We recently connected with Douglas Isaac Busch and have shared our conversation below.
Douglas Isaac, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
The essence of generosity lies in the capacity to empathize with others’ experiences and circumstances. It is about giving without expecting anything in return. It’s about sharing resources, time, and energy to make the world a better place. This perspective aligns with numerous studies that link generosity to increased happiness, improved mental health, and even longevity.
As a photographer for over 50 years I learned long ago to do things because you are passionate about them, not for money. Nothing I do is for money, I believe in helping others as much as I can such as my No Strings Foundation, The Genos Center Foundation and more.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Most recently I was awarded the 2023 Distinguished Legacy Award from the University of Illinois, an honor reserved for the college’s most inspiring alumni and supporters. In addition, earlier this year I launched the Genos Center Foundation to teach tolerance, inspire reflection and allow visitors to form new ties between their understanding of history and their emotional subconscious through the power of art.
With a goal of eradicating genocide worldwide, visitors will experience a new perspective at our multicultural art gallery, non-denominational chapel and sustainable reflective gardens. Through art we can raise awareness, understanding and promote healing as we recognize not only the past but the present.
I believe that education and knowledge are the most effective weapon against intolerance and ignorance, especially in a world so full of misinformation, manipulation, and denial. Our silence in the face of hate are acts of complicity; we must do better than those who came before us. The goal of this initiative is to help eradicate genocides worldwide and provide a voice to marginalized communities by raising awareness, promoting healing, and offering new perspectives on past and present issues.
In addition, over the last 50 years I have been an artist, architectural designer, inventor, teacher, gemologist, philanthropist, and photographer.
In 1973, I graduated from the University of Illinois and then moved to California where I worked as an assistant to Morley Baer and Al Weber. Additionally, I assisted Ansel Adams in the darkroom. At SuperLarge™ Photography, I photograph various subjects such as landscapes, cityscapes, nudes, portraits, and color. My work is featured in collections at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Wilhelm Hack Museum, and the Mannheim Museum of Art, in Germany.
Through my firm Busch Design Build Inc., I have had the opportunity to work with many colleagues across the United States. My work involves imaginative, eco-friendly, sustainable architectural designs and drought-tolerant landscape designs. Notably, I have designed the late Bob Saget’s home and others that have been featured in Los Angeles Times, Robb Report, and Malibu Times among other major media outlets.
Before it was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire of 2018, you can see my idea for an environmentally focused think-tank, learning, and demonstration center called the EcoPark that was created through EcoTech Design Studio.
I founded pH Living: Healthy Housing Systems with a mission to create homes suitable for individuals struggling with environmental allergies and chemical sensitivities (MCS), while adhering to the principles of healthy design and sustainable building. In addition, I created Farm in a Box™, a modular, patented, self-watering vertical gardening system that caters to urban dwellers. This system offers an affordable way to cultivate an organic herb and vegetable garden without any additional effort.
I started doing philanthropic work with the No Strings Foundation. Our goal was to support photographers by giving them grants without any strings attached, so they can have greater creative opportunities and achieve their goals.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Perseverance: During my journey, I encountered many obstacles and difficulties, but I persevered through them. This helped me remain determined and resilient, and not give up when faced with adversity. I would advise others starting their journey to cultivate a persevering mindset by setting achievable goals, breaking larger objectives into smaller tasks, and finding the inner motivation to overcome challenging moments.
Adaptability: To achieve success, it’s important to be adaptable as the world is always changing. Along my journey, I faced unexpected opportunities and had to change my plans accordingly. I stayed ahead of the curve by being open to taking risks, embracing new ideas and technologies, and welcoming change. To develop adaptability, I suggest that early-stage individuals embrace change, seek out diverse experiences, accept feedback, and continually challenge themselves to step outside their comfort zones.
Continuous Learning: In my journey, I have found that pursuing knowledge and committing to lifelong learning is crucial. By remaining curious and actively seeking new information, I was able to broaden my abilities, stay current, and recognize emerging trends and possibilities. Beginners should prioritize learning and personal development by finding mentors, going to workshops or conferences, reading books and articles, and exploring online resources. Adopt a growth mindset and approach every experience as an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills.
I recommend that those starting their journey focus on developing perseverance, adaptability, and a desire for continual learning. Having these characteristics will enable you to overcome obstacles, take advantage of opportunities, and foster both personal and professional development. Keep in mind that the journey is a progression, and every advancement, no matter how small, will bring you closer to your objectives. Maintain your determination, embrace change, and never cease learning.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Al Weber and Peter Bodnar were both my mentors and dearest friends. They helped me through life, challenges, and reaching my potential with intellect and continual support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://douglasbusch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GenosCenter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenosCenter/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/genoscenter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GenosCenter
Image Credits
Douglas Isaac Busch / SuperLarge Photography
