I first discovered the bliss of photography while a student at RISD. For years afterwards I focused on black & white photography and the techniques of the zone system. Along the way, I dabbled with Polaroid transfers, photo polymer etching, the Holga toy camera, and pinhole photography. I came to digital photography and the world of color slowly. Today, I’m a happy convert.

My favorite subject matter, as you might expect, is home: exterior & interior, garden, landscape, seascape, and farm. I’m now offering select fine art photos for sale in the form of prints and note cards. I have a link to my photo gallery in the navigation bar of this website and here as well. I hope you’ll take a look. Of course, I also welcome custom photo assignments. In the meantime, I’m off to scout for more photo moments. Cheers.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

I’m a little late in the game, but there’s still time to vote in the Greater Boston Partners in Preservation $1,000,000 grant initiative. Twenty-five historic properties in the area are eligible for grants, and your vote could help direct funds to your favorite. Curiously enough, you can vote daily through May 17, so you can spread your support around if you so choose. You might even discover a property in the process. For instance, it was only upon visiting the Partners in Preservation website to vote that I learned of Lowell’s Boat Shop. You might be surprised what you find. Check it out.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast

Be back soon

Click on this photo to see it in the note cards/prints gallery.If you live in a drafty, old house and wonder how to improve its energy performance without sacrificing its historic charm, don’t miss this homeowner workshop on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hall in Salem, MA from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm. 

You might also want to sample some further reading on the subject, like this article from Old House Journal. Any changes made to an older home should be considered with the utmost care, so that actions taken today don’t have unintended consequences. As always, consult with a trusted expert before proceeding with a home-improvement project.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

At the Maria Baldwin School in Cambridge, MA:

Saturdays through Dec. 20, 2008

Last Saturday, a friend (and fellow RISD alum) and I dropped in on the Design Hive in Cambridge to check out one-of-a-kind design wares. We were delighted to find a wide assortment of unique, quality creations just in time for the holiday season. Located in the cafeteria of the Baldwin School, a short walking distance from Harvard Square, the Hive was buzzing with talent.

I couldn’t resist a hand-crocheted baby hat from Loops created by Alexia Cohen. I was captivated by beautiful, three-foot by four-foot monotype prints of stunning originality by Emily Taranto-Kent. She describes her organic work as "inspired by eastern philosphies and very modern."  Neither Alexia nor Emily has a website yet, not even business cards, but it’s only a matter of time. They’re great examples of the fresh, up-and-coming designers to be discovered at the Hive. Contemporary porcelain pottery from La Tavola Pottery by Michele James Hurley, another RISD alum, was a highlight as was glassware by Titan Glass LLC, unusual steel housewares by Mean & Wroughten, and jewelry by Alessandra Designs. I’m leaving out other apparel and clothing-accessory designers only because I’m fashion impaired; it’s by no means a comment on their work.

The Design Hive is the brainchild of Val Fox, founder of Red Valise, a web-consulting enterprise. She was recently a guest on Fox 25’s “The Look,” talking about the Design Hive. The indie market will continue each of the next six Saturdays 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, featuring 30-50 rotating designers each event. You don’t want to miss it.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast