Dave Katz (@tenacityinpursuit) joined forces with Ben Roif and Han Rojas in putting together a short film from their time in Bolivia during the summer of 2017. Of the film, he says, "I’ve been meaning to create a body of work that reflects on my values and education. A tribute to all who helped me learn."
Below are some words from Dave about his love for the natural world and capturing it on film, images from the trip, and his short film....
What is art? What is expression? What does it mean to explore? I find myself asking and re-asking these questions on a regular basis. Each time I try out a new technique or visit a new place, I find joy in discovering the how, why, where, when. Re-defining my interests and pursuits is becoming a nearly-annual process. Although the subjects I’m most strongly drawn to have some constants - natural light, wild places - the techniques of communicating these subjects is in constant evolution.
I grew up in a small village in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. At the time my mother worked as an earth science teacher. As a family we often went on hikes and mini-adventures in the gorges and forests near our home. I still have vivid memories of these moments in time even though nearly three decades have passed. Fall was a time where, like many others, we spent even more time in the outdoors. The beautiful changing colors of the foliage, the perfect hiking temperatures and the prolific harvest and subsequent abundant local markets all inspired outdoor time. I remember my mom took us to places that had interesting landscapes and would explain how they were formed to us. I found this incredibly fascinating, but more than anything else, just simply enjoyed being outside with my family. Looking back on it, I’m sure these experiences with my mom helped form my curiosity about the landscapes around me.
When I first began sharing my art, most of my subjects were simply the reflections or recordings from places that I found a connection to. Although it took courage to put my initial work out there into the world, knowing that there was better work out there, I felt a need to share. I thought to myself: what was the purpose of going to these places if not to share them with others?
Its taken me years to find my voice. I still feel like I haven’t found “it.” What is “it?” Sometimes I feel like I can’t accurately express my experiences I have in the field. Sometimes its hard to convey the multi-dimensionality of a powerful moment. There’s the sights, the sounds, the smells, how something “felt.” The pursuit of trying to digest all of this, boil it down and “creating” a work of writing, film or photography can be challenging, sometimes so much so that its not every expedition or trip that “produces” content.
Journalists, non-fiction writers, photographers, documentary filmmakers are my personal heroes. The quality of some of their works lead me to believe that fiction is nearly unnecessary, as there was simply too many fascinating issues and topics to explore here on our earth. Those stories and those folks continue to be my inspiration. They motivate me to continue to seek out new experiences and perspectives.
© 2026 Peak Design
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