In the Studio with MKC Photography and a Giveaway!

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to this unique artist and writer, one of my favorites. I love everything she creates, and her stories have often brought me to tears because they are so touching and beautiful. I'm so happy she allowed us to visit her "in the studio." 

So pour yourself a cup of coffee or a spot of tea and settle in for a lovely visit with Michelle.

FK: What’s your morning “cuppa,” Michelle?

I’m a cappuccino girl! Tall, whole milk please, and very hot. Luckily my husband makes amazing cappuccinos at home as well, otherwise I could easily spend waaaaay too much money on them every week.

FK: That sounds wonderful! Too bad for me, I only have regular coffee so I’ll pour myself a cup while you tell me about yourself.

My name is Michelle Katharine Ciarlo-Hayes, and my company name, MKC Photography, comes from my first, middle, and last initials. You can find me on Etsy at: http://mkcphotography.etsy.com/

I also have my main artist website: http://mkcphotography.com/

And my blog, where I share the “story behind the picture” every week:

http://mkcphotographybymichelleciarlo-hayes.blogspot.com/

All In A Row - 8x10 Original Fine Art Photograph

FK: As if that isn’t enough to keep you busy, I understand you show your work locally also, right?

One of my favorite things is to show my work in galleries, shops, and art shows across the city. It’s one thing to see art online, it’s another thing to experience it in person and really fall in love with an image as you’re standing in front of it. I love telling people about the techniques I use, my inspirations, and sharing the journey of my work with them.

Vintage bloom

FK: Where do you live, and did you grow up there?

My dad was in the Army, so I was born in Kansas, grew up in Virginia, completed my graduate degree in England, and then moved to Philadelphia ten years ago. I met my husband when I hit him in the head with my boat (we’re both rowers), and I’ve been in one place ever since. I’m not used to reordering address labels, so living in the same house for one decade is very new to me!

FK: That’s a heck of a way to start a romance! Tell me about the different outlets where you sell your work.

I’ve been on Etsy since October 2008 and I’ve really enjoyed the exposure I’ve received as a result. I do sell my work through my artist website, as well as in several brick and mortar boutiques in Philadelphia (This Little Gallery, Artista, and Nice Things Handmade). It keeps me very busy!

C is for Clock

FK: You have two Alphabet series – one for kids and one for quilters. The idea of using the alphabet is not a new idea, but there’s something special about the way you do it. I think these pictures are perfect for a kid's room or gifts for a new baby. How did you come up with the ideas and the overall look? Have they been published?

Thank you! I worked very hard to achieve the right balance between text style and color, and the item itself, for each shot. I had a crazy way of determining when I got it right: if it made me smile, that was the one! If not, I kept tweaking the font or the color until it happened. The ideas were all due to my children - they picked out the items (with a little editing help from mommy...Danny’s threadbare stuffed “lamby” which is missing an eye was gently removed from consideration), and I made sure to keep the series vibe young, fresh, and modern-yet-vintage.

B is for Ballet

I shot the alphabet series for cross stitchers for www.loosethreadstitchers.com. When they saw my original series, they asked me to help them put together a cross-stitch inspired alphabet as a wonderful way to share the beauty of this art with a wider audience. We’re looking forward to its publication later this year!

Story Behind the Pictures: Alphabet Soup for Cross-Stitchers

FK: I think you know how much I love your “The story behind the picture” series. The first time I saw and read this one it took my breath away and I couldn’t put it out of my mind. Here’s my favorite:

FK: Talk to me if you can about your process when you create these. Is it photo first then story, or vice versa?

For this particular image, it was a story first and I created the image to match the one I “saw” in my mind. So many of my collages start as a little sentence or phrase, and I work with them until they grow into the pieces you finally see.

FK: Your stories and pictures are absolutely stunning, Michelle. They never fail to touch me and they often bring me to tears. You’re a wonderful artist/writer and a great photographer. Did you study photography or are you self-taught?

I’m a combination of the two - my father taught me to use a fully manual camera when I was in high school, and a dear friend in grad school taught me to use the dark room and manipulate the exposure to achieve the right color and light balance. Other than that, I’m entirely self taught!

Oslo - 8x10 Fine Art Original Photograph

FK: Where’s your “quiet place” when you need a break from creating – somewhere you go to rest, refresh, meditate?

I really, really tried to find a quiet place to share with you. During my search, however, I realized I don’t really have a quiet place! My boys (and dogs and husband and telephone and...) never really stop long enough for me to have a minute alone. I carve out time within the craziness (such as waiting for the school bus, or making lunches in the morning) and I let my mind wander to the things I’m currently trying to create.

Offering - 8x10 Original Fine Art Photograph

FK: I guess with that much going on it would be hard to find any quiet time! What part of being an artist is the most gratifying to you and what do you dislike?

I don’t dislike anything about being an artist - I’m grateful every day because I love what I do, and I’m lucky enough to make a living from it!

FK: That’s refreshing! What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?

I love to knit. I recently found an amazing site called “Knits for Needs” that collects knitted items and yarn: http://knitsforneeds.blogspot.com/.
If I run out of projects to do for my own family and friends, I know I can always start something they can use.

Y is for Yarn

FK: It’s hard for me to imagine how you find the time, but that’s a wonderful thing to do and a nice change of pace for you.

FK: Michelle, I have enjoyed getting to know more about you. I have been a fan of your work for a long time, so this was a real treat for me. Now, tell us what your giveaway is.

I’m giving away one of my “Love Park” art glass pendants that I created using my original photograph by the same name. Here it is:

Art Glass Pendant - Love Park

Folks can see more of my art glass pendants in the “Art Glass Jewelry” section of my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mkcphotography?section_id=6215479

FK: Thank you, Michelle - that's a great giveaway! And thank you again for letting us visit.

***

You have two chances to enter the giveaway:  Visit Michelle's Etsy shop and come back here to comment about your favorite: http://mkcphotography.etsy.com/

Then visit her blog and come back here to comment about your favorite "Story behind the picture." Warning: you might get lost over there for quite awhile - her stories and pictures are addicting!  http://mkcphotographybymichelleciarlo-hayes.blogspot.com/.

The winner will be selected by random number generator next Tuesday, March 23.  Good luck!