What do you do? I'm a photographer.
When did you get into it? I've been into photography for about 5 years. But I've certainly realised that I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life - it's part of who I am now fortunately.
Who or what influences you as an artist? My biggest influence would be the skateboarding scene. I've met so many amazing people from all over the world and they have had such an impact on the style I have now. When it comes down to it the scene really does have the best atmosphere around it, it gets pretty addictive after a while.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Finishing 20 Dudes Magazine! That was 6 long months of blood sweat and tears. But now seeing people hold it in their hands is really rewarding, and photographing 20 dudes…well that's always fun.
What are your plans for the future? First thing is to get the next issue of We Are Not Obscene published, which should be out around April. But as for the rest of my life? Just killing at bein’ awesome.
What makes you laugh? Bernard Black from Black Books. That man can kick me out of his store any time...
What pisses you off? I hate the fact that film is getting so expensive. That really pisses me off.
What’s your opinion of the local scene? I think people really underestimate the Canberra scene. When you find a group of people who really support what you do and understand your intentions it's great! When I think about what I want to do with my own photography there is a lot I want to achieve and I know that I can do that here, ‘cause I think Canberra is only what you make it.
What are your upcoming projects/exhibitions? In January I'll be exhibiting 20 Dudes in Melbourne at the Blue Tile Lounge which will be extremely fun. You gotta love showing art work at a bar, it's the perfect combination for success!
Contact info: stellazelnik73@hotmail.com, stella-raephotos.tumblr.com
20 Dudes is sold at Smiths Alternative Bookshop in the Melbourne Building, 76 Alinga Street Canberra City
We Are Not Obscene can be found at I Trip I Skip, Lonsdale Street, Braddon and other reputable zine outlets
