A Sharp Conversation with Jeremy Booth
Photo Credit: Tabitha Booth
Kentucky-based artist Jeremy Booth boldly captures the essence of the Wild West with daring minimalism in his art. Focused primarily on iconic cowboys and Western landscapes, his work embodies the spirit of resilience and adventure inherent in the Wild West. His bold and minimal style captures the West in a cinematic, colorful, and surprising manner.
Through his modern portrayal of the West, Jeremy seeks to honor and celebrate the figures and lifestyles he paints. The cowboy lifestyle, with its honesty, hard work, and simplicity, resonates deeply with his audience, creating a strong connection through his work and his process.
Jeremy's journey began many years ago as a commercial artist with representation worldwide. He worked with esteemed clients like Apple, Warby Parker, MLB, and British GQ. A few years ago, he made a bold decision to shift his focus to fine art, a move that led him to the Western motif and a new chapter in his career.
His work has been featured and sold in Christie's esteemed auction house. Notable clients include Wrangler, Nike, Apple, Warby Parker, and British GQ.
I had the pleasure of asking Jeremy, if not art, what he would be doing for a career or hobby, what made him want to focus on themes of the Wild West, and so much more.
UZOMAH: How do you use both bright colors and dark shadows to bring out the action that is often not depicted in the art of the Wild West?
JEREMY: The strong contrast between bright colors and deep shadows in my work creates a sense of intensity and movement. My minimalistic approach strips away unnecessary details to convey energy and movement in my art. This is what I feel is unique to me.
U: What made you want to focus on creating art that is surrounded by the elements of the Wild West?
J: I initially started this as a series with the intention of creating it and then moving on. I have a deep love for the Western theme - the landscape, the cowboy, everything about it. So, I thought it would be interesting to visually explore this theme for a while. But as I got into the series, I found myself falling in love with it, and I realized that I didn't want to just move on. I wanted to fully embrace being a Western artist.
Making of Over the Ridge, filmed by Tabitha Booth
U: Your work often reveals unseen sides of the Wild West and its cowboys. Do you have a personal connection to this era that influences your art? If not, how did you research the origins of cowboys' practices in the Wild West?
J: I have a personal connection with cowboys. All of my work is based on reference photos that my wife and I have taken ourselves. Every year, we visit different ranches and immerse ourselves in the cowboy way of life for a few days, capturing their essence through photography. These experiences allow us to truly understand and appreciate cowboy culture. My role is to take these photos and create my own artistic interpretations, paying tribute to their lifestyle and showing them the respect they deserve.
Desert Steel Mock Photo Credit: Tabitha Booth
U: Is there a particular piece of your work that you are especially proud of and that you feel best represents your artistic style?
J: Desert Steel and Colorado Dream are some of my best work yet and the direction I am going in. I'm very proud of them. More to come as well.
Watch Dog Photo Credit: Tabitha Booth
U: What is the greatest source of your vivid imagination that generates new ways to display the Wild West and the characters that make up this genre?
J: Getting out West and being among cowboys, the landscape, the hard work, and the community is where my imagination flourishes and inspiration comes.
U: If not art, what would you like to be doing in life as a hobby or career?
J: Likely to pursue entrepreneurship, aiming for brand building, possibly in a field I am passionate about, such as running.
For more information about Jeremy’s artwork, please visit his website. He can also be found on Instagram here, and on X.
