Today Is My Birthday

Thanks mom and dad.



COME TO ME AND IAN'S BIRTHDAY BANGERRR!!!

Conversations with Daria

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OLD ROLLS: NYE in Color, Winter Time, Baby Sarah's Bday!

Dudes, more newly processed old ass rolls!!


















"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!**"

Michael Jackson: The Creator of Swag

A week and a half later, and I am still grieving. The world really just lost one if its last living legends. I hear his songs being played everywhere, but I don't really think we've dealt with his passing foreal. I don't think we know how. Because someone as great as Michael Jackson doesn't just die on us. Not at such a young age, with a come-back tour on the way, and not without some sort of warning.

Michael Jackson is probably the most talented person I can think of. He was amazing at EVERYTHING. He delivered the entire package: the voice, the moves, and the performance. Who can sing like Michael Jackson? Who can dance better than Michael Jackson? He danced better than his fucking DANCERS! His impact on the world of music and dance is so great that every musician and dancer that came after him, has been influenced by his work in one way or another.

Michael Jackson also had an untouchable swag. He was oozing with swag. Swag so great that boys and girls fainted at just the sight of him. He could just burrow his brows or point his finger a certain way and make an auditorium of girls cry. Look at what Michael Jackson got away with on stage. He could cup his crotch and thrust his groin to the beat, and we would all fucking die over it. Because he was the fucking man.

He had this insane persona of a shy gentleman, an aggressive bad boy, and a sensitive philanthropist. And he weaved in and out of those personalities seamlessly. Michael Jackson was a good-doer, a romancer, and an ass kicker. And somehow we all felt close to him. He was a superhero. Maybe that's why we all kind of expected him to be invincible.



Long live the one and only King of Pop.
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009

Dance in Your Living Room

Toni takes it away at 2:50

Holli's Birthday Party at Von

June 12, 2009, Von Bar

Electrik Red - So Good

We had a fling… this I know
But now we got a thing… she gotta let you go

Cause now i'm actin crazy
I’m out here callin you baby
I shouldn’t have let you hit that
Cause now I can’t forget that
I thought I wouldn't really care much
But now a girl all in love

Don’t mean to be a hater
But oooh, damn, it's so good

--

Have you ever been under the spell of good sex? (Guilty!!)

This Song reminds me of that one scene in Vanilla Sky when Cameron Diaz freaks out on Tom Cruise saying, "You've been inside me, I've swollowed your cum! That means something! Don't you know that when you sleep with someone your body makes a promise whether you do or not!?" And then she gets ultra cray and drives them off a bridge.

When I saw that scene I was like, damn, this bitch is fucking crazy. And then I grew up. And yes, good sex will fuck up your head. You become a walking zombie, crushing all day long, wanting/needing to get FUCKED. You're like, call me Tpain cus I'm Spruuuuuung! LOL



To watch a better version of Electrik Red's "So Good," click here. And get the remix with Lil Wayne here.

Why U So Obsessed With Me?

New single *OBSESSED* - GET AT IT MAAANG.

"Me and Mariah.. go back like Oscah Myah" LOL, nice take on ODB's line, Mane. I'm gonna have to think up something real clevs for my guest spot on Mariah's next hit. Just say when, Mimi.

///

The Gagz Has Done it Again

Yet another Lady Gaga song I tried hard to resist. Aside from the annoying 30 minute long intro, this video is pretty fucking MAJE. I mean the bitch falls off a building and readjusts in a solid gold body cast. Daaaang.



I will say, Miss Gaga needs some major dancing lessons if she really wants to be next-level. That outfit with the huge rosettes aren't distracting anyone from your rusty pop-locks, Gagerz. If you really wanna get serious, hit up my girlfriend Rino Nakasone.

On T.I.

So fine in that black T, with the chain dangling from the neck!! So aggressive and sexyyy. T.I. I love you be mine.

*Yes, you're right. I misspelled "wife" in the first conversation; fingers frantic, hormones ablaze.

OLD ROLL: NYE!

