Your name
Stefanie Langenhoven
Place of birth
Brits, South Africa
Place where you live now
George, South Africa
3 words to describe you
Curious, creative, empathetic
Why do you take pictures?
Photography lets me express myself in the most authentic way, and connect with people I wouldn’t have otherwise. I've tried different artistic pursuits, but photography is where my heart is. I love how it can uplift and empower the people I photograph, especially the girls I work with. Even when I work with themes that are more challenging I find it to be incredibly cathartic. But also I have found the process of making photographs as a way to be so completely present in the moment, there is something almost meditative or spiritual about it. I believe creativity has the power to heal and transform, and I feel grateful to be a part of that process.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources. When collaborating with others, I draw from their energy, essence, and emotions. Nature is a huge inspiration for me, beautiful art and music too. I love the idea of finding magic in the mundane. My own struggles and inner experiences, including mental health challenges, have shaped my perspective. I've often felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, and I can relate to others that feel this way. I'm drawn to the idea of alchemy - transforming my struggles into something beautiful and meaningful. This transformation is a constant source of inspiration for me.
Who are your influences?
My greatest influences in photography are Cindy Sherman, Rineke Dijkstra, Diane Arbus, Ren Hang and Francesca Woodman.
What determines the subject matter you choose?
My work is rooted in the feminine, a theme that weaves through my art. During my psychotherapy studies, I underwent personal therapy, which revealed the importance of healing my own inner feminine. This transformative experience drew me to work with women and girls, as I feel there is such a disconnect with the feminine and what it’s “supposed” to mean to be a girl or a woman. With that I mean connecting with and healing our inner feminine and not simply taking on roles of what womanhood and girlhood should look like. I'm usually instinctively drawn to subjects that resonate with me, often without fully understanding why, I find this to be especially true with my series The extraordinary beauty of ginger haired girls. I have had a fascination with ginger haired people for so long, and it was only after I “lived” as a ginger myself that I understood why and also why I had to do this project. I'm naturally pulled to themes that echo my own emotional journey, and I hope that by sharing it, others will find a connection and somehow feel seen through it.
What impact would you like your art to have?
I've noticed that social media has created a culture of artistic competition, where everyone feels pressured to shout louder than the rest. I've fallen prey to this mindset myself, feeling overwhelmed and anxious by the need to keep up. But I've come to realise that I must stay true to myself and my vision. I don't want my work to be simply glanced at; I want it to be truly seen, felt and experienced. I'm drawn to art that stays with me, speaks to me, and changes me in some way. And that's what I hope to create with my own art - something that makes a lasting impression, and resonates with others on a deeper level. If my art can do that for someone, it would be the biggest privilege.
What artwork do you never get bored with?
Oh there are a few artworks that will always keep intriguing me but perhaps I can say the artist who’s work I never get tired of is Jenny Saville.
Is there anything you want to add?
No I am happy with it all.
