LamWood Ranch

LamWood Ranch Series In 1999 Shelley and her husband, Jason, decided to move to the country from the City of Austin, Texas and purchased 10 acres with a house, a barn and 2 ponds. Uniting their last names, Lambert and Wood, and efforts, they began a new life at LamWood Ranch (LWR). She returned to her upbringing working with a variety of animals including horses, sheep and pigs - raising one or two at a time. Jason also grew up with animals and wanted to pursue an interest in raising goats. Simply put the photographs of LWR are about life with land, caring for animals and living in the country.  An ongoing body of work, Shelley is the photographer and together she and Jason (who is instrumental in caring for the ranch) "create" the scene.  Together they are always attacking the work of the day; a barn is falling down, new fencing, coyotes attacking the goats, shearing, and snakes.  But when Shelley looks at these things, her muse appears. The animals, the surroundings, capturing the wonderful essence of day-to-day life that happens here.  The muse is her human connection to the land and all the animals that have their own names and distinct faces. “I want the images of LamWood Ranch to express an emotion, mood or perception that goes beyond the time consuming responsibility of care taking, toward the enchanting existence of humans and animals living together. This is my muse” – Shelley Wood Without a connection, the camera is only a tool. A capture to document. A still reality, until the photographer communicates further, expressing emotion. Shelley’s images create that connection, as she grew up with animals (on a smaller scale than LamWood Ranch) and has a strong respect and appreciation for all that goes into caring and producing products from the animals. Shelley also understands it is relationships, the personalities, and their stories. Fresca, a breathtaking Appaloosa, was with Shelley for 28 years. When the moment came for her to leave the land, Shelley was there, Fresca’s head in her lap. “It’s okay for you to go now” was spoken softly. Ms. Jenney, the donkey, brayed loudly to announce Fresca to the other side. Other LamWood stories are not so easy. Predators. A Llama stands guard on the ranch against these threats as part of the (human and animal) family. These are things only ranching can teach you.