I found a roll from New Years Eve! It was in a suitcase I used to pack up my camera gear when I moved to my new apartment. I do recall shooting more than this, so there is still a roll or two lingering around. Anyway, here are some pics.. half a year later!

Hanging with Maru the Cat!

Old Roll

This roll was hiding out in my fridge.. I finally got it processed. I almost forgot about this night. Still looking for New Years Eve rolls.. stay tuned for those!

January 2009
Chinatown, LES, McDonalds

Flushing, Queens

April 11, 2009. A day in Flushing with Sarah Colligan -the Queens-raised city slicker, billed to attend the Cooper Union this coming fall. I followed Sarah around for a day in her hometown, got to see the house she grew up in, and hung out in her new house -the newly renovoted place right next door.




It took an hour to trek it to Flushing from Williamsburg, but about half of the trip was above ground, which was kinda nice for sight seeing. I expected to be dropped off at some quiet suburban town, but to my surprise, Flushing is fucking busy. With high rises, shops, restaurants, and mad Asian people flling the streets.


She picked me up at the train station and we immediately proceeded to hunt down some eats. She took me to two dumpling vendors where we ordered a ridiculous amount of food. We took our plastic bags full of greasy treats and headed for the local play ground. "It's not really a park," Sarah told me, "because it's made out of concrete." And she was right. There wasn't much greenery, but it was a nice place to chiil. We stuffed our faces in with ginormous dumplings, scallion pancakes, tea eggs, and spicy fish balls. All for like, 3 dollars. As if that wasn't enough, we then proceeded to eat about 5 different desserts.









Afterwards we hit up a round of Sarah's favorite dollar stores.. we considered bringing back the wallet chain (or maybe that was just my disgusting idea) but opted against it. I bought a bar of soap, a vintage Esprit blouse (yes at the dollar store!) and Sarah bought a rape whistle which she chained onto her jacket. We also took cheesy photobooth pictures, which is an obvious must-do at any legit Asian hood.






We ended the day with some cable television & chocolate frosted mini-donuts at her house. I think we were watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 when Sarah's parents came home. Her super adorable mom had just gotten back from a trip to Rome. Basically if Keyshia Cole were Korean and 50, that'd be Sarah's mom.


I also met her adorable dog, Baby, who we took out for what turned into a stressful long walk. (I took a photo of an old Chinese lady who proceeded to curse at me as we walked away, and continued to appear at every corner we turned.) We finally made it back home safely, and after about 5 minutes of solice, Sarah freaked out and ran out of her bedroom screaming. The old Chinese lady was walking across the street from her house, looking through her windows and into our souls. Then we got over it and watched an episode of The Office.

Guilty Pleasure Vol. 3: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga - Just Dance


I resisted this song for the longest time. I have recently given in and I'm kind of obsessed. To top it off, my co-worker went to fucking high school with her. So basically, I'm a degree away from Lady Gaga. Which feels good. Access to her high school year books feels even better.

Hey, did anyone here go to school with Katy Perry? ;)

April 4th 2009

Good News

I recently cut my work week down from 7 to 5 days. I've had 4 weekends off so far, which means my camera and I are back on. (And it's about time.) Get ready for some new shit.

WHAAAATTTTTT

i think this video got me pregnant. is that possible?

13 Days of Homelessness

Hi Everyone,

So sorry for being so MIA. I moved out of my tiny Nolita apartment, and spent 13 days playing musical beds until my BK studio was finally ready. It was an incredibly difficult two weeks. But thanks to some amazing friends, I was able to sleep, shower, and still make it to work on time. Thank you to my dear friends who welcomed me into your homes, beds, cooked me dinner, listened to me bitch, cry, and kept me positive throughout this whole ordeal. Here's a quick recap of March 1st - March 13th. I have video footage too which I may post later. xx

Moving out of 85 Kenmare..

Nicole's room

My old shoebox

Gross (and epically delicious) spam and cheese sandwiches at 2am. Don't judge.


Jordanna and Ed surprised me with this spread. They made me a "wizard bed," a makeshift coffee table, with candles lit and everything. This is what I came home to after having a shitty couple of days. Pretty much what friends are fucking for..


