Artist Statement
Lux Natura is the moniker taken by the photographer Greg Downing. Intentionally crafting a second, art-centered, identity has unlocked a disinhibited mindset of artistic experimentation. Fine art landscape and automotive photography and merged into adventure motorcycles as frequent subject matter. Often using infrared technique to reveal the unseen light. Adventure, exploration and experimentation still beckon in our modern comfortable world.
Artist Bio
As a child growing up in Colorado camping and the outdoors were always a huge part of life. This gave me a lifetime of appreciation for the beauty of nature.
My first memory of taking photos was during a family vacation to Yellowstone where Dad let me play with his camera. I only manged to take a few very blurry photos of buffalo, but I loved the mechanics of the camera and experimentation with the image. I still have his old Canon EF film camera.
Every time I went hiking or on a long back country expedition, including Patagonia and deep in the arctic circle in Alaska, I took my camera and tried to express the beauty of both the remote parts of the world as well as the local. My photos have been featured in The Mark Udall Congressional Art Show, and the NOLS photo contest calendar.
When I'm not in the back country I find cars and motorcycles to be inspiring subjects. They create opportunity to express line, curve, and color in wonderful ways.
In 2022, after a career as a scientist I started Lux Natura Photography LLC to finally share the shots I had been keeping to myself for so many years. I hope you enjoy them and I look forward to opportunities to find the next beautiful vista around the world.
Exhibitions
2025 March
Denver Night Lights, Denver, CO
2025 January
Pushpin Gallery, Seattle, WA, Photographic Center Northwest
2024 November
Black Box Gallery, Portland, OR, “Trees and Water” Group Show
2003 April
Flatiron Crossing, Broomfield, CO, Mark Udall Congressional District Student Art Show
A.I. Commitment Statement
The rapidly evolving state of generative artificial intelligence (AI) must be carefully considered by all artists. It can be a powerful and valuable tool which can be misused. My images will exclusively represent what is present in front of the camera.
I commit to not using AI to substantially create or modify subjects in any of my images. Certain AI tools such as “select sky” may be used during the editing process. However, I will not use generative AI to (for example) change the sky from a cloudless blue to a striking sunset.
I’m happy to discuss the nuance of this perspective and transparently answer any question about how AI is used in my artwork. Please reach out if you have questions.