A vanishing west, Preserved forever
A Collector's Glimpse into the the Californian West.
Limited release.
In the heart of California's forgotten lands, two cowboys with their cattle trace the last footprints of a dying tradition. The Lost Valley is a photographic journey into the real California; Dusty, Raw, and Vanishing.
These moments will never be lived-- or captured the same way again.
Lost Valley Limited Collection
This is your chance to own a moment of living history. Limited Edition Investment.
A limited number of editions per size will be printed.
Each piece is printed on museum-grade archival paper or museum grade canvas.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity with a letter signed by Christina Ciaccio, the artist and creator of Cowboy Republic.
Custom framing options available.
Once these editions are sold, The Lost Valley will never be reprinted.
Custom installations and sizing are available.
Rancho Marcelino
On the historic Buell Ranch
The Buell Ranch also known as Rancho Jonata, was originally part of the Rancho San Carlos de Jonata Mexican land grant and was developed by Rufus Thomas Buell in 1865. Originally 26,000 acres the ranch sold partials at first due to a horrible drought in 1875 and then for financial reasons later on. One parcel is what we now know as Solvang. Over 3500 head of cattle were once run here, and though it's downsized, cattle is still the main operation here today.
Meet Christina Ciaccio
It's 2020, and I'm standing in the middle of a sea of dust, cattle, horses, cowboys, ropes flying past my head, and searing smoke from branding irons filling my nose.
I began photographing all aspects of the working cowboy and ranch life in the next few years. The entire process of a cattle ranch from preg checks, fixing waters, feeding, gathering, weaning, and even loading the calves who had grown up and were ready to ship out. The life of a working cowboy is not glamorous, but it is a lifestyle and they love it. To have seen first hand the grit and even patience the job requires has been such a gift. The values that are up-holded in this world and the culture the ranch life embodies, is something we need to preserve for future generations. Cowboys are a dying breed in CA, but my hope is to shine a light on this small little piece of western life that still exists here.
When you purchase one of my prints, it's more than just a piece of art. It's a story in a frame that transports you into the world of the Cowboy. A piece of history, tradition, and the feeling of a life with no walls.