Katie King is a very busy woman. Not only does she run a successful photography business called A Sense of Place with her husband, she’s also a very active member in the Female Photographers of Etsy (fOE) community AND decided to start-up a magazine this year. And all this activity takes place on a little tropical island in the middle of the ocean.
I met Katie through the very active and creative fPOE group. Her idea for a magazine featuring works from the fPOE ladies was tossed out in December 2010 and by April 2011, the first issue of Method Press hit the stands (so to speak) and was offered for sale on magcloud.com. The theme of that issue was “A Blank Stare” and it featured a collection of photos related to the theme as well as interviews with some unconventional artists, poetry and essays. Instead of just a photography magazine, Katie and her fabulous team have put together a very well-rounded lo-fi centered publication.
The ladies are hard at work on issue two, but Katie was generous enough with her time to answer a few questions for me:
For those unfamiliar with Method Press, explain a little about the magazine
Method Press is an art filled idea-magazine celebrating low-fi thinkers. It was made by me and some very rad fPOE ladies last spring.
Grazie! Yes it was. I wanted it to be a literary journal / idea book hybrid, but more accessible than an academic publication. I had such a great pool of talent to pull from with the fPOE individuals willing to help that it seemed both obvious & resourceful to include a visual arts emphasis.
I don’t know-I’m insane. I just get these ideas and run with them. In 2009 it was to self publish a poetry book, in 2010 it was to create a one woman show. This year it was to start a magazine.
Yes that was the original intent. I’ve always liked feeling things in print. Its easier on the eye. I also enjoy making notes-circling underlining, making shapes as I read along. It makes me feel more connected to the material.
How do you see Method Press riding the current wave of nostalgia for things analogue into the future, when retro may not be so cool?
I’m not too into nostalgia, myself. It gets sticky. I’m not sure how MP will do in the future or how it will be received because we’re just getting started, but we’re into talking about what kind of art is being made right now. What I mean to say is that Method Press isn’t aiming to ride any waves at the moment that I’m conscious of. We just want to creatively present the methods of how people work, what makes them tick, and what helps them do what they do.
Now, let’s learn about you. How did you get started in photography?
I’ve tried answering this question 4 times so far and nothing feels right. The most decent answer I can give you is “I don’t remember.” Somewhere a long the line my sister told me I had a talent.
I was a little put off, actually. I had been studying theater & music my whole life but people just kept talking about what good photos I took when I hadn’t studied a single thing about it.
Since Method Press is about lo-fidelity thinking, I’m curious, do you like to use lo-fi/analogue cameras? If so, which ones? If not, what’s in your camera bag?
Not as much as I used to. I have a Minolta SR-T303, a Polaroid Land Camera, several other Polaroids & a Diana but I use my Canon Rebel T1i most often (thanks, Kickstarter backers!)
Could you share with us a few of your favorite photos and give us a little info about each one?
Usually I love other people’s photos more than mine but, since you asked…
1. What do you use as a camera bag and what do you absolutely have to have inside it (besides film and a camera)?
I’m lucky if I can find the camera on time. I’ve never really had a fully functioning camera bag.
2. You’ve suddenly been declared King of the World…what are the first three things you would do?
Call my mom, tweet about it, then call my psychologist
3. Not only are you King of the World but you’ve suddenly acquired a time machine. Where would you go and what would you do?
I’d charge admission but not use it for myself. I think now is important.
4. The ubiquitous desert island question with a twist…what kind of an island would you like to be deserted on and which five things must you have with you?
A cold one. A windy island with snow-capped peaks.
1. excedrin migraine2. a ballpoint pen3. a blank notebook4. a really comfy blanket. Maybe electric.5. twix
5. Look around and give us the title of the book that’s closest to your hands
How to trust God even when life hurts.
6. Name four people, living or dead, that you’d like to hang by the grill, BBQ and drink beer with
Gosh. Someone that could cook really well because I sure can’t cook but I love to eat. I love kabobs. Maybe a famous kabob chef. But then I would feel so awkward. Just me and this random chef, you know? Add Casey Abrams. Yeah. Plus Meatwad. And….Jesus. Totally.
Now for some ‘this or that’ questions…
Color or black and white
Color.
1940’s or 1970’s
40′s.
Cash or Credit
Debit
Beatles or Elvis
Yikes…that’s really tough. Elvis.
Broccoli or Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli
Markers or Pencils
Markers.
Dogs or Cats
Dogs.
Beer or Liquor
Liquor. Although I’m not much of a drinker.
Goodbye or See Ya Later
See ya later
ipdegirl
