Born and raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, Charles Stonewall began his career in Allentown as a staff photographer with the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company. His assignments would include industrial, portraiture and photographing objects from the sky from airplanes and helicopters, and subjects five stories underground under low lighting conditions in coal mines.
Then, stepping out in faith, Charles moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to pursue further opportunities, return to school and obtain his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Kansas City Art Institute and his Master of Arts in Studio Art from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. He was introduced to theatre and began collaborating with dancers and other members of the Performing Arts, which he often utilizes today when making his photographs.
Since returning to the Lehigh Valley, Charles has become part of a vibrant art community in exhibiting his work at numerous venues. He describes his work as a desire to create visual poetry through photographs. To make images that converge as though they are part of a beautifully composed dance illustrating themes of solidarity, affliction, hope, fear, and social justice. Recently, navigating through what seems like an endless global pandemic, his art has taken on a more gripping and poetic tone, photographically addressing relevant social issues that have gripped our nation. As an artist, he is aware of the importance of what he puts in and what is left out, just outside the frame of a photograph. Charles makes pictures related to themes of existence that take a deep dive into exploring concepts of validation, hope, and indifference.
Instagram: @charlesfstonewallphotographer
On Being, 23x30 in, 2020
Say Their Names, Remember Their Names, 23x30 in, 2020
