Evans Gallery
"Don't bother to take photographs in Big Bend. James Evans owns the place and frankly you should simply buy his books and save yourself some time. He not only has what it looks like, he has what it feels like and means. This is a very rare thing." ~ Charles Bowden
"Outside is the side I take." ~ JHE
Personal Statement:
I moved to Marathon,Texas on December 28, I988. A month before I was on a trip to Big Bend with my friend Clif Ladd and on the way we stopped in Marathon to see a friend of his that worked at the Gage Hotel. We learned from him, that the Gage was looking for a cook. With that knowledge in my mind we left for the park. I had been to the park twice before and was already in love with the place. On this trip I met some locals, Uncle Joe, Aunt Roberta, John Suffaco, and Susan Bryant. We all partied together at Joe's place and I was totally smitten with the people. They were unpretentious, educated, and I felt a strong connection. I was also still looking for what my life's work would be. After meeting these people and sleeping under the stars I devised my plan and thoughts. I would close my commercial studio in Austin, apply for the cooking position, move to Marathon, set it all up here and make this area and it's people my life's work. I would make this area my place through my photographs. The books of the area I had seen up to that time were all pretty picture books. Tourists books taken by traveling photographers. I didn't want to do that. I wanted to be an "insider" a photographer taking photographs of his neighbors. I am in my 29th year of living here, and my original concept has not changed. I have published two books and I'm hoping to complete three more before I run out of time. I print everything myself. I have images in galleries, museum collections, and many private collections.
Evans gallery is located on highway 90, four doors down (east) from the Gage Hotel.
Store Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM most days.
I am now in the gallery Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 PM when I am in town.
If I am not in the gallery I am working in the darkroom across the railroad tracks. It is the first building on the left. Please walk over and ring the bell on the front door, or call me at the number listed here. If you are planning a trip and want to visit, a call or email is much appreciated. I like to meet with people, but you may need to make some effort.
My wife Marci works in the gallery and also owns the French Company Grocer just around the corner. She is usually bouncing back and forth between the two establishments. If the door is open and no one is around, look for the phone on an easel on the floor right when you walk in and call the number. One of us will come right over. Thanks for understanding.
Here are important numbers:
432-386-43 six six Gallery
512-560-82 six nine Gallery
432-386-45 two two French Company
All Images are copyrighted © James H. Evans and may not be used for any reason without permission.