I’ve been telling stories out West ever since my car broke down in Wyoming over 25 years ago. Intrigued by the country’s informal romantic lifestyle, I’ve interviewed countless local artists, writers, designers, westerners, part-timers, cowboys and cowgirls. They’ve captivated me with tales of long, chilly winters in one-room cabins and harrowing encounters with grizzly bears. I’ve sought out numerous ranch tales of love affairs between debutantes and wranglers; listened endlessly to adventurers report from the wild.
While Wyoming intimidates and challenges this San Francisco native and great-great-granddaughter of an 1849 California pioneer, I’m inspired by the beauty of the West. I love the smell of sage, the fresh air, and the awe-inspiring landscape.
For the most part, I’m compelled to tell a story that feels distinctly American. I’ve been drawn to characters with grit. I love the romantic style of a cowboy’s embroidered outfits and silver horse tack. The unpretentious homestead, furnished with handmade cowboy furniture and antlers on the wall, stops me every time.
Happily, I live in my own 1950s log cabin on a road shared by mangy moose, people on horseback, dog walkers and cars. Old things like rickety chairs, sweat-stained cowboy hats, and antlers clutter my place.
I’m the author of six lifestyle books illustrating homes, dude ranches, and the vintage gear and clothing of cowboys and cowgirls. For three years, I worked as the lifestyle editor for the Jackson Hole News. My articles have appeared in Architectural Digest, Cowboys & Indians, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Mountain Living, and others.
Having worked with so many wonderful photographers over the years, I’ve recently been inspired to take my own photos and tell some more stories.
My photos have recently appeared in House & Garden, House Beautiful, Milieu, Country Living, Mountain Living, Cowgirl Magazine, and Western Art & Architecture.
Hot off the Press: Hillary Munro’s Alpenglow, Outdoor Celebrations for Every Season, a 200 page book, featuring over 200 of my photos, is due July 23, 2024. And my interior work is featured in Kathryn O’Shea-Evans new book Alpine Style, due Fall 2024.