Monday, May 28, 2007

Etsy Featured Shop - AriaImages

A friend of mine turned me on to Etsy, a website dedicated to sale of handmade and craft items. I've enjoyed crafting for a long time and finding out about this site gave me that opportunity to not only share my crafts with the public, but also to sell some items from my well stocked collection of things I've made! As a relative newbie to this site, I figured it might be a good idea to feature other new Etsy members and give some insight into what they do and why they do it.

For my first feature, I chose Melody of AriaImages. She and I met in the forums and has been my first Etsy "friend". So, read on, enjoy, and check out her work as I think you'll like it.

How long and where have you been selling your photography?
I actually just starting selling when I joined Etsy at the beginning of this month. I never thought I could sell my work until family and friends encouraged me to do so. I thought I would try it out and have gotten a lot of support from other Etsians so quite happy with the result.

Why did you choose AriaImages for your name?
I chose Aria Images because I wanted a name that went well with my real name which is Melody. I thought up a few things but felt they were corny. I went to the thesaurus and looked under Melody and saw Aria - an elaborate melody. That was it for me. The perfect name, and I just thought Images sounded best with Aria.


How/when did you get started with photography?
I have always loved taking pictures. Some of my earliest memories are of taking pictures on school trips, at weddings and other events. I don't know why people trusted an 8 year old with a camera but they did and I have been taking pics ever since. It's in my blood. I didn't get really into it though until last year when I was living in London and bought a digital camera. I was always using others cameras but this was my first digital. We traveled a lot to Paris, Italy and Sweden and during those trips my hobby became more of an obsession.


Do you think your photography has a "style"?
I hope so. *smile* I really love to show people how I see the world through my photos so I edit my own pictures digitally. I think a lot of them have a surreal look to them, so maybe that is my style.

What is this picture and what does it mean to you?
This is a picture of an old building in Charleston, SC. The original was nice but I decided one day to enhance it digitally and I absolutely loved the way it came out. For me, it was the first time I was able to really show how I see and feel about things. It's a very meaningful picture for me. When I see it, I see the little girl I used to be and how I am finally accomplishing my dream of showing "my" world as corny as that sounds. Someone once asked me if I take pics and know how they are going to come out or if I see the potential. I see the potential to show others what I see. That is what that picture does for me.

If this picture were turned into a motivational poster, what would it say?
I guess it would have to be "Dont Forget Where You Come From". I dont think it looks like an inspirational poster but it has an old fashioned look to it (which is why I named it Frozen Time) and it makes me think about history and our heritage. So yep, I think that is what it would have to be called.

Do you have a favorite photographer? If so, who?
Oh yes definitely - Ashes and Snow [Gregory Colbert]. Amazing and inspiring work. I can only dream of reaching that level.

What other hobbies do you have?
I am an absolutely huge reader. I read just about everything but my faves are historical novels. I used to write as well which I am thinking about getting back into but time will tell. I also love traveling and hope to visit every continent in the future.

What is your dream job?
To be a travel photographer for National Geographic or anyone that would hire me. That would be a dream. Getting paid for two of my greatest loves.

Your name is Melody - what's your song?
Crazy - by Seal. It speaks to me. Maybe for obvious reasons. *grin*

4 comments:

Designs by Jenean said...

It's nice to get to know you through the interview. I really like your wine flower picture. The color is beautiful.

MyArtInProgress said...

What a great idea to interview new etsy members. I hope you have great success on etsy! :)

Hear Me Roar! said...

I just found your blog through your post in an etsy forum. I will definitely be marking you to catch up with every day, as you already look to have the makings of a very good read. Thank you for this etsy interview idea, I love reading about the other sellers!

Aria Images said...

Thanks so much for interviewing me! It was great fun and I feel so honored! Will be back to read other interviews!!!