Mama Jordanna and baby Thor

It was brutally cold these days..

Breakfast at Kasia's alone

Stayed at Kyle's

Fort green in Michael and Lorena's pull out. (Lorena is still actually in there)

Emi's bed

Sunny making din for me and LK

Laura

Sunny the next morning, all geared up for a shoot..

Visiting the studio

HOMEBASE.

JORDAN IN ACNE

*Sorry everybody for being so completely MIA on this blog. The first week and half of this month has been insane. It was a 13-day period of being a nomad. Huge blog to follow. Promise promise.

A Song for Rihanna

BE STRONG RIRI!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FUTURE

Guilty Pleasure Vol. 2: BeatFreakz

Okay, this is weird. My latest guilty pleasure Beatfreakz, dancing to who else, Katy Perry. What the fuck.

These girls are AMAAAAZE.

Jesse in Patrik Ervell

Patrik Ervell SS09

What can I say, I love Patrik Ervell's work. Ervell is a Bay Area native, and a Cal Berkeley graduate in political science -not design! But he is one of the talented few making it in the industry due to a natural sensibility and hard work. Here's some footage of his spring show, held at the Chelsea Piers on Valentines Day.





Later that evening Yenna and I stopped by Frank Tell's presentation at the Tribeca Grand. I think my favorite part was seeing my bitchy girlfriend Olivia from The City. Probably the highlight of the show -or was it the open bar? :)

And We're Live..

Finally, after a grueling few months of shooting and editing, -our site has been launched to the public (the world) as of 10:30pm pacific time last night. Because of an abrupt deadline change, our team had to work double time to get this site fully geared up by fashion week. If it wasn't for my hard-working teammates carrying their share of weight, I don't think this would have launched when it did. We've all been talking about celebrating, but I think at this point we are just shocked we have made it through this process alive! Please enjoy our site and know that this is only the beginning. We will continue to perfect it as we move along, and promise to deliver our best.

Female Models Wanted - We Want Awkward!

We are looking for 6 interesting looking women, must be 18-30. Slim, with blonde, strawberry blonde, or red hair. We are specifically searching for women with interesting features (the more awkward the better) to be shot for a highly stylized, high profile portrait series. Photos may require model to be topless so you must be comfortable with your body.

Please send headshots/photos (no nudity please) to inquiry@avalencestudio.com with the subject title "PORTRAIT MODEL."

We will be booking appointments for in-studio screenings for Tuesday, February 17th in Williamsburg.

Thank you and good luck!

This is a paid gig. Compensation to be disclosed.

Guilty Pleasure Vol. 1: KATY PERRY

I have decided to introduce a Guilty Pleasure section to my blog, which allows me to confess my love / obsession / admiration for anyone or anything freely -aware that these opinions will most likely offend / disgust / shock my readers and render my taste questionable. While your comments are highly encouraged, I reserve the right to write entries under the Guilty Pleasure section with ultimate immunity from your judgments.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, I am happy to announce my first topic of guilty pleasure: KATY PERRY. She is the singer of those awful pop songs, "Hot and Cold," and "I Kissed a Girl." -No not the 90's "I Kissed a Girl," by Jill Sobule, but a song just as bad.

I was first introduced to Katy Perry when I watched her music video for "Hot and Cold" on Virgin America heading to New York City in October. I didn't have any headphones on me so it was audio-less. I thought it was the amazing Zooey Deschanel and was appalled that She & Him had traded their souls in for a predictable, cookie-cutter MTV production. When the song was over, I wiped the sweat from my forehead when the credits read Katy Perry instead of She & Him. Whew!

And then just like that Katy Perry was on very channel and radio station imaginable. Why is it that the most annoying songs are the easiest ones to memorize? And the sad part is, you only become aware that you've memorized these songs when you catch yourself singing them. That's when the shame and embarrassment creeps in.

Well somewhere along the lines of me hating Katy Perry, I became intrigued. I saw a video to her dancing to Beyonce's Single Ladies backstage somewhere and thought it was the funniest shit ever. I love a pretty girl who doesn't take herself too seriously. From what I gather, Katy Perry is a DOWN ASS BITCH. She'll sing you a lullaby and then dutch oven you at the same time. Basically she's the perfect girl.

