Massi Mara Nationak Park, Kenya – Elephants

Susan Lewis

Susan Lewis is a local Bay Area photographer. Her inspiration comes from the natural beauty that exists precariously against modern development. With each photograph, she allows the natural elements of color, shape, and motion to resonate with her own feelings in that moment. Her goal is to present a timeless image that invites the viewer’s emotional response. To capture rare moments or unusual compositions of animals in their natural environment. It is critical for her to record special, fleeting instances without interfering with the animals’ natural behaviors in any way.

Lewis began taking photographs in black and white print format. The advancements in quality over the last couple of decades in digital photography allowed her to transition to photographing exclusively in digital. She uses mostly Nikon cameras and lenses. Her work is comprised of approximately 40% landscapes and 60% wildlife.

Lewis is a former Las Positas College alumnus. Reflecting on her time at LPC, Lewis states, “I’m so grateful to the Las Positas College Photography program and its expert instructors. Photography is not simply about taking random pictures here and there. Photography is an art, and this program gave me a path to improve and enhance my passion”.

Regarding the imagery of the three photographs, Lewis shares: Elephants are graceful and often symbolize wisdom and strength. In my childhood, often in books, for example ‘Babar’ by Jean de Brunhoff, ‘Horton’ by Dr. Seuss, and ‘Elmer the Patchwork Elephant’ by David McKee, elephants were portrayed as wise and calm chieftains who settle disputes between other wild animals.

Cheetahs are known for speed and focus, using their energy in one big burst. They direct their attention on their energy to accomplish their goal. Cheetah’s lesson is ‘it’s time to get some direction and prioritize', and then you can relax and 'laugh at life’.

The African savanna represents not only the ultimate wildlife spectacle but is also the manifestation of the great ‘circle of life’. First, I saw the migration of wildebeests and their journey with neither a beginning or an end, only birth and death to mark passage; it ensures that only the strongest survive. Second, it is one of life in its most literal sense from birth to death and then through decomposition back into the nutrients that feed the ecosystem.

This collection was acquired in 2022 by the Art on Campus Task Force as part of an ongoing effort to grow the LPC art collection, with a focus on local Bay area artists and LPC student artists.