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Duane Lawson has been working in and interpreting the world’s cultures and natural areas for over thirty years. Trained as both an ecologist and fine artist at the University of Arizona, his fine art photographs reflect a scientist's understanding of ecological relationships and a painter's eye for color, light and form. His careers as an ecologist, outdoor recreation leader and parks director have given him intimate access to many of the world's cultures and natural habitats. Duane has worked with many organizations including: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The National Geographic Society, Arizona Highways Magazine, Botswana and Kenya Departments of Parks and Tourism, Riverside County Parks Department and the Office of Governor, Arizona.
Duane's work is in many private and public collections including: The Governors Office, State of Arizona, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Flagstaff Medical Center and The Riverside County Parks Department. Exhibition locations include the City of Mesa Art Center, one man shows in the Impresario Gallery; Santa Barbara, CA and Village Art Galleries; Scottsdale, AZ and Vail, CO.
Cycles and seasons, relationships and forms shaped by the forces of geology, biogeography and the drive to survive are central themes of Lawson’s photographic nature images. These images reveal their basis in scientific fact and also speak of the joy, inspiration and personal discoveries to be made in a deep relationship with the natural world. As the great naturalist, John Muir put it: "I only set out for a short walk in the woods, but decided to stay till sundown. For I found that in going out, I was really going in." Lawson's nature photographs seek to explore the elemental forces, purity and power of light, line, and color. His images are windows to a world sometimes quiet and beautiful, and always animated by the vital flow of life.
It is through his nature and cultural photographs and words that Duane hopes to create a sense of wonder and connection, re-affirming the
interdependency
all species and natural systems share. Much of Duane's lifetime has been spent exploring nature and working with the public and public land management agencies. While leading outdoor education programs he has witnessed the feelings of wonder and delight in people's faces as their senses open up to take in and appreciate the beautiful designs and vitality of nature.
"I have dangled off cliffs, been charged by lions and elephants, eaten alive by mosquitoes and flown over Victoria Falls in an ultra-light aircraft. All this, to bring back images I hope will enthrall and give insight into the beauty and dynamic workings of nature."
When not in the field photographing, Duane also devotes time to environmental science education projects for young people. Projects in this area include developing standard and honors biology multimedia curriculum for high school students. Additionally, Duane has worked as a course leader for the Colorado Outward Bound School. A portion of Arete' Art's net proceeds is donated to art, science and literacy education organizations and conservation groups.
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