More Vivian Maier

This past Wednesday I decided to check out the Vivian Maier exhibit at MK Gallery. 


The gallery closes at 6pm and I was cutting it close that day.  For anyone who hasn't been to the gallery (it was my first time), beware of that traffic on La Brea.  Also, it was hard to find.  I made a few u-turns until I finally saw an image in the window.  I curse mapquest directions!  


I parked behind some pretty, Hollywood apartments and preceded to make my way to the gallery.  I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of the golden hour earlier and snapped a few photos.  I make it a point now to keep my camera in the car, just in case. 


I had 15 minutes to spare and I already felt inspired, so it was a really good 15 minutes. 

Reminds me of this Robert Frank image. 

Has anyone seen The Orphanage?! Creepy/cute for sure. 

My favorites.  All these images plus more on her website.  


I had mixed feelings about the show.  I really loved her self portraits and thought they were fascinating.  

I thought that she had a great eye for detail, and I could see that she liked to experiment.  I particularly love the one where you see her smiling. She's clearly been caught in the act of voyeurism and enjoys it.  I get nervous when taking portraits, so I was really fond of that and maybe felt like I knew a little more about this woman. 


She never got to see this success in her life.  She died and then her work was discovered, and she could have shown her collection to someone, but chose not to.  So I wonder if this lady was still alive, would we have seen any of these?  That's where the mixed feelings set in.  I don't know if its exploitation, but you have to wonder if part of the allure is because this artist is no longer with us? I mean, these images were going for 2,000 dollars (minimum) and maybe I'm just jaded because I've seen the Robert Frank, and the Walker Evans stills (his subway portraits are some of the best ever) and admired Arbus and Eggleston.  I wanted to be like them, except I don't have a drinking problem and I'm not entirely depressed. I don't know. All I do know is that I love to look at things.  


It was nice to look at some art again.


Curious about your thoughts.  Let's have a discussion. 




your friend,


ava

No place like H O M E

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Lately, this winter, I've been getting sick a lot.  I blame it on the ever changing LA climate.  I can't complain about it being 75 degrees in January, but winter needs to make up it's mind already.  That being said, not being able to enjoy the weather, gives me plenty of time to think.  I've been daydreaming a lot about what it would be like to own a home.  The look of the home above was designed by Pierre Koenig.  I don't know much about him and would Wikipedia if I could, but their site is under protest due to SOPA and PIPA.  To learn more about it, click HERE.  Without free internet, there won't be free communication, and in turn we will lose our ability to express ourselves through these means. 


Back to the subject of architecture, I found a little LA times article on Koenig's death in 2004.  Check it out here.  He was among the greats, such as, Charles and Ray Eames.  I never thought I'd be so into architecture, but just  L O O K  at this!  Amazing. 

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Some of it is a bit too minimal for me, but I love the idea of big windows for natural light and lots of space for books.  My friend, Stefani, has a beautiful home, much like the vibe of the first photograph above, yet much warmer.  I remember not knowing what Mid Century Modern was until spending some time with her.  

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I love the Eames house (as do lots of people, including this guy), although it's a little too golden brown.  Actually, it's perfect, but this couch above is more my style. That COLOR! 

Here's to dreaming B I G. 

your friend,

ava

I N T E R V I E W numero dos!

My boyfriend has been on fire this year!  He is, after all, a dragon.  


I'm so proud of him for working hard and stoked that two of the coolest sites have featured him.  A Collection Of and Chubstr.  C H U B S T R  is an online fashion resource for stylish men of all sizes.   If you don't already know about ACO, I suggest checking it out.  You will not be disappointed. 


Here is the handsome Jeaux Janovsky and some of his beautiful art.  I almost forgot to mention that he was featured on Chubstr once before. Click here to see, its pretty awesome. 

This photo was taken by yours truly at The Madonna Inn!  Click here to see more images.

your friend,




ava

I N T E R V I E W

Jeaux was featured on A Collection Of!  He answers some interesting questions, and got to create this portrait of Stef and Gilda as Simpson characters.  Here are some more of his Daily Dohs. 

Thanks to my friends!  The most lovely ladies on the planet. 

Click here to see the interview. 

your friend,

ava

Vivian Maier

When sifting through pages of the LA Weekly during a break at work, I came across this little tidbit about the photographer Vivian Maier.  I remember seeing something about her almost a year ago.  

I'm excited to see these images knowing that they were hidden for so long.  It's like unlocking the pages of a diary. This is exactly the photographic style I've always been drawn to.  Stylized images of every day.  William Eggleston is my favorite example of this. 

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The opening reception was tonight.  Hosted by Tim Roth.  Is that the Tim Roth I'm thinking of?  Oh, , ,pumpkin.  

The work will be up till January 28th at Merry Karnowsky Gallery.  

your friend,

ava

2 0 ! 2

Y E A R  of the  D R A G O N

 I hope everyone had a happy and safe celebration.  I was elated when my good friend, Stefani, invited me to her annual New Years Eve soiree.  This particular gathering was really special for me, for it has been a really long time since I have seen my art school friends.  One of my resolutions is to make more art, and I feel inspired already.  It helps when you have creative minds around you.  Speaking of creative minds and feeling inspired, I suggest you take a peak at A Collection Of.  This blog is run by Stefani and our friend, Gilda.  These ladies are super women.  They make jewelry, take breathtaking images, cook interesting dishes, D A N C E  to awesome music, and they always manage to look put together in the process.  Also, their blog features some really rad interviews with all kinds of movers and shakers.  They are sweethearts.  Thanks ladies! 

Alex made this beautiful meringue pie!

 My boyfriend and Britt hovering over the treats.  D E L I C I O U S

Serge being a model as usual.

 Awkward prom photo of the evening courtesy of Alex.  Aren't we cute?  Jeaux always makes this face.

You did it!  Japanese puzzle completed by my man and my pal, Alex Lewin.  They are even flashing the peace symbol like little giddy school girls.

Retro image by our very own hostess, Stefani.  The gold balloon is just the perfect touch!

These last two images by the lovely Gilda.  I'm definitely channeling a 60s vibe here.  

h&m pants

all black lace oxfords

urban outfitters faux fur 

vintage top from my ma

I like shiny things

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R  ! ! ! 

your friend,

ava