Stephen Cunic

About & the Creation of Present Perspective Photography

Stephen Cunic is an American Photographer with concentrations in North American landscapes. Stephen has dedicated over two decades as a conservationist and photographer applying his passion for the wild lands of North America sharing the natural world through his unprecedented Present Perspective Photography. 

Stephen started his photography career in 2000 crafting photographs in a traditional black and white darkroom developing skills in understanding and crafting of the traditional technique. This foundation reinforced the concepts in which are the foundations to the basis of Stephen's revolutionary artwork.  Through an arduous printing process, he takes time and dedication to prepare digital prints in a way that are composed from his knowledge and workings in the photographic darkroom.  The process through a revolutionary printing discovery Stephen made, takes multiple layers building physical depth through the relieve and build up from physical ink on a specialty sub-strait able to handle the laborious printing process. Each individual layer is printed and developed by Stephen over the course of multiple hours building up definitive aspects in which are vital to the observable textures, depths and dimensions necessary to the final sculptural-like works he creates. This physical dimension created through his processes allows the observer the opportunities to reflect upon the image as if they are physically within the environments Stephen wants you to experience. As he has spent prolonged periods of time within these environments, he invites you to reflect "as is". 

Just as one observes the natural landscapes and realms in real life, Stephen creates works that allow an individual visual experience through time, place, and self reflection without the artists self. The works allow an individual to experience the piece without influence from the artist and true reflection and journey for the individual observer; an invitation to look at every element and self reflect through a personal journey and experience. These self reflections are the journey in which we can truly embrace ourselves and experience the works in the Present Moments as observed; changing with the environmental influences of the physical space and the positioning approach of the observer.

Stephen has traveled exploring the natural wildness and environments of North America and beyond, and through his innovative Present Perspective Photography he allows one the opportunity to experience the moments of solitude and bliss in which one can embrace in hours of exposure to the natural world. 

Bi-Products of the Works

Around December of 2015 after the course of actively printing over 15 plus hours working on the development of Present Perspective Photography Stephen asked himself "If I myself, a person of sight; If I can observe this natural landscape through touch and imagine the imagery within my own conceptualization; then would it be possible for a person without sight to 'see' these photographs through touch". At that time Stephen realized that bi-product, though not the intent of the work can create a beautiful opportunity he then said in a time of solo self-reflection "We as the sighted can see and appreciate the shape and the concept of a tree though someone who is without sight may never have the opportunity to fully grasp this concept. I recognize one may be able to feel the bark, the leaves, or even the needles and branches though how terrible that one without sight may never be able to conceptualize the shape or essence of tree; something we all take for granted yet is so important to all beings". During this reflection Stephen worked with Janice Lipzin from ArtsQuest Showing her his new innovative works and the both determined it necessary to show an "All Accessible" photography show inviting members to physically touch and embrace the works. 

Though this is not the intent; and that the works are not to be touch; this experience created an opportunity to provide an experience for Stephen to give back to the visually impaired community through his solo exhibition "Life Accessible". The following quote is taken from Annette Gozzard which portrays the experience and necessity required to experience his works in person to have their own Present Perspective Moment and experiential journey through the landscapes. "Going to the Banana Factory was more than I had expected. I can understand why people like to look at
photographs of where they have been.  Each photo was equal in beauty.  Brian and Cheryl described the
pictures and I formed a picture in my mind.  As I touched each picture, I was amazed to find that the
trees, clouds, water and rocks were exactly as I pictured them, even though I have never seen!
 
I would go back to see them again in a heartbeat.  Each picture evoked sounds, such as hearing the
water and feeling the dampness of the fog.  One picture showed ripples in the water, as if someone had
thrown a stone into the water.  I found that when I touched the ripples, they were as I imagined them in
my mind.
 
I felt as if I had actually been to Yellowstone and wish I could see more."

This experience and Bi-Product is dedicated to the Memory of Janice Lipzin who saw the value that a non-intent in art can bring to those through a created intended experience. "Though we may not dedicate what we do to a specific purpose, the purpose we dedicate ourselves to as we create meaningful works of art can have a dual beauty in which we have not aimed" - Stephen Cunic