©Sandy Carson, Glacier National Park, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

I don’t know why, but certain things seem more absurd in The West. Perhaps it’s because the Route 66 aesthetic was one with a sense of whimsy and humor–colossal cowboy boots and tee pee hotel rooms. Photographer Sandy Carson, a transplant from Scotland, has spent over a decade-long road trip chronicling his fascination “with everyday occurrences in the social landscape and explores the spaces between clarity and imperfection, composing a personal slice of America” in his new book, I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in my Heart, published by Yoffy Press. The book includes an essay by Dr.Katherine Parhar.

The work is deliciously reflects the absurd  parts of the American culture and landscape and in an era when politics overshadow our country, it is a pleasure to laugh at ourselves through a new perspective.

Book Cover of I’ve Always Been A Cowboy in My Heart

Sandy Carson is a self-taught documentary and commercial art photographer, film maker, musician and cyclist who grew up in Scotland, now based in Austin, Texas. He studied communications at University before dropping out to tour the UK and Europe playing in punk bands and making fanzines. After moving to the States in the ’90s to pursue cycling, he travelled the world for 20 years as a professional BMX rider, where he honed his skills a photographer. His work is an intersection of two careers that have been the recipient of numerous awards. His work is published and exhibited nationally and internationally. Sandy’s long-term photography projects and documentary works are represented by INSTITUTE.

©Sandy Carson, Manatee, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Toothpick, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, I’ve Always Been A Cowboy In My heart, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Mind The Gap, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Spring Break, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, It’s a Sign, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Columbia River Gorge, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, DIE MART, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson,Black Bear On A Log, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Selfieatric Help, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Lazy Tree, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Border Troubles from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Smoke Dog, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart

©Sandy Carson, Daddy-O’s Boots, from I’ve Always Been a Cowboy in My Heart