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Robert Leverant Obituary
1939-2021
Robert Leverant, author of "Zen In the Art of Photography," died February 28 due to complications of Alzheimer's. He was 81.
Born in Brookline, MA, Robert graduated from Middlebury College in 1961. He moved to India to study under Kirpal Singh, then to the Bay Area to join the counterculture movement.
In 1969 he self-published "Zen," a collection of meditations on the photographic process that sold over 30,000 copies, becoming a beloved reference for photographers worldwide. He went on to write two more books and dozens of articles while exhibiting his photographs and teaching throughout the US. In 1974 he co-founded SF Camerawork, an avant-garde photography collective and gallery that continues to the present day.
Robert moved to Sebastopol in 1982 to practice psychotherapy. He remained a dedicated photographer and was an early adopter of digital cameras, which he shot with almost daily until his disease overtook his faculties.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Miriam, and by a sister, Sandra Goodwin. He is survived by his daughter, Zoë Beery. Those wishing to honor his life may donate to the San Francisco Zen Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Leverant
6 Entries
Gary Paterson
March 27, 2025
India 1974
Holly Laskey
March 1, 2025
Robert is greatly missed, yet he is ever so present. I often tell others of Robert and the life changing work I experienced with him. FOREVER LEGACY: Hope it´s ok. I still often talk to Robert in my mind :). That´s FOREVER!
And Zoe, I trust you are doing well. You too remain in a special place in my heart.
Sujit Sivanand
November 20, 2022
Back in 2011, in my quest for a copy of the book `Zen in the art of Photography´, I was in touch with Robert. He sent me the book and my notes are as follows.
Robert Leverant's 'Zen in the Art of Photography' is an awesome piece of poetry and mystical view of photography as an art form. One should read this book not hoping to learn the technical aspects or science of photography, but for self realization as an artist using the camera as an instrument to capture snapshots in space-time. A set of verses that can best describe photography as a true spiritual experience.
Sorry to note that Robert has passed. May his goodness radiate in his verses.
Geoffrey Levens
March 13, 2021
Robert worked with me for several years during some very difficult times. He provided a clear, safe space and a grounded reference point like no other therapist I ever worked with before or since. I have profound gratitude and love for him.
Carolyn Ringo
March 13, 2021
Robert was the first therapist I ever had that I felt really saw me for who I am. He was always professional and deeply present. He helped me tremendously in some hard years. I will be forever gratful for his caring and gentle guidance.
Holly Laskey
March 7, 2021
How to honor you Robert, you who gave so much...?
Robert was an amazing person who was not afraid to live and work outside the box, a true Western shaman, a man who will never die as work he passionately gave to us will live on forever, effecting generation after generation. Personally, as I do often say, “he gave me my life back,” right into the fully-lived, grand adventure it is today. With deep gratitude, love, and appreciation, Rest In Peace forever more dear Robert.
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