Media & Press

“With a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Native American History
and Women's Biographies, "Bighorn Visions: The Photography of Jessamine
Spear Johnson" is an inherently fascinating and unreservedly recommended
addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library American
Photography collections”

My article titled "Jessamine Spear Johnson, A Pioneering Woman on the Wyoming
Frontier Made Her Place in History with a Camera," appeared in the February/March
2022 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine. The issue focused on American West
photography.  The cover featured John Wayne!  I was asked on the contributor page to
state what I had discovered while working with Jessamine's photographs.  Here is what
I said:  "It's not enough to have a passion for photography.  Excellent photos result from
practice, dedication, honing new skills, exploring new technology, engaging with other
artists, and having your camera 'at the ready.' "

My article titled "Transitions in the Changing West, the Photographic Legacy of
Jessamine Spear Johnson," was published in the winter 2019 issue of Montana
The Magazine of Western History.  The Montana Magazine is published by the
Montana Historical Society, Helena, Montana.  My article won a national
magazine award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage
Museum in Oklahoma City.  This award is called "The Wrangler Award."

Montana the Magazine of Western History's Facebook post, October 2021.
My article was published in this magazine.  For regular posts regarding Montana
history click on this link:

The Montana Magazine from Winter 2019 has sold out.  If you would like a reprint
of the article, email the editor, Diana DiStefano at:  Diana.DiStefano@mt.gov.


Also preview the Montana Historical Society website for wonderful stories about 
Montana.
A link to their website is here:

The 2021 Wrangler Award for best western magazine article was presented to me on
September 17, 2021, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. 
I had a wonderful time and met many great writers, poets, TV and movie producers, all
interested in the history of the West.  My article was about my grandmother Jessamine
and her wonderful photos from the 1910s through the 1950s.  Be sure to turn up your sound.
Here is a link to the presentation:  Wrangler Award

More fun.  Wylie Gustafson is an amazing Western singer.  He gave me permission to use
one of his songs when I made a video using Jessamine's photos.  I hope you enjoy it.
Here is what Wylie said to me:  "Hello Tempe- Sounds like a great project. Thanks for
being so sensitive to the copyright issues. You have my permission to use any of our music
for your videos.  There is usually a license fee, but I will waive that because it is such a
great piece of Montana History. I looked up your grandma's work and I am familiar with
the Northern Pacific RR image.  Very cool stuff! I love the feel of eastern Montana.  Good
luck!  Wylie Gustafson, Wylie & the Wild West  @ www.wyliewebsite.com   
Here is the link to my video:
Disclaimer:  The photo of Crow Indian drummers was taken by Martha Eder, a friend of Jessamine's.

COMMENTS:

“CONGRATULATIONS TEMPE !!!!   Your grandmother’s collection is amazing and
 you have done a ‘HERculean’ job to preserve it.  We are awaiting your book on
Jessamine's biography."
Judy Slack, Editor, October 2021, The Big Horn City Wyoming Historical Society News


Here's a note I received on May 20, 2020, from Sharon Small, curator at The Little
Bighorn Battlefield, regarding my article in the Montana Magazine.

"Tempe,  Thank you so much for sharing.  I am fascinated with history
from that area and find it very impressive the entrepreneurship of your 
family during those times (and even today).  Wow, the numbers, of cattle, 
sheep raised, cow camps, leased land and owned!  You must be so proud of 
your family history.  I remember the Johnson's Stone House (at the X4
Ranch) before it was torn down and sad that it was.  I always had hopes
someone would restore it.  But that house in itself was so intriguing
to me especially out in the middle of nowhere. I will be the first in
line to read your book."  Regards, Sharon