Meet January’s Artist of the Month

January 5, 2026 Artist of the Month

Steven Hillmann, AAPLD's Artist of the Month for January, captures the life in inanimate objects.  Buildings and architecture; bustling or abandoned. Toys that appear to be posing for portraits. Even celestial objects, progressing through changes and phases we couldn't observe on our own.

The self-taught photographer says he loves the technical challenge of these subjects. See them for yourself this month, in the Adult Services Department at the Main Library on Harnish Drive.

 

Name: Steven Hillmann

Community: Crystal Lake (since 2000)

Preferred Medium: Digital photography

Background/training: Mostly self-taught over 50 years, but I also graduated from the New York Institute of Photography in 2008.

Preferred subjects: Landscapes, night and high-speed photography. These types of subjects allow for thoughtful composition more than faster moving objects. I enjoy technically challenging work.

What inspires his work: Capturing scenes that inspire, and events that are too short or too long to be seen with the naked eye.

Is your work for sale? All my work is for sale. Images can be produced on paper, canvas, acrylic or metal. Visit my website to see more of my work and to contact me, SWHphoto.com