I saw this video just a couple of days ago. Prepare to barf / cry / hide your boner.



And she can play?? AMAZE.

Lykke Li Crumping! Haaaaay!

Thanks to Supreme Management, I got to see footage of Lykke Li's performance at webster hall on Monday. Wish I got to see this insanely talented singer/fashionista in action myself. Here's footage of her getting hyphy, and watch this Swede drop it like she's hot in the second video. Daaaang, it's like that!? WEERK!





And here's a year-old favorite. Just because it's still so fucking good -and probably how we all fell in love. Directed by Ted Malmros & Christian Haag:

OC for Pendelton!

My press photo for the Opening Ceremony for Pendelton collection was printed in WWD today. Here it is, twice as large! :) And click here to see it on refinery29!



Oh, and another pic in V magazine! Watch out for Humberto, Carol, Jesse, and Madeline in the "Where Were You on Election Night" spread!!

Look Outside

The view outside of my work studio in Soho.

Everyday People: Andrea

Meet miss Andrea Longacre-White. Former resident of New York City, Andrea now lives in LA as a fashion consultant. She is also a brilliant photographer, with a couple self-published books to her name. It's hard to keep up with Andrea! I ran into her at the Smell a few months ago, where I retook her portrait. Lots and lots more to see of this girl!

Everyday People: Shawna

Portrait of my good friend, Shawna Ferriera, in her sunny Brooklyn studio. She is a jack of many trades, specializing in collage, video, and being super cool. She is also the in-house art installer for Capricious Gallery. Her portrait and bio will be featured in my book, Everyday People, so stay tuned!

Avalence Studio in Brooklyn!

Two days out of the week I work in Williamsburg as assistant studio manager at Avalence Studio. We have spent the last couple of months getting our new space fully geared up, and it is now open for your private shoots! We are located just blocks from the Bedford L stop. Come visit us at the studio sometime! I'll make you some tea and we'll conceptualize your next project.

www.avalencestudio.com

Avalence [uh-vey-luh ns] Studio provides a space to foster
and nourish creativity. Our name, derived from valiancy – the
tacit exchange of electrons, energy, and ideas, from one medium
to another – reflects our mission and philosophy. Our 1300 sq ft
private space is large enough to encompass the greatest of
photographic sets, yet intimate enough to provide the comfort
and proximity that intensive creation requires. We intend to
invigorate and sustain the tradition of the artistic workshop.

Amenities

• 1300 sq ft Ground-floor Space; Full Western-facing Daylight

• 16ft x 16ft Cyclorama/ Infinity Wall

• 14ft Loft Ceilings

• Loading Dock Accessible

• Full Styling Area

• Three (4ft & 5ft) Rolling Wardrobe Racks

• High Capacity Clothing Steamer

• Full Length Mirror, ironing board & iron

• Robes and slippers

• Client Reception Area

• Full Dyna-Light Set

• Dyna-light M1000 Power-pack

• Dyna-light 2040 Head

• Octabank (5ft Diameter)

• Manfrotto Stand

• Medium Sandbag

• Black-out Curtains

• 4 V-flats (available upon request)

• Complete Equipment/Camera Rental Options (available upon request)

Day Rates

Full Day: $750.00 (9am- 5:30pm) 1/2 Day: $300 (9am- 1pm)

Directions
85 North 3rd St Brooklyn NY 11211

Subway/Foot

Take the L-train to the Bedford Stop - Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Exit the station - N 7th St & Bedford Ave. Take a left onto Bedford Avenue - heading south and a right onto N 3rd St.

Driving From Manhattan

Navigate to the Williamsburg Bridge toward Brooklyn. Take first exit on the right at the end of the bridge (onto S 6th Street). Stay to the right, merging onto Broadway/South 6th St. At the river, take a right onto Kent Ave. Take a right on North 3rd. Loading Dock Entrance: Continue North on Kent Ave. past N 3rd St. - take a right on N 5th St. and take a right on Wythe Ave. The loading dock is mid-block
on the left hand side.

