Kacie Comly charmed the Workshops staff in the summer of 2007 as the Darkroom Manager. She has an opening featuring her photography at Java Joe's on Rodeo on Friday, April 10th, from 5-7 pm. The show runs through May 6th. Susan Hayre Thelwell had opportunity to catch up with the most celebrated “Birthday Girl” in the history of the workshops.
Susan: First off, tell me about where you grew up?
Kacie: I grew up in Ambler, PA-- a town outside of Philadelphia famous only for an old asbestos factory.
S: And how did you get involved with photography?
K: My dad gave both my brother and me cameras after we complimented his Ansel Adams calendar. It never really took for my brother.
S: So, where did you go to school as an undergrad?
K: I've gone to a bunch of schools (transferred three times) but ultimately graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
S: And how did you make your way to Santa Fe?
K: I came out here in 2007 to be the darkroom manager at the Workshops and ended up staying when my boyfriend was offered a job with Outside's GO Magazine.
S: What is your "dream job"?
K: I just want to wake up everyday and make things. Sitting in front of a computer all day every day is not ideal.
S: What are you working on right now?
K: I'm in the beginning stages of a new handmade book and also doing a lot of painting and sewing. Pretty soon though it will be all packing as I just found out I'll be starting school again this summer
S: Congratulations! But we will all miss having you in Santa Fe. I have loved knowing you are over at Bostick and Sullivan every day. So, what have you liked best about living here?
K: People seem to be more connected to the outdoors here compared with back east.
S: What is your favorite sport or outdoor activity in Santa Fe?
K: There's great hiking everywhere.
S: What have you found most challenging about being in Santa Fe?
K: Being away from my family and dealing with the local drivers.
S: Red or green?
K: Christmas!
S: Where is your favorite place to eat "christmas"? And what do you order there?
K: I always seem to end up at the Santa Fe Baking Company. I love the breakfast burritos and the people watching.
S: If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
K: An octopus for sure. They're shy but can still take a shark.
S: Do you have a nickname? And if so, what is it?
K: My nickname at the Workshops is Rambo... courtesy of a certain knife and the persistence of David Henry Emmanuel Hyams.
S: And finally, I must ask: Why did we sing Happy Birthday to you every Friday night at the workshops?
K: Well now it's tradition, but initially Christopher James was just trying to embarrass me/possibly get me a gift bag.
It has been terrific to have such a knowledgeable and familiar face managing our darkroom the last few summers. Best wishes in grad school, Kacie!
