Meet Stephen Baklund

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Baklund.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
From a young age, I’ve seemed to have had a deep connection with art. Whether I was spilling water-color over my kitchen table, or banging on a tambourine until my family could take it no more, I was always seeking to create. As I grew older, I began to discover ways to combine creativity with the other things that I loved. Raised exploring the mountains and waters of the PNW, I always had inspiration for creation, but It took me a while to figure out what medium I wanted to use.

I would consider myself a jack of all trades. Decent at everything, master of nothing. I started to paint, then write poems, then write songs. I was shy and insecure about all the work I made and hid it away from the world. Until I picked up a camera and everything changed.

I’ve been taking photos for about six years, and though I have been able to do freelance work, and make something “more” from it, Photography for me is and will always be a way to capture a moment or tell a story that needs telling.

Please tell us about your art.
I have a wide range of work, but most of my photography is moments from places I’ve been and people I’ve met. I shoot digital, but also 35mm film. With film, there are no re-dos, no automatic settings or 9 frames-per-second. There is only one chance to tell the story you are trying to tell. The story can be as simple as a waking up to a beautiful sunrise, or as powerful as praying with a stranger in a place you’ve never been. A photo can be amazing because of how beautiful it is, but also because of what happened behind the lens.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
There are so many types of artists, and often I think people put themselves in their box and are scared to step out. I have plenty of fellow photographers to draw inspiration from, but oftentimes I learn the most from the perspectives of musicians, and painters, and cinematographers. Use social media! Go to local gatherings, talk to anyone who will listen and learn from what they have to say.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my work is on Instagram, or on my website. I sell prints, do personal shoots & work for businesses, but am encouraged most by feedback and listening to other peoples stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sbaklund3.wixsite.com/home
• Email: sbaklund3@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scratchmybaklund/

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