John Hoskin

John Hoskin is a photographer/artist also known as JL Grief.  His photographs capture a way of life that's a few miles off the highway, but a million miles from ordinary. Preferred subjects include the landscapes and lifestyles of the American and Canadian Rancher, rodeos, horses, and other traditional Western subjects.  He doesn't like to fly so he drives everywhere and usually not in a straight line.  He doesn't take the shortest, or easiest routes so he can get the chance to photograph what he believes is the true Western Lifestyle. 

A lifestyle he says hasn't quite caught up with the rest of the country, but in fact, is in danger of being consumed by the present, which happens to all traditions. He believes that although many live in cities, far removed from the wide-open spaces and landscapes of the American West, they still have a deep appreciation for the western lifestyle and all it represents.  The freedom, adventure and breathtaking beauty.  And while everyone might not be able to life the western lifestyle day-today, you can own a piece of art that expresses the romance, spirit and grandeur of the West and the people and horses that inhabit it.  

John took inspiration from a customer once who said "We are the young ranchers here, late 50's.  However, I have lamented the fact that the other ranchers are all late 70's early 80's and still working.  I love to go with them and see  how well they ride and how sad it will be to lose all their beauty.  I try and photograph, but I am just a picture taker.  None of their kids want to go into ranching so, in the next decade it will be gone. that is why I love your photos.  You take a story in a picture, one that makes me almost want to cry, the wild horses the good animals lost, and the Cowboys gone.  - Thank you - C. Norton.