Portraits of R. Duck, David Arnold

David Arnold photographing R. Duck, Pismo Beach, California

Portraits of R. Duck were created at wildlife sanctuaries near waterways and rice fields in Northern California during the winter season of 2010- 2011. Wetland locations along the Pacific Flyway were selected for the quality of light and the presence of migratory waterfowl.

Portraits of R. Duck expand the notion of environmental portraits, using the location of the portraits to not only add understanding to the subject of the portraits but also to speak to environmental threats to wetlands and wild places and to inspire their protection. Each portrait's focus on the multiple faces of the Rubber Ducky bath toy against an indistinct natural world accentuates a sense of loss, and ironically suggests the need to preserve wetlands and wild places for wildlife in a contemporary world preoccupied with the trivial at the expense of the marvelous.

David Arnold