From Brooklyn / Other-Boroughs

Heading West on Brooklyn/Queens Expressway (I-278)
Head west on BQE - take Exit 32 toward Metropolitan Avenue. Merge onto Meeker Avenue, heading South-West. Right on Metropolitan Ave. When the road forks, take N 4th on the right. Left at Wythe Ave.
The Loading Dock is on the left between N 4th and N 3rd. Front entrance is left on N 3rd, at the intersection with Wythe Avenue.

Heading East on Brooklyn/Queens Expressway (I-278)

Heading East on BQE - take Exit 32 toward Metropolitan Avenue/Manhattan. Merge onto Rodney Street. Turn Left onto Metropolitan Ave. When the road forks, take N 4th on the right. Left at Wythe Ave. The Loading Dock is on the left between N 4th and N 3rd. Front entrance is left on N 3rd, at the intersection with Wythe Avenue.

inquiry@avalencestudio.com PH +1 718 887 8014


© Avalence Studio 2008-2009

Sigur Ros

Award winning music video, "Viorar Vel Til Loftarasa," (2001) directed by Icelandic directors Stefán Arni and Siggi Kinski.

Haiku no.1

I miss holding therapy.
Lately it seems like
I am always by myself.

Zeppelin Airship over SF

Saw this rad Zeppelin flying over SF Thanksgiving weekend. I originally thought it was a blimp, but I stand corrected! (Thank you Miles!) Learn about this aircraft here.

Jordanna

Portrait of Jordanna holding Thor at her old Mission apartment on Alabama and 24th.

Funnies at Muddies

I just stumbled upon a hilarious set of pictures I took of Nicole back in 06. It was a fun little coffee break-turned impromptu photo sesh. I turned one of the pictures into an ad for fun. I never did get around to sending it to Mud.. although maybe I should. Might score myself a free coffee during these hard times! ;)

Everyday People: Benito

This is Benito Ramirez, one of my best boys. Taken at a taqueria on 24th St, San Francisco. Gee-yuh!

Dance Biscuits

My man!!

Opening Ceremony Men Shoes

I shot OC mens shoes yesterday. I would love a pair of these for Christmas please. Yes, every color would be preferred. I am a size 7.5 in womens. Thanks!



Patent High-Top, pictured in Dark Brown, Burgundy, & Black

Opening Ceremony NY: 35 Howard Street (212) 219-2688
Opening Ceremony LA: 451 N. La Cienega Blvd. (310) 652-1120

Sunny Took This

Dunkin Donuts near Union SquareThere are some people who aren't meant to be artists. People who get into the trade because they grew up privileged, or with delusions that being taught technicalities will produce "art," or even "good art." I'm no expert, but I've seen plenty of work from people who have been familiar with the camera for years. -People who have money pouring out of their asses, equipment for days, and even degrees to prove themselves worthy. But I've also found that all of these advantages have never quite put a mediocre half-hearted artist, above the passionate and naturally talented. Sunny is that talented person. She recently made the bold move to New York, going to school for the first time to concentrate on her real love: photography. And thank god, because it would be a shame to leave all that talent unharvested.

She is a dear friend of mine. I love her because she is one of the realest girls I know. And that realness can be said about her love of the lens. Sometimes I sense a bit of worry in her -anxiety about getting off to a late start. But I expect nothing but big things for this girl. Because she's better than a lot of us who have been doing this a long time. And that can only lead to major, long-lasting success.

Check out her blog here. And stay tuned for some photos I took of Sunny circa her LA days.

Opening Ceremony Shoot

Yesterday I started a new gig, shooting for Opening Ceremony. There are three other photographers on staff -all incredibly talented and down to earth. I am honored to have joined such a creative team.

Every garment worn in these photos are from the Opening Ceremony collection, available at the stores now. Left: Ackime wears a red cardigan with black Simple Suit trousers. Right: Eric is wearing the Simple Suit in Light gray. His hat in Navajo print. Both are wearing shoes by OC.

Black Simple Suit detail.

