*Nature Likes to Play* is a collection of moments captured by Donovan Johnson during an Arizona State University study abroad trip to Tena, Ecuador where Johnson accompanied a group of sustainability students, teachers and experts. In this immersive program, students learn from Kichwa and Waorani knowledges and biocultures to explore challenges and possible solutions for sustaining the Amazon. Johnson, a photojournalist from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, joined the group to document this once and a lifetime trip. 

The photos are inspired by the practices of the Woarani Indigenous community in the Amazon Rainforest. The photos explore the relationship between humans and nature, as well as humans and their relationships to other humans, and how that connection transcends language and societal practice.

*Nature Likes to Play* was a partnership between OM ASTERISK LLC, Iyarina Center for Learning in Ecuador, The Greater Good Phoenix, The ASU School of Sustainability, Wash the City, and Pueblo Life Phoenix. A notable aspect of the "Nature Likes to Play" initiative is its commitment to giving back. Donovan Johnson and om* pledged a 70% donation of all purchased works and merchandise to the Iyarina Center for Learning in Ecuador. Iyarina is a center for learning and research in the Ecuadorian Amazon dedicated to integrating indigenous knowledge and the academic arts and sciences. 


Through Nature Likes to Play, the goal was to create a dialog about rainforest preservation in the United States through art.

In addition to hosting a photo exhibition to raise money for rainforest preservation, Donovan completed a promotional video for the ASU School of Sustainability to promote study abroad opportunites for students.