Old Friends/New Adventures

  This past weekend, I embarked on a short journey up north to see old friends, and shoot some portraits for my series.  It was a weekend filled with so much warmth, nostalgia, and RAIN....plenty of rain.  My dear friend, Rio snapped the polaroid above.  I couldn't get over that car sitting in between those hedges, with that house...unreal.  Straight out of a William Eggleston world, or David Lynch's Blue Velvet.  I could have taken hundreds of photos of the scene behind me (I ended up taking maybe five)....

  

polaroids © Ava Alamshah

 

  I'm looking forward to sorting out these memories to share with you.  I already miss my friends.

your friend,


ava

*Post* WORK/SHOP

  WORK/SHOP was a fantastic and inspiring event.  I had such a pleasure meeting so many lovely people and getting to take their portraits using my make-shift, diy, silly little back drop.  The artist in me felt sick to my stomach and overly critical throughout the process of putting this little back drop together, wishing I had a wider screen, and more fun props, but I got over that really quickly after seeing the joy in people's faces after photographing them.  It was love and positive vibes all around.  I feel grateful I got the chance to do this and to be amongst so many talented artists, like Bianca D'Amico of Chaparral Studio (she creates the most amazing terrariums/ jewelry / ornaments), and Kate Miss of For Me, For You.  I was recently on her site and not only does she make really elegant jewelry ( Angie's fiance, Will, bought her this Kate Miss necklace not too long ago), but her photography puts me in that happy place.  Humbled, dudes. 

  Thank you to all my friends who came to support me, and hang out.  I feel loved  x  a million  x  infinity.....

  

  Thanks to this kind man above.  He always puts up with my stressful tantrums.  I love you. OOOhhhh, and thank you, Stefani, for my pretty flowers! The irises are starting to bloom!

  Lastly, I wouldn't have been able to do this without the help from my mother.  She rocked it!  xx

polaroids  © Ava Alamshah

  I'm happy with how nostalgic these polaroids look, although they took about 20 minutes to develop completely!  It was a little nerve racking, but also kind of exciting(?) !!!

  

  You never know what you are going to get from Impossible Project, but I am SO STOKED they exist.  Polaroid Por Vida 

  This weekend I embark on a mini adventure.  Until then...

your friend,

ava

 

 

 

Adventures in House Sitting

  

  While house sitting, my friend Ema came over and we had a photo adventure.  I took some serious black and white, medium format images that I have yet to develop.  These polaroids, with magical colored frames, are from Impossible Project.  It was wonderful being able to photograph again.  I feel a bit rusty, but looking forward to practicing and creating more images next week.  Jeaux and I will be in one of my most favorite destinations, the bay area!   I finally caved in and bought a digital slr just for the occasion.  It's time to get serious!

E M A

 Alex and Britt's home gave me so much inspiration.  Lots of great, classic architecture and an abundance of plant life.  There was an abandoned home up Montecito that looked like something out of Grey Gardens or Great Expectations.  I expected Little Edie, or Miss Havisham to jump out at any moment.    

M A K E   A R T

& Have Fun Doing It

your friend,

ava 

Beach "Blank Generation" Bingo

M  A  L  I  B  U

 We finally had a beach day!

 

Check out the dinosaurs!

J  +  A

  
  This is Jeaux's drawing of me reading the last chapter.  Punk nihilism alongside the beauty of the crashing waves....sigh..  In all seriousness, it is one of the greatest books I have ever read.  Take a  L O O K.  

  Trying to channel my favorite bathing beauties of yesteryear

S O U N D T R A C K

your friend,

ava

Greek Fest!

  On memorial day, Jeaux and I went to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for their annual Greek Festival.  I tried moussaka for the very first time, and reminisced about the times my family would take me there.   I thought a lot about folk dancing and circle dancing, and after a bit of research, I discovered  T H I S.   I'm so fascinated by how similar the cultures are to one another, and how they have influenced each other over the years.  I am half Assyrian from my father's side, and part Greek (including a list of other cultures) from my mother, so reading a bit about Tamzara dance made me feel a sense of pride.  Also, legend has it that the Assyrians were the originators.  My dad will love to hear that one.

B I R D S   O F   P A R A D I S E  !

  Also, I'd like to dedicate this post to my boyfriend.  We just celebrated our two year anniversary.   xxo

your friend,

ava

© 2012 Ava Alamshah

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

 

 

A V A L O N

  All images were taken with my polaroid 600 "cool cam".  

  First flush film provided by impossible project.  

  

  © 2012 Ava Alamshah

your friend,

ava