Sunday, October 26, 2008

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

We have seen some great work by many talented photographers. Here is another one that you need to take a look at. Let me introduce you to -



Come an meet the photographer, Judi!

Briefly describe your favorite subjects?

Just about anything in nature is of interest to me, especially near a body of water: lighthouses, waves, marshes, boats, and sea birds to name a few. I also enjoy capturing flowers, leaves, and animals in the wild (or captivity) with my camera. I am very concerned about the state of the environment so wish to capture the beauty while it survives. I am just starting to attempt some indoor still life shots with plans for more in the near future.

What kinds of photography products do you offer?

I offer hand-assembled note cards as well as larger matted prints. I also recently introduced my line of photographs “framed” in a recycled CD jewel case. You can see examples of these in my Jewel of a Reuse section here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5180890&section_id=5530161. These are only a few of my photos that I will offer in this format, I’d be happy to make almost any image in my shop available framed this way.

How long have you been taking photographs?

I began around the age of 10 or 12 with a camera my father “handed down” to me. I’ve been taking photos ever since. Lately I seem to be so addicted to it I carry a camera with me nearly everywhere I go.

How did you get started?

About 10 or so years ago, I started using my photos to make hand-assembled holiday cards to send to friends and family. I was laid off in mid-2006, unemployment offered entrepreneurial training for free. So, with the encouragement of the card recipients and my new-found knowledge of running a business, I started offering my products for sale - first at craft fairs and then on Etsy.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I decided to use my own name for my shop name as another name I had in mind was not available as an Internet domain name (aka URL.) Some of your readers may be into knitting or other fiber arts (another of my passions) and know of Kaffe Fassett; his business uses his name (Kaffe Fassett Studio) and I thought if it’s good enough for him to do that, then it’s good for me as well. Thus was born Judi FitzPatrick Studio.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

Love of photography and crafting goes into each and every item I make, thus my tagline – Art from the Heart. I strive for perfection in each item that leaves my hands to reside with the next owner.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

First I’d ask that each do what they can for the environment – use recycled paper products, recyclable packaging and shipping materials, and please let your customers know that you are doing that. In addition, listen to your own inner voice, don’t let anyone else tell you your art is no good, and make your art every day.

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You have got to see this great shop. Please come and see Judi's work!

After visiting with Judi, please come on over to Past Perfect and take a look at some of the new things that I have been working on!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

Another Etsy photographer that is a must see is


This shop combines great photography with helping children - and a portion of each sale goes to benefit children's charities.

Come and meet Allie


Briefly describe what you make?

I take photographs, and sell not only the prints, but also create with them. In my shop, I have ACEO's, note card sets, magnets, t-shirts and onesies, all featuring my photographs. In the past, I have had bookmarks as well, but currently do not have any listed. I have also fairly recently begun making glass photo pendants, which are a lot of fun.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

Clearly, I love photography, but I also enjoy working with paper goods, fibers and beads.

How long have you been creating craft?

I guess I have been crafty all my life. My mother always made sure I had plenty of materials to create with, and she really encouraged my creativity. I have been really interested in photography since I was about 12 years old, and have been seriously pursuing this for about three years. In the past, I have also enjoyed cross stitch, knitting and crochet (I think this runs in my family!), but this doesn't fit into my life at the moment, which is ok too.

How did you get started?

About three years ago, I moved from being a full-time pediatrician to being a stay-at-home mom, and have been on a steep learning curve ever since! Although, I loved practicing medicine very much (I especially loved the inner city patient population I worked with.), it didn't make sense to me in my heart to be at the hospital caring for other children while someone else was putting my own children to bed. Over the years, I have received encouragement from friends and family regarding my photographs - everyone said I should really "do something" with them. Being at home has given me the opportunity to research venues to market my photography. My cousin's wife and a jewelry artist I met both suggested Etsy, and here I am! I would also have to say that living away from home for two years - we lived in California - also helped me move in my thinking from, "Wouldn't it be nice to be able to really do something with my photography." to "I can really do this." Something about being in a different place for a while helped me think outside my experience up until then, and see other possibilities for my life.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

For quite a few years, I have had the idea to somehow combine my love of photography with a desire to continue to be an advocate for children (one of my very favorite parts of being a pediatrician). I feel very strongly that in general, children are not valued in this country (just comparing the salaries of teachers and child care workers versus almost anyone - professional baseball players, movie actors, college football coaches - really shows where the priorities are, IMHO). And really, children are in need of so much all around the world. I wanted a way to hightlight organizations which help children, and to help support them in some way - even if just a little bit at a time. My husband and I have a friend who founded a non-profit organization, Reach Out Childrens' Fund, which helps fund programs benefitting Peruvian children. I started with this organization to give her more exposure, and also to capitalize on the relationship we already have. So, I wanted my Etsy shop name to reflect in some way the advocacy part of my goal. My husband and I tossed around lots of ideas, and he actually came up with "allieart4children," which I thought really fit.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

Well, I guess I answered this somewhat in #5 above! Also, I am continuing to establish relationships with other charitable organizations, with my goal being to have a choice for my customers, so that they may designate which organization should receive the profit from their purchase.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Believe in yourself! Another sound piece of advice I have been given (from a very insightful attending in residency) is to think carefully and honestly through any criticism you receive from others. If you feel the comment is valid, then use it to improve what you do. If you do not feel that it is valid, discard the criticism and move on.

