About the Artist
Stefanie Lynn Casaceli-Hendra
lynnarthendra@gmail.com
Self Portait: Stefanie Lynn Casaceli-Hendra
Artist Biography:
Stefanie Lynn Casaceli-Hendra's life and artistic journey are marked by a profound connection to art and a diverse range of experiences. Born in Staten Island, New York, and raised in Brooklyn and Pennsylvania, Stefanie's artistic influences began early in life. She delved into fine art and photography during her high school years at Pocono Mountain High School, exploring various mediums such as photography, fashion, tailoring, ceramics, and drawing.
Her academic pursuits took her to institutions like Northampton Community College and the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. Stefanie initially attended the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science before focusing on Fine Art with a specialization in photography at the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design.
However, Stefanie's educational journey took a pause due to a high-risk pregnancy with twins, a time during which she prioritized taking care of her family. Undeterred by life's challenges, she later moved to Japan in 2018, where Japanese culture has long held a special place in her heart.
Stefanie is a versatile artist, engaging in fine art photography, multidisciplinary art, and playing various roles such as a military spouse, Army Mom, and a mother of two sets of twins. Remarkably, she homeschooled all four of her children, finding joy in teaching subjects like art, literature, and penmanship.
As the founder, editor, publisher, and curator of A.B.F.M. Magazine®, Stefanie is deeply involved in the art community. She also manages Stefanie Lynn's Scarfs® and LynnArtSpiral Photography©. Her commitment to the arts extends to helping fellow artists, reflecting her passion for nurturing creativity.
Stefanie's art is a reflection of her 27 years of experience and the challenges she faced, including a Brain AVM diagnosis in 2016. Her work encapsulates her journey of coping with health issues, military family life, women empowerment, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, music, Halloween, and her travel experiences in Japan and Italy.
Currently, Stefanie serves as an artist in residence in Japan, represented by Solution Gallery in Iwakuni. She has held four Fine Art Photography Solo Exhibitions with them and an upcoming one. Stefanie continues to make significant contributions to the art world.
Stefanie has been published by numerous high-quality publications.
Her photography has found a global audience, with pieces held in private collections in Japan, France, Germany, Australia, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Stefanie's artistic prowess and resilience shine through, making her a notable figure in the contemporary art scene.
She challenged herself to do a 100th-day art project, which she completed in 2021. One piece of artwork for 100 days. She is currently working on a 1,000 Handmade Scarf Project. Stefanie founded Stefanie Lynn’s Scarfs® from this ongoing project.
Photography Artist Statement:
I am intrigued with vivid colors, photographing peculiar objects, and seeing how light affects moods and how the objects take form. I am on a journey with ultraviolet photography and digital photography. My influences are through my fascination with Japanese culture with Maiko style, fashion, film, and traveling the world as a mother, and military wife.
I was taught old-school photography in the darkroom. What I have learned is digital photography is one more tool for expressing oneself in the arts. It's an objective of mine to explore sacred spaces in the form of my beliefs, spirituality, being grounded, motherhood, respecting sacred spaces, and having boundaries. Art can be very therapeutic and it enlightens that you are not alone and you can overcome anything in this human condition. We are navigating through this life and sometimes you don’t know where you are on your journey and where you want to go. Try to accept, invite, and embrace change.
Fiber Art Statement:
I was exposed to fabric, fabric stores, craft stores, yarn, needles, and thread at an early age. My mother would cross-stitch, sew, and crochet. My grandma Millie would crochet.
I love the feel of fabrics, yarn, picking out sewing needles, picking crochet hooks, knitting needles and designing quilts, making blankets, and making fabric straw wreaths for comfort. It’s very nostalgic to me. Making protective masks during the pandemic made me realize I have been creating with my hands since early childhood and now being an adult, mother, and wife, and trying to find peace from the intensifying discord in our world. I continue to hone my skills, hone my voice, and allowing my hands to think. I am challenging myself with a 1,000-handmade crocheted scarf project.
Please join me on my journey to completing these scarfs that represent Japan, my family, my friends, and my life’s journey. It’s still a wonderful work in progress and I am delighted to keep sharing what I am creating.
Painting Artist Statement:
My relationship with painting seems to be one of exploration and growth, where I am continually seeking to understand and improve my craft. I think painting offers a different kind of challenge compared to my photography work, requiring more deliberate effort and exploration to unlock its secrets. I will keep pushing the boundaries and embracing the journey of discovery, on the flip side it is indeed a beautiful one. It’s remarkable how art can serve as a vessel for personal expression and growth.