Amazon Solitaire

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending "Amazon Solitaire".  An exhibit curated by the lovely, Akina Cox.  It's currently on display at The Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock until March 27th.

Work by Stef & Gilda

I plan on hanging this negative against my window - where the morning light shines through

Lady Gummies by Esther Pearl Watson

By Jen Bruce

P U R E   J O Y   ! 

Work by Gilda

I have my work to distract me.

Angie, Gilda, & I.  These ladies inspire me constantly.

your friend,

ava

Seattle Bound

So, I embark on a journey through the pacific northwest come Tuesday. I've never thought about visiting Seattle, until Ari moved there and has since talked about how wonderful it is. I wish I had more plaid in my wardrobe. I'd like to channel Bridget Fonda in Singles. I loved her style, and I just saw that that film came out in 1992 (I was ten). Now it seems like a 90s parody, with it's capitalization of the grunge music scene, Mtv era...casting Pearl Jam, and Matt Dylan's hair...GAH...90s!  People tell me that I am going there at a really sweet time (80 degrees, slim chance of rain), so I won't need plaid, but I am bringing a fuzzy sweater.  

I'll be taking the Coastal Starlight all the way up. I believe it's about 32 hours on the train. I won't have wifi, but plenty of time to explore. I cannot wait to photograph the epic scenery. Bringing my twin lens in the photo below.

I've been packing here and there. I am the worst packer and always take way too much. I need to really scale it down and don't know how. I only want to bring two bags. One containing all my toiletries & clothes, and another containing my wardrobe. 

I already got rid of the white button down, maybe I should lose the shorts, too. Not leaving behind the fuzzy sweater, though! 

I still need to fit two novels. Hollywood Babylon / The Invention of Everything Else (given to me by Gilda). Speaking of Gilda...

©Joanna Williams

P O W E R /// T W I N S

I swear we didn't plan this, guys! It was great to see you, G! 

This was earlier in the afternoon at Casbah Cafe. Had the pleasure of meeting up with G, Joanna, & Stef for a girl's date. It was lovely to finally meet Joanna in person. Stef & Gilda did a great interview with her on A Collection Of, and ever since I've had a girl crush. Her company is inspiring & I've been following her blog off & on, but it wasn't until Claire Cottrell's BOOK CLUB (more on that magic later), where we finally met face to face. Thank you for the photo, Joanna! x 

+ That list of things to do in Portland! 

Check out Joanna's shop <3

Before I finish packing, I wanted to leave you with some things that inspire me here, at home, in Los Angeles. I'm really going to miss my plants. 

...and the details that make my apartment feel like home

all images ©Ava Alamshah (image of Gilda & I, ©Joanna Williams)

Also, that book from Gilda, I had no idea what it was about until I just read the synopsis on Wikipedia. 

"a fictionalized account of the last days in the life of Nikola Tesla, the Serbian-American electrical engineer."

Um...I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS

Speaking of Tesla, I leave you with Drunk History. Watch it, it's hilarious AND infuriating. You'll see. 

Also, you're welcome. 

When I write next, I'll be in Seattle! Until then...

your friend,

ava

2 0 ! 3

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R

  

  Felt so loved and happy, ringing in the new year with my friends. For a few years now, we've all been together and I hope we can keep that tradition alive.  Last year, I had polaroids.  This year, my cool cam checked out early (crossing my fingers that it was a bad batch of film and not my beloved camera).  Gilda was kind enough to let me use her glamorous photos from the evening. Thanks, G!  Check out that fancy back drop (shhhhh....red towel) !

  Also, I want to give a shout out to my friend Tamika!  Before this evening, it had been about four years since I've seen her.  I cherish these moments.  x

© 2013 Gilda Davidian

your friend,

ava

Arts & Sciences II

Surprise double exposure =  S C I E N C E !

  In my last post, I mentioned something about my friend Brian having a birthday.  Brian comes up with the best birthday themes.  One year wizards, the next year, jock jams...

  This year, artists and scientists gathered around Sync Space to compete in the ultimate battle.  Who came out on top, you wonder? 

 A R T   C O N Q U E R S   A L L

sorry, science.

 Though, without science, I wouldn't be able to take these polaroids that I have been so excited about.  

  Hello,  G O L D !   Thanks to Impossible Project.  I am in love, luv. 

L I F E   O N   E A R T H

Mother earth, a fetus, and a dinosaur smoking a cigarette.  Our tribute to Tree of Life, clearly.  

  Now I have my very own John Baldessari!  My girlfriends at ACO are beautiful and inspirational.  This image was featured on the second to last post for their site.  Check it out here.  They are moving away from ACO, but don't fret, they already started a new blog with tons of awesome eye candy!  Click here for details.  I love you Gilda, and Stefani! 

 

 ! ! !

your friend,

ava

 

 

Arts & Sciences

My friend, Brian Baughn, is having a birthday party.  

The theme is all about the battle between artists and scientists (sure, it happens). 

Two pursuits of truth. Two different kinds of knowledge. Two halves of the brain. They have competed, there has been friction– but also mutual support, even harmony. But they've coexisted for too long. Tonight only one will survive. Come dressed in support of the arts (as a favorite musician, painter, embalmed shark) or of the sciences (professor, mutant) and fight to obliterate half of human achievement. Brian,  2012

I'm thinking about going as this eccentric "artist" below. (Which one, you ask?)  I'm absolutely obsessed with her and think everyone should go out and grab a copy of Grey Gardens, stat!  Just glorious. 

Brian is a cool dude.  My friends at ACO did a great interview with him.  Check it out here. 

Stay tuned for photos from the party!  WHEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeee! 

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

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