An Interview with Kerry Hawkins...

...of Kerry Hawkins Photography

My name is Kerry Hawkins and I live in Dedham. I have been a freelance graphic designer for the past year and a half. Previously, I held a position as senior graphic designer at the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 7 years. I left my position to take care of my teenage niece and nephew who live with me. I attended Art Institute of Boston with a major in graphic design. I was required to take photography as part of my program. That is when I became interested in photography.

I started drawing and becoming interested in art in high school. I really can't remember the first thing I made by hand but it seemed like all I did in high school was draw. My parents and teachers encouraged me to attend art school. My photography teacher at the Art Institute of Boston encouraged me to keep going with the my photography.

Being a photographer that does digital work actually doesn't require much equipment or materials. I use a Nikon D70, Epson Photo Printer and photo paper. I tend to wander around neighborhoods that I think would be great to photograph. I love urban scenes with funky windows and architecture.

I would describe my work as a little edgy, sometimes comical and quirky. I have always loved photography. Maybe it is the instantaneous quality or the realism of photography or just capturing a moment in time.

My first fair was the JP Artisans walk, which, was a really good experience. I didn't sell any pieces but received some positive feedback on my work. I am just starting to promote my work more seriously. I think being part of the Boston Handmade group will help me do that. I also, I am interested in having more of a web presence with my work.

I think people should buy handmade because it is supporting local artists. Local artists contribute to the creative and cultural vibrancy of our community.

I joined Etsy in May of 2007. I have only sold one photograph on Etsy but I think it gives me a web presence and I was able to join Boston Handmade. I think I am going to try to update my shop in the next few months. I am looking for advice on how to best sell my work.

A book that I have just read was The Kite Runner. It was excellent, sad but very moving. I recently rented the movie Lars and the Real Girl. It was a pretty quirky movie but, I liked it.

Where do I see my self in 5 years? That is an interesting question. I think I will still be doing photography and graphic design, I hope. I want to have more exposure for my photos. Since leaving my job I have been trying to find a comfortable balance between freelance, photography and home life.

(That's me with my niece and nephew pictured above)

This is the first in a new series of Boston Handmade member interviews - keep tuned to this blog for more interviews with our diverse gathering of artists, artisans, and craftspeople.