Recently HHR sat down with Manhattan professional photographer Stephanie Charczenko to discuss her passion for photography. In addition we also spoke with her about what life is like being a Republican artist in a city and industry dominated by people often hostile to her political views. In this blog interview Stephanie opens up about  her unique Ukrainian heritage and how it led her to pursue such a career. 

 
Stephanie tell the readers of HHR blog a little about yourself…where are you from? In addition, what got you involved in photography? 

Growing up in New Jersey in a very artistic Ukrainian family, I learned to design the very beautiful and ornately decorated Ukrainian pysanky (Easter eggs) from my talented mother. My perception and sensitivity towards vibrant colors has no doubt influenced me in my choice of photographic subjects.  

Although I have always loved photography, for many years it was basically just a hobby until . . . that one photo inspired me to pursue a much different path (in this case it was a  Monarch Butterfly which I have included as part of this interview.)  

What thing inspires you the most as an artist? 

My inspiration comes from visual combinations of colors, textures in nature, people and architectural subjects.  

Is there an overriding theme to your work? 

Not really.  I walk around with my camera, do a quick visual of the surroundings, look through my lens and if I like what I see I shoot.  It could simply be walking through a NYC Street Fair and seeing a food vendor selling cups of sliced watermelon, taking a winter walk through Central Park or capturing the action in the park – be it in the natural environment or performance artists.  

What skills go into making a great photographer? 

You can have many years of education, but if you don’t have the intrinsic, visual talent – well, there’s no amount of courses that can instill that kind of passion or inspiration in you. A great photographer as any artist never stops learning new techniques, however, the feeling you have in your gut is not something that you learn from a book or a teacher.   

You are a Republican who happens to be both a photographer and artist.  

When one thinks about artist, one does not normally think of a Republican. Do you know of any famous non-Democrat artist?  

No, not personally – or at least, not anyone who will ADMIT to being a Republican.   

Are people surprised when they find out that you are both and artist and that you voted for Bush? 

I don’t usually discuss my political affiliations with my non-Republican friends. Hey, we live in NYC. How many people do you think would attend my exhibits OR even purchase anything from me in this Liberal town if they knew that I am as passionate about being a Republican as I am about my photography ?  
 

Why do you think art is often associated with the left? 

Because MOST of the funding for the arts i.e. National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is just as biased as the mainstream media, so if you are a Republican and you wish to receive funding you’ve got to remain silent about your politics.  

Do you think that artists on the right are more reluctant to wear their politics on there sleeve? 

ABSOLUTELY!  Look at Hollywood as a perfect example. There are certainly many closet Republicans who would never work if they admitted their real political beliefs and affiliations – especially in this current political climate.  

Are there any potential backlashes from the art industry in New York City if one were to come out as a Republican? 

YES, YES, YES!  The art community in NYC looks at you in disdain – being a Republican today, you might as well be a communist in the 50′s.  So, you go to an exhibit, you keep your mouth shut and just listen to people’s conversations and seek out like-minded people – what an incredible challenge that is!  

Do you sell your art or is this more of a hobby? 

It’s both a hobby and a source of supplemental income. I not only enjoy taking photographs, I also love exhibiting and sharing my photos with my friends.  

Have you ever thought about starting an art group of fellow Republicans & Libertarians in Manhattan? 

No, but what an excellent idea.  I’m sure that there are probably many more of us hiding behind our cameras and canvases. It would be interesting to find out how many artists would have the guts to crawl out of their cocoons.

Stephanie thanks for sitting down with HipHopRepublican.com. In addition, how can people see more of your work?

The pleasure was all mine I have a Flickr Photography site and can be reached through the site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/juchym/ or if they can email me directly at stefography@att.net. I also plan on hosting a Photo Exhibit/Sale Open House in the spring; so I do hope you’re readers can come.

Below are a few examples of Stephanie Charczenko’s work