Artist Spotlight: Gail Attanasio captures history and culture through photography

Through her camera lens, Gail Attanasio captures more than beautiful images. She tells stories of faith, nature and cultural heritage, preserving moments in history that might otherwise be forgotten.

Attanasio, a Spokane resident and self-taught photographer, has been a member of the Table Rock Art Guild for approximately seven years. Her work is displayed at the Table Rock Art Gallery in Claybough Plaza in Branson West, where her current collection features photographs of Union Pacific's historic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive, captured in California, Missouri.

Through her fine art photography business, Through My Eyes Photography, Attanasio focuses on sharing cultural traditions and the stories behind historical subjects. An appreciation for Western heritage, Native American culture and the natural world has shaped her approach to photography.

• 

• 

• 

• 

TOP ROW: Local photographer Gail Attanasio displays her artwork at the Table Rock Art Gallery in Branson West; Union Pacific's historic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive is featured in Attanasio's current photography collection. BOTTOM ROW: An award-winning photograph of a ram is among Attanasio's wildlife photography; A Native American headdress is among the cultural subjects captured through Attanasio's photography. (Photos by Joelene Powell)

Originally from New Jersey, Attanasio moved to the Ozarks approximately 18 years ago. Growing up surrounded by horses, fields and forests influenced an artistic journey that began with film cameras during childhood. Photography became a more serious pursuit approximately eight years ago after receiving a camera as a Christmas gift.

Without formal photography education, Attanasio developed her skills through experience and guidance from fellow artists, including Linda Dunlap, whom she met through the gallery, and a photographer friend in Alaska.

"I don't just point and shoot," Attanasio said. "I try to look at the subject and envision some kind of historical meaning behind it, or some kind of cultural story. I need to have a story. I just don't need to have a photo."

Attanasio's artistic vision was further influenced by time spent at the Chase Reservation in British Columbia, where experiences with Indigenous traditions, spirituality and family strengthened her appreciation for cultural heritage.

That interest in history recently inspired a trip with her husband, John, to California, Missouri, to photograph Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive. Built in 1941, the engine is the only remaining Big Boy locomotive still operating and is recognized as the world's largest operating steam locomotive.

For Attanasio, the opportunity brought back memories of classic Western movies and the railroad's role in shaping the American frontier.

"It just brought me back to the Old West," Attanasio said. "The whole vision of the West, the Indians, what they went through, what we put them through, the new ranchers that came in, just the whole idea, it just seemed to all fit."

Photographing the massive engine presented a challenge because most of the photographs were taken while the locomotive was moving. Attanasio said only one image was captured while the train was stationary. Using different lenses, she photographed the locomotive's movement, mechanical details and impressive size.

The resulting collection is on display during the nation's 250th anniversary year, offering visitors a glimpse into America's railroad heritage.

Beyond the locomotive collection, Attanasio's work includes Western landscapes, horses and Native American cultural gatherings. Her photography has earned recognition in competitions, including an action photograph taken during a chuck wagon race that captured the dust and movement of the event without digital manipulation.

Photography provides an opportunity for Attanasio to introduce others to the people, traditions and historical moments that have shaped the world around them. Through each image, the artist hopes to preserve those stories for future generations.

Additional photographs and information about Through My Eyes Photography are available at www.throughmyeyesphoto.com.