Personal Background

I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, but have strong ties to Michigan and Iowa. I also acquired another home in recent years: a small village in the Indian Himalayas where I have been conducting fieldwork since 2012. 

Left: The Saint Louis Arch and skyline
Right:   Frankfort, Michigan lighthouse, February 2006

---

Art

I majored in studio art as an undergrad. My primary medium was oil paint, but I also did quite a bit of photography. I have not have much time to devote to this work in recent years, although I still do some photography on the side. 


Left:  Wall in Vilnius, Photograph 2005 
Right: Untitled oil painting, 2006

---

Travel

After my undergraduate degree, I traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Although I am grateful for these experiences, I have found that I am much happier living in a place for a long time and making real connections with people. In other words, I have found my experiences doing ethnographic fieldwork far more rewarding. 

Center: Temple in Bangan, Myanmar, 2007
Right: Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, 2007

---

Family Background

I am fourth in a lineage of men by the name Harry William Fischer. My grandfather, Harry William Fischer II (1921-1998), was a radiologist and a distinguished researcher in his field. My father, Harry William Fischer III, is a psychiatrist and a self-styled philosopher-farmer. My mother, Nancy Cibulka is a former professor of Nursing at Saint Louis University and a nurse practitioner.

Right: Harry W. Fischer II (1921-1998)​

---

Hobbies
In addition to my academic and artistic pursuits, I am an avid runner, biker, and trekker. 
Right: After completing a 200km brevet, Hyderabad, India
Below: Sunrise from the high Dhauladhars, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India