“Capturing Joy: An Animal Empath’s Journey Through Photography in Hinsdale and Burr Ridge”

David Boxell, a resident at King-Bruwaert House, showcases some of his nature photography displayed at the senior living community
Courtesy of King-Bruwaert House

He is an animal empath who attracts creatures, both large and small, wild and domesticated, local and typically non-local. This inherent skill is utilized not merely for his own physical therapy but also for gifting happiness to others.

David Boxell, a member of the King-Bruwaert House community, is a talented photographer, with his breathtaking artwork adorning the corridors of the senior living center in Burr Ridge.

With a lifelong fascination for nature, he has cultivated a strong affinity for capturing images of wildlife that appear astonishingly close and personal. He refrains from using a zoom lens yet manages to reveal his subjects’ soulful, curious, expressive eyes, vibrant colors, and distinctive personalities. This all reflects the connection he has with the animals. He displays his beautiful photographs to the residents of KB House, bringing them joy, invoking memories, and prompting dialogue.

A steady hand

David was initially drawn to photography as a holistic and organic approach to manage a neurological condition akin to muscular dystrophy, which causes him to stammer, tremble, and lose stability. “My doctor advised me to focus through meditation. He also motivated me to pursue a hobby that would aid in strengthening my fine motor skills and nerves,” he stated.

Photography resonated with David. “I can’t take pictures unless I remain perfectly still, and that demands concentration and control. I began with an old-fashioned Brownie camera. More recently, I’ve opted for a compact handheld camera, which encourages me to maintain steadiness.”

Photography continues to assist him in managing his condition effectively without the need for medication.

His passion for this hobby combined with his love for animals has become David’s fervor and an essential therapeutic outlet.

KB House

David and his spouse Jane, who lived in Western Springs for 45 years, made the decision to relocate to the KB House senior living community three years ago.

“We desired to be in a place where we could live autonomously but still have access to care if necessary. If you remain in your own home and then develop health challenges, you might lose your options to move where you prefer. We toured the cottages, The Woods of KB House, and were delighted with our findings,” he mentioned. “We moved in 2021, and three months ago, my wife, who began showing signs of dementia, transitioned into memory care at KB House. She is receiving exceptional and compassionate care. The staff is extraordinary. I can effortlessly walk over and spend the day with her whenever we wish.”

The perfect setting

Nestled within a 35-acre wooded estate, KB House offers David stunning, natural environments to capture images. “It’s unlike any other place: the gardens, trees, paths, trails, and the adjacent Katherine Legge Memorial Park. It’s simply gorgeous. There are countless spots to appreciate nature and take photographs,” stated David.

He captures images daily of the animals residing near his abode, as well as those not commonly seen in the locale. While he photographs deer, coyotes, foxes, and birds typical of the area, he also has images of duck and bird species that don’t typically “belong” in the region yet seem to congregate at his home for photo sessions. Furthermore, he encounters animals often shy or cautious of humans, including a frog that challenges him in a stare contest, a deer that regularly approaches to gaze through his window, and a playful fox with her young ones within his sight.

David clarifies that because he remains still and patient, animals show more curiosity than apprehension towards him. When asked if there’s ever a day he spends away from wildlife, he replied, “No. I merely wait.”

Spreading the joy and stirring memories

David, who is self-taught in photography, has excelled at the competitions he has participated in. “I thought perhaps people would appreciate seeing my photographs. When we initially moved to KB House, I brought some to the restaurant, and they were well-received. Sharing them quickly became something I looked forward to,” he mentioned. “Upon retirement, you start to ponder what you continue to contribute to others. I had worked professionally in personnel at Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. for numerous years and enjoyed helping people. After I showcased my photos at the bistro here, I left with that wonderful feeling of having added to someone’s joy.”

David recounted that when he shared some of his images with a friend in memory care, “wow, it really opened him up to conversing and smiling! It flourished. Jane delighted in them as well. I began enlarging some photos for her, and she would take them, examine them, and smile. It was phenomenal. She had lost her ability to articulate her thoughts but when she had the pictures, she would talk about them. I consulted a psychiatrist, who confirmed that visuals and music can indeed spark memories. Now I take pictures to other residents in memory care too. Some residents recognize me and ask to see my photos, and that feels heavenly. I’m making a contribution, and that brings me immense pleasure. I’m not an artist, and I’ve never been involved in the arts. I would never have predicted this, but it brings joy to others, and thus it brings me joy too.”

“It’s extraordinary to have the talents of a resident highlighting the beauty of the campus,” expressed Mark Zullo, senior director of sales and marketing. “It’s delightful to have him sharing his photographs with the residents who cherish viewing them!”

King-Bruwaert House

Ideally situated in what has been deemed one of the best places to retire in Illinois by Niche.com, King-Bruwaert House has been a cherished presence in Burr Ridge since 1933. The picturesque 35-acre estate includes independent living in The Gardens of King-Bruwaert House, new upscale apartment residences, and The Woods of King-Bruwaert House cottages. As a refined and dignified Life Plan Community providing various levels of care, the campus also has provisions for assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Located less than two miles away in Hinsdale is Godair Park, King-Bruwaert House’s single-story rental duplex homes overlooking Ruth Lake Country Club. For further information, visit www.KingBruwaert.org or call 630-216-8659. King-Bruwaert House is located at 6101 S. County Line Road in Burr Ridge.