Stephen Kovacik

Stephen John Kovacik III, of Pepper Pike, a published photographer and accomplished artist died unexpectedly Sunday of a pulmonary embolism at the Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Stephen was with his mother, Landa P. Kovacik. Kovacik was born in Cleveland, OH. on November 6, 1957. He attended boarding school in Chasieres, Switzerland at L'Aiglon. Stephen also took to the sea for two semesters, sailing around Africa, Europe and the Antilles on one of the world's tall ships, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, the sister ship to the Christian Radich. In 1976 he graduated from Proctor Acadamy in Andover, New Hampshire. He chose to stay in Massachusetts, surrounded by history and art. Kovacik earned a BA from Boston University and an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art. His early photography showed such promise, that soon after graduating he was offered a coveted apprenticeship: George Cushing, considered to be the preeminent Architectural Photographer of Boston, selected Kovacik to work with him. Kovacik worked as an Assistant Photographer at the Cleveland Museum of Art and would later say it was one of his most fulfilling experiences - the opportunity to photograph some of the world's most priceless treasures. In 1988 Stephen Kovacik was named Chief Photographer at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Kovacik received acclaim from art critics and historians worldwide for his extraordinary efforts to document the paintings of one of the pioneers of Abstract Expressionism, Richart Pousette-Dart. With works in almost every major museum in the country, the young photographer helped to spotlight the American artist's most important works which created an eager and loyal following. Stephen Kovacik's passions were many. His brother, David, notes that he didicated his life to those on the periphery of society. He championed the cause of the poor and under-privileged and was an advocate of the rights of the accused. In the past few years, Stephen concentrated his own art and his own photography on those subjects. His works will long survive him as a unique and genuine eye into those fringes of society that many would choose to forget. His singular talent in photography could capture those rare instants that are windows of humanity and, many times, the forgotten. His art expresses honesty and vision. Extraordinarily well read, Stephen shared his love of books by recording on tape for the blind and was dedicated to animal rescue, the environmental conservation and the hungry and the poor. Raised by a politically active family, Stephen formed his own political opinions and his views were models of true liberalism. He campaigned ardently for local and national politicians he believed could help those who needed help; material things mattered little to Stephen, who preferred reason and history to define him instead. Kovacik's only sister, Lisa, is fond of saying, "Stephen never met a stranger, he made a friend." His wit, intelligence and his empathy were lighthouses for his family and his friends who will join together at a funeral service at Saint Dominic's Church in Shaker Hts., OH this Friday, December 11th at 1:00 pm; a reception featuring a collection of Stehpen's photography will follow. Stephen Kovacik is survived by his mother, Landa P. Kovacik of Pepper Pike; sister Lisa Kovacik Jesse, her husband, David Jesse, niece Elizabeth Landa Jesse and nephew Walker Kearns Jesse of Windermere, FL; brother David C. Kovacik, wife Magaly Kovacik and nephew Thomas Victor Kovacik of New York City, NY; and youngest brother Robert P. Kovacik of Los Angeles, CA. Those who care to rember Stephen John Kovacik III may send their donations to the Cleveland Public Library, c/o The Director's Office, 325 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH., 44114


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