Biography

Kitty Alice Snead explores ancient cultures and their rituals as they exist in modern times.   Through the classic medium of black and white photography, she documents the faces and environments, the celebrations and daily life. 

While her work represents global travel, as a native of South Texas, the influence of Mexico’s rich heritage is seen in her passion for photographing the Tarahumara found in Chihuahua’s remote Copper Canyon region. For the past 8 years, she organized expeditions traveling by mule and foot to live with this indigenous group in their rugged habitat.   Stepping back in time, she documents and interprets the practice and meaning of their traditional, ceremonial customs. Today there is urgency in her work as the indigenous Tarahumara under go rapid, social change. 

Ms. Snead’s fascination with ritual developed during her early career as an actress. Classically trained by the American Academy of Dramatic Art and Baylor University, she became a company member of the Iowa Lab and New York’s Puerto Rican Traveling Theater.  After returning to Texas, she used her camera as an aid in teaching cultural awareness and respect as a bilingual teacher and counselor for the Dallas Public Schools. 

Her mentor, New Mexican photographer Douglas Kent Hall, expanded her abilities to create works of art that speak of her love for the people and places that feed her spirit.   In addition to Hall, she also traveled with Joe Englander and the Sierras Guide, Santiago, to photograph great ritual centers of the world.  

Her art is collected by The Wittliff Gallery of Southwestern & Mexican Photography and private individuals.

Memberships include the Fort Worth Amon Carter Museum’s Stieglitz Circle, The Artist’s Salon Group of Dallas, and The Texas Photographic Society.

Ms. Snead resides in Dallas, Texas, and produces her prints in her studio there. She may be reached through her web site, www.kasneadphotographs.com