Interview with Catherine Knee
Q: What first sparked your passion for photography?
A: It all began when I was 11 years old. My cousin Kevin gifted me a small point-and-click camera, and from that moment, I was hooked. Years later, my fiancé introduced me to the world of DSLR photography, starting with a Pentax. He showed me how to truly harness a camera's power and work with editing tools like Lightroom. It was a turning point, and photography quickly became a passion I couldn’t ignore.
Q: You focus on fantasy and dark themes in your work. What draws you to these areas?
A: Fantasy and dark themes allow me to explore the unseen. They represent the duality we all carry inside; light and shadow. While I adore the whimsical world of fairies and mermaids, I also love exploring darker, more intense emotions. It’s about creating something that isn’t visible to the naked eye, and that’s where my true passion lies.
Q: Can you share a memorable photoshoot experience?
A: One of the most memorable shoots I’ve done was with Callum Hanney, a model dressed as a dark angel. It was a pivotal moment in my career, where I realised that I didn’t have to stick to what’s real. I could create entire worlds through my lens and Photoshop. During our shoot, Callum scaled a wet rocky cliff, 4 foot wings and all, and the shots we captured were breathtaking. It was a blend of daring creativity and trust between artist and model.
Q: What inspired you to start Creatoria Nyx?
A: Creatoria Nyx was born out of freedom. I’d been dabbling with the idea of turning my photography into something more, but it wasn’t until a friend pushed me to do a craft fair that it clicked. Suddenly, I realised I didn’t have to limit myself to photography. I could incorporate ALL my hobbies, sewing, jewellery making, even Cricut crafting, into one business. It was a revelation, and Creatoria Nyx became my creative playground.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece of art you’ve created?
A: Definitely. "Alone" is my favorite photograph. It speaks to that deep sense of solitude that we all experience, even when surrounded by love. It resonates with me on such a personal level, and I think it connects with others who have felt that same loneliness.
Q: How do you balance photography with your other creative outlets like sewing and jewelry-making?
A: I don’t really stick to a strict schedule. My mind works like a butterfly, flitting from one project to the next. One day I’ll be deep into a photoshoot, and the next I’m sewing or crafting jewellerry. It’s all about following the flow of inspiration.
Q: What’s the story behind the name "Creatoria Nyx"?
A: "Creatoria" is a play on the word "create," but it also sounds like a woman’s name, representing the creative spirit. "Nyx" comes from the Greek goddess of the night, a figure both powerful and mysterious. Together, they embody the dual nature of my work, both light and dark, reality and fantasy.
Q: What’s one thing people might not know about Creatoria Nyx?
A: I’m just getting started! While I already offer a wide range of services, from fantasy photoshoots to custom jewellery, I also do custom work. Whether it's dressmaking or creating