David Dawson

Artist Statement

For many years, the subjects of David Dawson's photographs were unusual historic structures in northern and central California. He studied, photographed and wrote about constructed works of which little was generally known. With a large format camera and gelatin silver printing methods, he sought to document his subjects in a way that was both historically useful and esthetically pleasing.

Dawson's early projects included studies of 19th century lime kilns and Sierra cow camps, gold rush era buildings, and an abandoned copra mill on the San Francisco waterfront. In recent years, using digital methods, his photographs include landscapes and wildlife images, often taken from a kayak on the American River Parkway, and images made on trips throughout the United States and other countries.

David's photographs have been exhibited at Viewpoint Gallery, the California State Railroad Museum, the University of the Pacific, Ford Museum in Mendocino, Carson Valley Museum, and local galleries. His photographs have been published in several magazines and are in public and private collections including the California State Library Special Collections and Sonoma State University Library Special Collections.

Photography became an avocational interest for David in 1989 when he began an ongoing inquiry into the subject through college courses, workshops and personal studies. He is a Charter Member, former Board Member and volunteer at Viewpoint Photographic Art Center in Sacramento.

David was an officer in the United States Navy and then served 32 years in California state government where he was an executive in various human services, health and education programs. He and his wife, Linda (now deceased, who was a pianist, composer, and retired teacher) were married for 60 years and have two children, Kimberly of Portland, Oregon, and Amy, in Washington, DC. He has enjoyed working as a volunteer with the American River Parkway Foundation, Viewpoint Gallery, Literacy Little League, and other charitable organizations.