Growing, by Stefan Simikich

Stefan Simikich
Born: Van Nuys, CA.
Currently resides in: San Francisco, California

Website: http://www.hereyouarenow.com/

Work Statement:
I shoot photos cause I can't spell for shit. Its my diary, a kinda visual diary. I am intrigued by people and how they live and what they do. Even everyday stuff is interesting if I just imagine I didn't see it everyday. I like to document the continuing story of life on Earth -- capturing honest uncontrived moments that capture me forever.

I started shooting photos cause I wanted to gather subject matter to take home and recreate in a painting. Well I never made any paintings just kept gathering interesting subjects since then. I took a couple classes and read a lot of "how-to books" for photography. I had many people that are close to me show me the ropes in the begining. Just lots of practicing I guess.

I'm inspired by the great photographers of our time like... Bruce Gilden, Jim Goldberg, Bill Owens, Garry Winogrand, Diane Arbus, Robert Frank....plus many others....the Magnum crew.

Bio:
I am a painting contractor in my everyday non photo life.. Its a family business. My 6 uncles are painters, my father, and the grandpa owned a paint store. I was born in Van Nuys, CA. (somewhere in LA?). My father gave me his Pentax k1000 it was my first camera. I think I was like 17 ? I had used it for years after that. I grew up mostly all over California, southern to northern. I went to school in WA and lived there for years. I never took a photo classes in school. I have a degree in electronic media??? (kinda like an engineer in a creative realm). I took a color photo/ studio and printing class after I graduated. The teacher let me "sit in." He was a cool guy. I just had to pretend I was a student.

I am also co founder of hamburgereyes photo magazine. It keeps me inspired.