Oyster Journal: An Interview with Photographer Stephen Butkus
Amelia, the founder of Oyster Suncare, had a sit-down interview with the man behind the stunning imagery of the brand. Together, they talk about Stephen's new book, visions, and inspirations.
A: How are you today and what are you up to?
S: Hi there! I am doing fine, thank you. Last few weeks before my book launch. Was just joking to my writer that I just have a few pages left.. (Not a joke..) I feel like I can go on and on with this book but somewhere it needs to cut off.
A: Congratulations on your new book 'Où la lumière se cache'! I love the name “where the light hides”. What does it mean to you?
S: Well it's very much how I feel life is. You have to look for the light so to speak. And it's always there. Even in the darkest of times. And without the darkness we cant see the light.
A: We can’t wait to get a copy and see all your beautiful selected work from 2007-2023, and inspiring poems/words by Max Turner.
S: Thank you. I will be sure to send a signed copy as soon as its off the printer.
A: Hope you enjoyed creating magic with beautiful Daria for our first Oyster Suncare Shoot, what was the highlight for you on this trip?
S: The highlight was just knowing that I got some amazing imagery with Daria. We really had a “lost on an island” feeling.
A: What made you decide on the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia as our shoot location?
S: I've always wanted to go there. And I was lucky that Awera resort wanted me to come and do a collaboration with them.
A: What’s one thing you think matters most in this lifetime?
S: Well, understanding that there is no goal or way to happiness. To truly grasp that concept, we must understand and accept that happiness cannot be pursued as a specific objective or attained through a prescribed path. I also think raising a family is of great importance.
A: What’s the most important quality you feel in a beautiful soul?
S: If I would contemplate and think on the essence of a beautiful soul, the paramount quality that I find deeply significant is the capacity for genuine compassion and empathy towards others.
A: What changes do you want to see in the world?
S: I long for people to become more responsible for their own lives and work on improving themselves. I also want to see conversations that are meaningful and respectful, where people can share different viewpoints and understand each other better. Lastly, I hope that truth becomes more valued, with integrity and honesty guiding our search for knowledge and progress together.
A: What’s your star sign, moon sign and rising sign?
S: I'm a Scorpio.. But the rest I have no idea what even is..
A: What’s your beauty/Suncare routine look like?
S: I learned how to wet shave when I was young man from my dad. And I feel that there’s something really masculine and powerful with a nice clean wet shave before a shower. That’s about it. And for suncare I really just use whatever salt water and sand filled bottle is in the bottom of the bag.
A: What wellness rituals do you do daily to support your mind, body and soul?
S: I am an early riser. I love getting up before the sun gets up. I do my “cliche” morning routines but follow them with great care. It's important to me to have a sense of purpose in the morning. Meditation, writing my list and gratitudes for the day. Read if I have time. And then I go work out. Sauna, ice bath and jacuzzi follows before I sit down with work.
A: What’s your favourite destination in the world?
S: Damn.. It's not possible to narrow down to one place. But if I had to say one place it would have to be the south coast of Italy..
A: What does the following statements/quotes mean to you? The world is your oyster.
S: It means that you have lots of chances and options in life. It means the world is full of possibilities, and you have the freedom to explore and achieve what you want. It's like an oyster with a precious pearl inside, suggesting that there are valuable things for you to discover and take advantage of.
A: Let the sun warm your soul
S: Ok - stop and just be.
A: A woman’s sexuality is not about seducing a man it’s about being in her own feminine creative power - Maryam Hasnaa
S: A woman's sexuality is not just about attracting men. It's more about embracing her own feminine power and creativity. This perspective sees a woman's sexual expression as a way for her to feel empowered and express herself, rather than just trying to please others. It highlights the importance of women embracing their sexuality to tap into their inner strength and be true to themselves.
A: What lights you up and gets you fired up?
S: Music, food, good conversations, A good book, being in the gym, seeing art and tasting something for the first time.
A: Favourite thing about photography?
S: It's ability to freeze a moment in time and preserve it for eternity. It allows us to capture and share the beauty, emotions, and stories that unfold in our lives and the world around us. Photography has a unique power to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire others.
A: What’s the next 5 years look like for you?
S: I don't like to plan that far ahead. But, I will say that it will be mostly focused on my art. And I will start giving back from my extensive career of 24 years and by that I mean I will start working on holding more workshops. There might be a small little restaurant opening up sometime during this time as well :) And more books! Way more books!
Thank you for letting me be a part of the interview!