With You, Today

C  O  M  I  N  G      S  O  O  N

Hi friends!  I apologize for my short absence.  I finally caught the bug that's been going around, and I am impressed with how long it has taken for my body to finally give out. Taking vitamin C every morning truly does help!  There is one good thing about this cold... that I've had lots of free time to work on my upcoming site, With You, Today. 

I am very proud of how it's coming together, and I cannot wait till it is ready to launch!  I will definitely make an announcement when that time comes. Until then, here is another work in progress that coincides with With You, Today. An extension of my future site, it will turn into a platform for subject interviews, favorite things, image outtakes, and inspirations. Feel free to follow me for updates on projects. xo

your friend,

ava

Night at the Musee

  Thursday night, we got to check out Musee 16.  My friend, Gabi Mendoza, curated a little show there.  It was a great, intimate setting, with dimmed lighting, cushy chairs, and pizza!  I had two slices.  

Photo of a photo.  Gelatin silver print by Gabi Mendoza.

A photograph of one of my favorite places, Giant Rock.  Work by, Elizabeth DiGiovanni

  I loved these paintings by Elisa Saether.  Loved how she captured the "everyday" Los Angeles.  The markets and the hazy sunsets, and those telephone poles. Beautiful.

Collages by my friend, Marie Mingoia

   

 The shots I took below are from the gallery's permanent collection. 

Little dogs

They have the tiniest little butts

Me with the curator. Yay, Gabi!  There are palm trees coming out of my head.

your friend,

ava

© 2012 Ava Alamshah

The Chateau Marmont

  

  We had the pleasure of being invited to an art reception for Nancy Riegelman Picot, at the Chateau Marmont.  This is a place I have always been intrigued about and wanted to visit. It has that gorgeous classic architecture and an old Hollywood mystique, so it felt like a natural place to take photos.  The funny thing is that the staff didn't really let me take photos for privacy issues, being that it is swarming with the famous and infamous.  However, I could take plenty of photos in the two bedroom suite, where the reception was being held.  Fancy.

  Stefani is Nancy's assistant and introduced me to her a few years ago.  She came to support one of our group exhibitions with our art collective, From Here to There.  I remember being in awe of how high her platform shoes were.  Nancy has a great sense of style.  She was even interviewed for Nylon TV. 

 

  Nancy designed these tongues, and had them made from glass.  I love how they were placed on top of the bed, and how delicate they look under the lamp light. 

  Here I am admiring the pink tiles of this classic bathroom.  I could see myself living here (in my fantasy life). 

  I believe these are watercolors by Nancy.  The jewels look almost real from afar, and the frames themselves are a work of art with that subtle, golden sheen.  My favorite piece was the pink ribbon necklace on that bedside table.  I really enjoyed the context of the work, and it made me think about travel and what someone might bring to a hotel.  Jewelry is something I try not to forget, underwear is another.  The glass tongues touched on a sensual element of travel and leisure.  I love the intimacy of seeing work in a hotel versus being in a stark gallery.  It really worked for these pieces.

  Speaking of underwear...these are paintings by Michael Perelman, who was also a part of the exhibit.   I could not find enough information about him, but I really loved his realistic paintings and his use of light.  I've never seen white undies look more beautiful. 

  

  This woman looked very elegant and told me she used men's dress shirts to create her full length gown.  I loved that she made this herself.  That wreath!  I found out that she also has a blog.  Click on it here.  

  All and all, it was an inspiring evening filled with art, friends, and fancy times.  

your friend,

ava

All images © 2012 Ava Alamshah