Halloween 2012, Part Two

I N S I D E   T H E   R E A L M S

you are innocent when you dream

   

  Here are some more photos from this year's Halloween!  In my last entry, I wrote a bit about our costume inspiration, but didn't elaborate.  After Jeaux told me about Henry Darger, I became a little obsessed with his work.  I posted about his paintings a couple of times...here and here...

  His work was so vivid with imagination, and his use of color is unbelievable.  L O O K

  

  Thanks to my mom for her sewing skills and for keeping all of her jewelry from the 80s.  It really helped out with Jeaux's embellishments.  Darger generals are nasty characters, but they have swag.  Take a look at these dastardly fellows!  The one on the far right was inspiration for Jeaux.

  

  Sasha invited us to Albert Reyes home for his annual Halloween party.  We do not know him personally, but I'm pretty certain I have seen his work at my favorite little gallery, Synchronicity Space.  The photographs above were taken while gazing upon his artwork.  His studio is in the backyard and sits right next door to the totally rad haunted house, which Albert built himself!  It was spooky, and I was way too scared to photograph in there, so you will just have to imagine the greatness and hopefully get a chance to see the work next year!  Pretty impressive.  Our friend, Brian Kinsman, shot this little documentary about Albert and you can see the trailer here.

  Chocolate Rain, dudes!  I didn't know who he was, but Jeaux insisted I take their photo together.  Here is something Jeaux helped work on while living and working in New York City.  I have to admit, this song has sort of grown on me, and how is that voice coming out of this guy's mouth?!

   

  © Ava Alamshah

  For more images, take a look at Jeaux's new site!  I hope everyone had an exciting Halloween.  I'm kind of sad it's already over.

your friend,

ava

Halloween 2012, Part One

H A P P Y   H A L L O W E E N

   The other night, Jeaux and I were invited to a Halloween party by my friend, Sasha, pictured above as Enid!  She also provided these sweet polaroids.  You should check out her blog, The Holy Nail.  This lovely woman knows her nail art and she is such a bad ass.  Looking forward to spending more time with her. 

   I really LOVE Halloween and try to go all out every year.  Last year, I was Sally Bowles.  This year, Jeaux and I were channeling In The Realms of the Unreal.  More on that later!  

  Jeaux and I have something fun coming up on actual Halloween that I cannot wait to tell you all about!  Until then....

your friend,

ava

  

  

Henry Darger

Source

January 1, 1971. I had a very poor nothing like Christmas. Never had a good Christmas all my life, nor a good new year, and now…. I am very bitter but fortunately not revengeful, though I feel should be how I am…’

—H.D.

(Art: Cat-Headed Blengin, date unknown.)

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Another thing on my wishlist is a book on Henry Darger's work.  I can look at his creations forever, and I'm always finding something new.  There is so much of his work that when I look up his images, I end up discovering a piece I've never seen before. Amazing. What a story this man had. 

Here is more about him here.   I've mentioned before that his work would make really interesting tattoos.   I still dream about getting something done, but I have to limit my options.  That is going to be tough.  If you still haven't seen In The Realms of the Unreal, you must make that one of your resolutions.  It is one of the most beautiful documentaries. 


Sad he never had a good christmas.  Lets all try to have a joyful one, and a happy hanukkah + new year! 


your friend,


ava

Tattoo Ideas

So, this is my first & only tattoo that I got almost two years ago in October. I've been meaning to get more, but when you really think about it, they are super expensive, but SO WORTH IT. 

She needs a touch up. Le sigh...if only I could afford it. 

Here are some future ideas that I've been dreaming about. 

Darger

 The Red Balloon

 Matryoshka

I found this little gem while cruising google for photos. This lady lives in a magical place called New Zealand and makes things! Check out her blog site! 

One can only hope. I'll just have to keep saving. 

your friend,


ava

Vivian Girls

Copyright Ava Alamshah 2011

I had no idea about Henry Darger until Jeaux pointed out one of those ridiculously expensive coffee table books showcasing his abundant paintings. We were at that Skylight Books continuation next door & among the sea of books, zines, and knick knacks, there was the Darger book staring right at me. The cover alone was so beautiful and when I opened the book, I was confused as to why this guy drew little girls with penises. It wasn't until I saw "In the Realms of the Unreal" that I found out about this man, who was basically a loner all his life. His innocence startled me & I believe that was the only way someone could paint the way he did. There is no irony in his work. Its just pure, from the heart and it became his world. I envy that sort of creative freedom.  I'm currently thinking about my next tattoo, which would be Darger inspired. It would help if I had this.   

Here's a little something from a band named after those loveable little ladies.

your friend,

ava

Stream of Consciousness

Inspired by Henry Darger's paintings of flowers. I had the pleasure of watching "In The Realms Of The Unreal" with my boyfriend, Jeaux. I highly recommend this touching documentary. It has really inspired me to illustrate more. His work was so pure and I think that had something to do with his lack of human interaction. I wish my own work could have that kind of innocence.

Painted in our "love" journal using paint pens, colored pencil, markers, highlighters, & sharpies. 

your friend,

ava