Opening Ceremony NY: 35 Howard Street (212) 219-2688
Opening Ceremony LA: 451 N. La Cienega Blvd. (310) 652-1120

Sign of the Times I

MAC LOVEBK, Soundtrack: SKELETON$

Processes

Here's another little piece I made for my Outter Spatial show at Painted Bird.








Tada! Smiley face conehead.

Where Were You on Election Night?

November 4, 2008 @ Heathers, New York City
GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!

Julie Brooke Williams

Meet Julie, a self-proclaimed lover of "brooklyn, vintage tints, realness, homegirls, mochi, jagger whatever, random lingo, expensive dirty hippies, roadtrips, bicoastal love, fancy anything." She is an amazing friend, and one hell of a stylist. View her work here and check out one of my favorite portfolios titled, "Get Some Colors On."

Photo taken in Brooklyn.

Aura Polaroid Project

Yesterday I had the honor of getting my portrait taken for an Aura Polaroid project by Carlo Van de Roer. He is shooting the entire series with a polaroid camera developed in the 70's, created to shoot a subject's aura.

The camera is rigged with a few major components: the camera itself, hand sensors, and a printer. With my hands fixed to individual sensors, the camera took a 6 second exposure -the first half taking my portrait, and the other half shooting the aura around me; made legible through the energy transmitted through my hands. Immediately after each image was captured, a two-page comprehensive print out of my aura was produced. It explained the colors picked up by each polaroid, what my aura revealed about my character and aspirations, how I am perceived by others, and what could be said about my future.

It was one of the most fascinating things I've ever seen or done. Visit Carlo's website here. And check back with this blog for posts of my aura polaroids.

I leave you now with a portrait of the talented Carlo Van de Roer. Taken after our shoot, on a drizzly day in Soho.

Nicole Saldana: Sister, Best Friend, Slut Bag

Meet Nicole, my very first best friend ever.

We met in the second grade. She lived in a house right across the field from our school, so on some days I'd walk with her home and we'd play, eat Wendy's, and trade stickers. We were big on Sanrio Surprises. I think the coolest thing I ever saw her wear was a Hello Kitty ring watch. Or was hers Kerope? Anyway, I bought myself one too. Best investment of our lives. When we grew up, we got our first tattoo together. Four matching tattoos later, I have a feeling we have a long way to go.

Nicole was recently interviewed, and will be featured on W-O-W, presented by Sportmax Code. At age 24, she is the talented designer of the Opening Ceremony collection. This interview will shed some light on her design career, and her overall experience with New York City. Check the website in about a week and it should be published.

Holler!!

Everyday People: KRISSIE

Here's a cute out take from Krissie's shoot for Everyday People. Taken in Williamsburg, late October 2008.

Fun With Leslie at Bottle Capp!

This is Leslie wearing the most mind-blowing outfit ever. We are hanging out at Bottle Capp, my old home and gallery, enjoying pizza delivery and coka-cola. I miss this girl!

Bottle Capp Gallery, Mission District, SF

Everyday People: JOHNNY

Johnny of Los Angeles. Taken outside of Shits and Giggles, downtown LA.

YES WE CAN!

OMG

From Russia, With Love

Photo editor of Afisha Mag in Russia just emailed me a photo of my spread!



Thank you Anya!

OUCH, SERIOUSLY

Butter, Rice & Soy Sauce

This is the ultimate poor-man's dinner. It's the perfect recipe to pull you through the recession.
-Rice (White or Brown, your choice)
-Butter (I mixed about a tablespoon of butter into the amount of rice pictured)
-Soy Sauce (Drizzle enough to coat and season)
-Mix well, Enjoy





Tea if you please!

Painted Nerds

Sunny and Nate of Painted Bird have been cold kickin it in New York for the last couple of weeks. I've been MIA since I flew out to San Francisco just as they arrived to NY. We finally got to hang tonight at a little bar in the East Village. They've been occupying themselves in Brooklyn, working on music and being fabulous. Sigh, must be nice to be young, beautiful, and successful business owners.

