Peter Beard
Peter Beard
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Peter Beard is commonly known as Peter Frederic Beard.
Birth and Death Dates
Peter Beard was born on March 22, 1938, in New York City. Unfortunately, he passed away on March 16, 2020, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Beard held American citizenship and worked as a photographer, artist, writer, and conservationist.
Early Life and Background
Peter Beard grew up in Long Island, New York, and spent his childhood exploring the outdoors. He developed a passion for nature, wildlife, and photography at an early age. After graduating from St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, he attended Yale University but dropped out to pursue his artistic interests.
Major Accomplishments
Beard's work as a photographer, artist, and conservationist spans over five decades. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
He is best known for his pioneering work documenting African wildlife, particularly elephants and lions in Kenya's Tsavo National Park. His photographs captured the harsh realities faced by these magnificent creatures under the pressures of poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict.
Beard's artistic talents extended beyond photography; he was also a skilled painter and printmaker. He created artworks that reflected his fascination with African wildlife and the natural world.
In addition to his creative endeavors, Beard was an ardent conservationist who worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of endangered species. His efforts have contributed significantly to international conservation efforts.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Peter Beard's notable works include:
"African Journal": A book that combines photographs with his own writings, offering a poignant and insightful account of his time in Africa.
"The End of the Game": A documentary film showcasing his work as a photographer and conservationist.
* "Tsavo: The Man-Eaters of Tsavo": A book that tells the story of the man-eating lions that terrorized British colonialists in Kenya during the early 20th century.
Impact and Legacy
Peter Beard's impact on photography, art, and conservation is undeniable. His work has inspired countless artists, photographers, and conservationists worldwide.
Through his photographs and writings, he brought attention to the struggles faced by African wildlife, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Beard's legacy extends beyond his personal achievements; it also reflects the enduring impact of his work on future generations.
Quotes by Peter Beard
I like things that don't look like you're in control. It's like life itself. You just learn how to benefit from accidents and chances that you take.
Like society, the diary is a world of useless secrets. Everything is there, yet there is nothing.
I think the camera is a wonderful machine, don't you? And not to take photographs in this century is crazy.
Photography should be redefined. It's largely technical... Photography is just unbelievably limiting. I always think of David Bailey and all the fashion photographers - they overlap, you can't always tell who did it. I don't really even like photography all that much. I just think it's so overdone.
The institution of marriage should be re-examined because of its overwhelming claustrophobia. The odds are stacked against spontaneity and effervescence. It's an institution that was brought about for the sake of family and children, but biologically, it's very unnatural. It's masochism and torture the way it's been organized.
In the high level cartoon world, my number one admired hero would be Chas Addams - really a top, top artist that the 'New Yorker' was lucky to find and employ.
I'm an escapist. I'm not a planner; I've never made a decision about anything in my life. The good thing about Africa is that you can escape forever. You can do what you want without someone looking over your shoulder.
I graduated. I did History of Art, you know, all those things - American Studies - and then I went to art school, and I did Joseph Alvarez in the art school.