Currently living in a log cabin on Gabriola Island, a gulf island off British Columbia's southern coastline, Stephen has been experimenting with photography since finding a 35 mm camera in the basement of a rented apartment during his time at the University of Guelph. The next day he found a new Kodak Beginner's Developing Kit for $1 at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. The first roll of film was developed and proof prints made. (Who taught the teacher?) The basement became the darkroom studio for the next 7 years. During that time there was lots of experimentation with black and white photography and Cibachrome printing. Some of the results had a mild commercial success. Some of the fans wanted the pictures framed and a new chapter began.

Stephen rented a vacant downtown building in Guelph and started an art gallery with picture framing services, showcasing his own photography and other local artists. The business grew over the next 15 years and was successful, mainly due to the sales of other artist's work, until "Greek lightening" struck from next door one Saturday night. All was lost in the fire. The waterlillies slides were recovered some months later.

Eventually moving back to Canada's west coast, living in Victoria, Vancouver and now Gabriola Island, Stephen conducts a small home business specializing in printing full color images directly onto flexible magnet. He's developed a catalogue of images that include his photography, vintage advertising art and classical fine art. The fridge magnets have become commercially popular and a selection can be seen at www.magneticgraphix.ca.

 

Nikon FM
Nikon D70

 

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