accuracy in artwork. For example, I’m a stickler about the conformation of a horse and cowboy. Sometimes even renowned painters don’t get the placement of a hand right because they don’t understand what the cowboy is doing.
You recently acquired early-20th-century photographer Roland Reed’s entire collection of original glass-plate photo negatives depicting eight Indigenous American tribes. What does the opportunity to steward his life’s work mean to you? I have a responsibility to honor Reed’s legacy and preserve his work for generations to come. I hope those who see the genuine imagery in person will see the pride in his subjects and sense the story he wanted to portray.
You’re known for using traditional methods to create hardwood frames for your photographs and those by Reed. What do these handcrafted, custom frames add to the art? I spend time looking at the trim and hardware finishes in my clients’ homes, so I can ensure the finished material choices will tie in well with the rest. Artwork is often sold in a standard frame that is mass-produced. I wanted to offer frames that you can’t find elsewhere.
