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Ivan Dmitri, born Levon Fairchild West (Assadoorian) on February 3, 1900, in Centerville, South Dakota, was an influential American etcher and pioneering photographic artist. He gained national recognition for his artistic versatility, contributing significantly to both the fields of etching and color photography.

Under his birth name, Levon West, he produced highly sought-after etchings and watercolors. However, it was as Ivan Dmitri that he became known for his groundbreaking work in color photography, establishing himself as a prominent figure in 20th-century American art. His artistic legacy also includes participation in the painting event of the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics. 

Levon West was the son of Avedis Madros West, an Armenian Congregational minister, and Henrietta West. The family changed its last name to "West" from their original Armenian name, "Assadoorian," during World War I, a decision driven by the desire of Levon and his brothers to avoid enlistment under an ethnic name. The name “West” was chosen as it was his mother’s maiden name. West adopted the pseudonym "Ivan Dmitri" later in life for his color photography work, while retaining his original name for his etchings and watercolors.

West spent much of his youth moving across North Dakota, where his father preached in several towns. He graduated as valedictorian from Harvey High School and later served in the Navy during World War I. After the war, West worked as a schoolteacher in Wells County, North Dakota, before attending the University of Minnesota, where he graduated in 1924. Although West aspired to focus on art studies, his father insisted he pursue a degree in business administration. 

Levon West’s artistic career took off while he studied at the Art Students League of New York. A chance encounter with Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis led to a pivotal moment in his career. After sketching Lindbergh’s plane, West quickly produced an etching that was featured on the front page of The New York Times following Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight. The widespread visibility of this work led to West being approached by the Kennedy Galleries in New York, launching a successful series of etchings that brought him national acclaim.

As Ivan Dmitri, he ventured into color photography, a relatively new medium at the time. Dmitri published several influential books on the subject, starting with Color in Photography (1939). His color photography gained mainstream attention when his photograph was featured as the first color cover of The Saturday Evening Post in 1937. He followed this with a celebrated 1944 cover of General "Hap" Arnold, which was later adapted by the U.S. government into a World War II propaganda poster. 

Dmitri was instrumental in elevating photography as a recognized art form. He championed its inclusion in fine art institutions and organized one of the first photography exhibitions at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 1959, he launched a series of exhibitions titled "Photography in the Fine Arts," helping to solidify photography’s status within the art world. His advocacy was central to transforming public perception of photography from a journalistic medium to a respected artistic discipline. 

Ivan Dmitri’s contributions were widely acknowledged during his lifetime. In 1962, he was awarded the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, one of the highest honors in the state, recognizing his achievements in the arts. Dmitri’s dual identity as both Levon West and Ivan Dmitri reflects his ability to navigate and excel in multiple artistic fields, leaving a lasting impact on both etching and photography.