website

Hello friends! I now have an online portfolio. Big time! 

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Check it out here or simply click on the website tab above. 

your friend,

ava

Allan Sekula

Goodbye, Allan 

Rio and I use to joke about how much of an art star you were. We would wait and wait for you to show up to class. Sometimes we gave up, but most of the time, we'd stay knowing that it would be worth it. I was always intimidated by you, and in shock that you are not around to challenge me. Challenge the way I think about photography. I will always remember what you said before my thesis (the smallest detail would have made a difference). Back then, I was afraid, but I will do things differently now. 

allan, rio & the san pedro harbor (2003?)

source

More on Allan's passing here.

Transitions

My friend, GC Erenberg, is in the middle of moving to her new home. Not too long ago, I was immersed in that very thing. I was living a bit like a gypsy for a month, in between my parent's houses and feeling less than stellar.  During this period, I decided that I wanted to have new experiences, and try things that I wouldn't have tried years ago.  All this to create a more positive state of mind and to move forward. GC is working on a documentary about a healer named Sharelle Roth, and was asking for volunteers to participate. She had asked me once before, and I put it off, and I'm not sure why at first. Most likely because I was pretty skeptical and was worried I wouldn't commit to her project and become a flaky mcflakerson. 

During this transitional time, I finally bit the bullet and thought, "Why not?".

So I sat with a spiritual energy healer, and looking back on it, I really needed her during my transitional state. She helped me put some things into perspective. You can find some of my thoughts about it here. Just scroll down a little and you will see me, looking relaxed. 

And below, a photograph of my pal, GC.  Shot on the same day I was healed (a little spiritual humor). I see the light now....

well, I see a soft light beside her in this photograph, and I like to think it's a spirit watching over her. Maybe Sam, or maybe Kitties. 

Remember GC? I photographed her for my series. I was ecstatic with how they turned out. Dream shoot, for real. 

images ©Ava Alamshah

your friend,

ava

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