Natalie Grove
Colorful traditional garb, beating drums, and swirling dancers leap from the cover of “Don” Gonzalez’ newly published book, “They Call it Pow Wow.”
The book by the Sweet Home photographer displays photos from the last two decades capturing moments from Native American pow wows throughout the western United States.
“So far, the book has been really well-received,” Gonzalez says.
Recently, many of Gonzalez’ photos have been featured at the gallery “Wine Up on Williams” in Portland.
“I love pow wows.” he said. “If you’ve never been to one, you need to go to one. At least once.
“I just want people to know, this is what I get, this is what I feel, and I want to share it with as many people as I can – so I created a book.”
The book’s cover is a swirl of color from one such pow wow. The “Gathering of Nations” in Albuquerque is the largest gathering of indigenous people in North America. The event draws 1,800 to 2,000 Native Americans “in full costume, with the drums beating and the chanting going on in the background. You know, it’ll make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. It really will. It’s amazing. It’ll give you chills,” Gonzalez said.
Growing up in the Southern California area, he became acquainted with Native American tradition and way of life during frequent visits to New Mexico.
“I became a very big fan of it, always have been.”
After retiring from close to thirty years of working as a tile contractor, photography has become his new concentration. “Photography has been a serious hobby of mine for a long long time, something I’ve always enjoyed.”
His interest in photography began as a child sneaking photos with his sister’s box camera, but became a passion with his high school teacher’s direction.
“He gave me the gift of sight. He taught me how to use my eyes, how to look at things.”
“Photography is not my job nor is it a hobby. It’s an artistic calling to which I have an answer.”
With the help of graphic designer Christopher Pinto, writer Susan Angland, and his wife Penny, the 100-page book has become a reality.
Selling his books has been real validation as an artist.
“When someone says, ‘I want that one’ and is willing to part with their hard-earned money – it’s real validation.”
Those interested in purchasing the book can contact Gonzales via aseyeseeitphoto.com.