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Great interview! I love it when an artist really let's us get to know her. You must visit Allie's Shop. Make a purchase and you will not only be getting a great photo - you will be helping a good cause too.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

We continue with our Photographers of Etsy features with



Here is our interview with Celticcat!

Briefly describe what you make?

I'm a travel photographer. Then at other times I think of myself as a architechural
photographer. I love being able to travel around and take photographs of all the
interesting things in the world. Photography is a passion of mine.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I love taking the photographs, then the fun begins taking a look at them in Lightroon
or Photoshop. Each photos is different so it takes different steps for each one before
I print it.

How long have you been a photographer?

I have been a photographer for 20 years, my husband joined me a few years ago.

How did you get started?

I got started taking family photos at the holidays and weddings. Later a friend
remarked that I should matte and display my photos for sale. I did a very small
show, and have been doing art and craft shows ever since.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

Celticcat comes from my 3 cats: Finn McCool, Osisin, and Oscar. The names come from
Irsh Mythology. I am big on all things Irish and Celtic.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

My work is hand crafted, I do all the set ups, enhancements, all my mattes are hand
cut. I give a beautiful photograph at reasonable prices.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

I get asked this question 3 or 4 times at each craft show, "How can I do this?" and
"How many photos do I need to get started?" I try to get people to understand that
this is a craft, but it is also a business. It is work to do out door shows.
Photography is one of the most saturated fields, right up there with jewelry. You
have to find your niche, do a few small school shows first, see if you like dealing
with the public, they can be cruel and thoughtless at times.
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Nature, scenery, wildlife are all subjects of this wonderful photographer. Please be sure to visit her shop and look - and buy - her work!

While at Etsy, please take a moment to see the photography at Past Perfect!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER

Continuing on our focus on fine art photographers, I would like to introduce you to



Briefly describe what you make?

I’m a photographer at heart, so I’m mostly thinking of new subjects to photograph or new locations to visit. I enjoy photographing the often overlooked beauty that surrounds us. I like to capture things that most people find simple and ordinary. For example, the beauty of a pear or the details of an old-fashion door knob really inspire me. Sometimes I like to step away from the camera and try something new. I recently created a line of magnets called Twisted Button Magnets. I had a lot of the supplies sitting around my studio and I just starting putting them together. My mind is always working and I enjoy coming up with new and different ideas.

What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

I really enjoy working with my camera. A lot of the time I set up still lifes in my home to photograph. But I do enjoy getting out and exploring as well. Most recently I found this old, abandoned tractor. It made a great subject. I recently converted to digital photography so I also edit and process my photographs in Photoshop. It is very exciting to see the end result after working on a photo in Photoshop. I recently purchased an Argus 75 and have been spending my time experimenting with it. I love the vintage feel of that camera.

How long have you been creating craft?

I’ve always had an interest in art and creating. When I was young I really enjoyed drawing. I took a lot of art classes in high school and college. I discovered photography in college and have been taking pictures ever since.

How did you get started?

I got started in photography during my first year of college. A friend of mine was taking a beginner course and I decided to take the class as well. I borrowed my father’s Pentax K 1000 (I really love that camera*) and started classes. I instantly fell in love.

*After I couple of years that camera broke. I was really upset. To repair it, it would have cost as much as a new camera. I purchased a new camera, but it just wasn’t the same. Eventually I was able to find my own Pentax K 1000 and I still have it. And my father finally had his repaired.

Where does the name of your shop come from?

I decided to use my name instead of creating a name for my shop. It was important to me as an artist to be known by my name instead of a shop name.

What would you most want people to know about your work?

I want people to know that there is a lot of thought, time and work put into my photographs. There are many different steps involved, starting at the beginning when I’m creating the idea all the way to the end when I’m processing the photo in Photoshop.

What words of advice do you have for other artists?

Be true to yourself. Create what YOU love. Not everyone is going to love it or even like it. The most important thing is that you love it and it makes you happy. Don’t give up. Things don’t always come naturally at first. (I still laugh at some of my first photographs!) There will be difficult and frustrating times, but if you keep at it you can make it through.

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Come visit this photographer's shop - you are going to see some very different art. Melissa has another shop as well and that one, too, is worth a look