Born in the state of Connecticut, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, in the year 1936, a significant turning point in the life of a remarkable individual, Lawder, marked the beginning of an academic odyssey that would have a profound impact on his future pursuits.
Around the early 1960s, Lawder found himself at the University of Munich, where he took on the role of a test subject for a renowned neurologist delving into the fascinating realm of phosphenes. This marked the commencement of his remarkable journey into the world of psychedelics, as he was administered measured doses of LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin by the neurologist. His experiences within the clinic's walls spanned an entire day, making him one of the pioneering subjects in the field of psychedelics, laying the groundwork for future research and exploration.
Noted art historian, Lawder, culminated his academic endeavors by earning a prestigious Doctor of Philosophy degree in art history from the esteemed Yale University.
The culmination of his tireless research efforts was the submission of a groundbreaking thesis, titled The Cubist Cinema, which would later be published to widespread acclaim.
This seminal work delves into the fascinating correlation between the evolution of film and its profound influence on the development of modern art.
Notably, Anthony Reveaux, a prominent film critic, has praised Lawder's thesis as a comprehensive and insightful overview in his review published in Film Quarterly.
Lawder's extraordinary body of work consists of an impressive array of over 25 films, which are complemented by his notable literary endeavors, comprising several thought-provoking essays that delve into the realm of experimental film.
In his formative years, Lawder embarked on an innovative journey, commencing his pioneering experiments with experimental films in the depths of his basement during a sabbatical in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
