True grace

DANCING FOR ALL LIFE, PHOTOGRAPH BY GAIL RUSSELL

GAIL RUSSELL CAPTURES THE LIGHT, LIFE AND SPIRIT OF THE SOUTHWEST

by Dena Miller

true grace is innate, and when you come across someone in whom its authenticity shines, you immediately recognize it.

Such is the case when you first meet Gail Russell, whose gentle eyes and welcoming smile greet you at the door of her studio filled with a life’s work of inspiration and enlightenment.

Known for her evocative photographic art, Russell has spent decades capturing “images of light, life and the spirit of the Southwest.” Her award-winning imagery is never static; instead, it is meant,” she said, “to create questions and ideas, like any visual art should, and continually provide a fresh glimpse into the world.”

“Over the years, my artwork has been a connecting energy in communicating things that are important to me,” explained Russell. “I’m grateful for those who have resonated with my work and those I’ve met along the way who have inspired me.”

Much of that inspiration has come from her long and intimate association with Native American elders who embody, to her, the interrelation of spirit and nature.

DANCE OF PEACE, PHOTOGRAPH BY GAIL RUSSELL

TAOS PUEBLO, CHRISTMAS EVE, PHOTOGRAPH BY GAIL RUSSELL. CA. 1985, BEFORE THE PUEBLO BANNED CAMERAS. grandparents I knew its heritage; its cultural diversity; its natural ‘THE grew up in the mid1800s; they didn’t grow magnificence. Her works have led to a series of breakthrough up with the modern exhibitions, including “Tribal Heart,” capturing world. So the elders who are still with us learned images of Native American life and culture, and how to live off the land and, in turn, I’ve learned a “Floating World,” “designed to give your mind a tremendous amount from them,” she mused. vacation.”

Russell co-founded the “Adopt a Grandparent” Most recently, Russell has been at work program on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South developing four end-table books sharing the Dakota, working alongside Lakota Sioux elder photography from those exhibitions, as well Nellie Red Owl and administering the program as successfully delving into the fashion world for almost two decades. It became her mission with an array of “Gazelle” scarves featuring her while attending a business conference in nearby photographs on fabric, “Kangaroo Girls” pocket Rapid City, where she heard of three elders scarves and her trademarked “SallyGators” leg who had frozen to death in what is one of this warmers. country’s largest and poorest reservations. “My SallyGators were inspired by a painting

“It was in February and it was freezing cold,” done by one of my favorite Native artists, T. C. Russell recalled. Compelled to help, “I started Cannon, called ‘Grandmother Gestating Father collecting clothing and blankets, and gift and the Washita River Runs Ribbon-Like.’ ” certificates for things like food, gas and propane. Available in different styles and fabrics, these We made a huge difference over the years,” as and her scarves were featured in the 2019 Big she continued the charitable work from its small Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region annual office in Taos and expanded to include members fashion show. And, not surprisingly, proceeds of Taos Pueblo. benefitted the nonprofit organization.

Russell has actively continued her Personal evolution and growth is a tenet of philanthropic pursuits, including remaining close Russell’s life but she is quick to credit the support to and working with members of the pueblo. she’s received from a group of close associates. Adopt-A-Native-Elder, based in Park City, “Our team includes Ginger Pizzurro, intuitive Utah, is also a beneficiary of her generosity, as guide; Janaki Rathod, web designer; Signe is the school lunch/Growing Community Now Nichols, social media guru; Mark Griffith, programs of Farmhouse Cafe and Bakery in El business advisor; and Kali Little, muralist and allPrado. “I gift a portion of the proceeds from my around right-hand person.” sales to them,” she noted. “I surprise myself being on the north side of

Of her childhood in “backwoods Connecticut,” 80, that I am still active in my field and either Russell said, “I knew as early as 6 years old that behind a camera or in front of my computer I was in the wrong place.” Her academic studies almost every day.” in printmaking and graphic design gave way to “I’m grateful to be here in this beautiful place: photography and, years later, her move from the this land, our mountains and the water that East Coast to Taos set her on the path she was springs forth from them. If this beauty is to meant to follow. continue and flourish, she needs all of our help.

From behind her camera – her “companion To nourish, care for, and respect our unique for life” – she has captured the best of Taos: surroundings,” Russell concluded.

Gail Russell in her studio.

COURTESY PHOTO

“Be kind to the land, each other and yourself, and Listen.”

Gail Russell’s studio is located in the Northstar Plaza, 67 State Road 522, Suite A4, in El Prado. Visit her websites, gailrussellartandapparel.com and gailrussellphotoartist.com, or call 575-770-1507 for an appointment.

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