So I guess the twosome are working on a music project called, Temptation. Yes, as in the island. Check out their super tricked out website here and listen to their tunes here. Can't forget to give cred to the other band mates -the lovely Terri, Paul, and Marissa. There is a west coast tour in the near future. Check out their myspace for dates!

Holloweiner

Here are some memorable costumes from last night!
PeeweePoke-A-Hot-AssAwkward Hot Topic TeenDead (HAM)BurglarTeen Wolf! So awesome!RACHEL MUTHAFUCKIN ZOE!Geico LizardGay Native American, Captain Sexy, Dead Cool PersonP. DIDDY! WTF!

SF - LA - And Back

Went back to San Francisco to be with the family. Towards the end of my stay, Sasha and I decided to drive down to LA for a last minute buying trip for BellJar. We stayed with my dear friends Johnny and Ronny, who live in a beautiful loft within an old bank building downtown.

We got a ton of work done, picking up a few new different lines for fall and spring. We also brought back a TON of new dresses that retail under $100. You can check out the styles here.

Art Biz

Erica Eller of Artbusiness.com kindly swung by my show at Painted Bird. The post is up, find it here and scroll to the bottom.

Thank you Artbusiness!

New York, NY

I arrived to New York around midnight on Saturday. The weather was hoodie-friendly. I was welcomed by a friendly New Yorker who saw me crying like a pathetic lost child on the plane. Lost? Not really, just overwhelmed. Left San Francisco with a lot on my plate, and still plenty more to take care of. I told her I was a photographer and she wrote down a few contacts for me. Already New York is looking promising for work.

Nicole picked me up at the airport, which was comforting. I was wheeling around an overweight box of clothes, a box of framed prints, as well as a carrying case full of all of my camera equipment. We went straight home. I immediately scarfed down a plate of tacos from La Esquina, and began unpacking. Felt amazing to come with just my bare essentials. Clothes, cameras, and photos. My life now officially fits into a makeshift closet.

The following day, Sunday, was my lazy day in town. I was so incredibly beat from the trip. The packing and the parting. I met Kalena for breakfast, and we pretty much remained within two blocks radius of my new Nolita abode. Have I mentioned there is a pink berry just one block away? In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I DIE!! D.I.E!!!"

The following day, Monday, I met up with Sunny, a dear friend of mine who relocated to NY from LA just a few months ago. Residing in Brooklyn, she too is here for work in the photo industry. She is in the midst of getting certified as a photographer, under teachers who have assisted the likes of Nan Goldin. We met up at Black Iron Burger in the East Village, where I visited another close friend of mine, Jordanna Wood, also a relatively new Brooklynite.

Ironically enough, Kalena's new apartment is directly across the street from Jordanna's restaurant, so we came over for a little pow wow before Sunny headed off to her evening class.



I stayed at Kalena's for some television. Previously, she had mentioned that her house might be haunted. I now totally agree. At one point it sounded like someone came through the front door, and began rummaging through the kitchen. Not so. No one came home, but things were definitely being moved around. Kalena and I walked slowly through her 4ft by 4ft apartment and found all windows to be closed, so it couldn't have been the wind. It was pretty freaky. Then we got over it and went back to watching Super Bad.

We ended the night at the Bowery Poetry Club, where they do Tranny Bingo every Monday night. We played about a dozen rounds. I won mid-way into the game, and brought home a bingo set, a cheesy mask-painting kit, and a box of taro cards. I think this might be my new Monday night spot.

Locals Only Art Show at RVCA

Yes yes yall, tonight will be a super fun art show at RVCA on Haight. It's got a million talented people on the bill. I am a last minute addition, thanks to curator Meghan Edwards. The show is tonight, from 6-9pm.

Radio Show Interview

Tomorrow I will be interviewed for a new public radio show called, "Snap Judgment." It is a show about real situations, in which a person is forced to make a quick life-altering decision.

My interview will be about how I spontaneously became the tour photographer/keyboardist of the Hey Willpower UK tour in 2006. We will discuss how I managed to leave the country without a visa into the United Kingdom, how we convinced immigration to let me stay, and how I began shooting my book (Everyday People) while being stranded in London without the band.

As with most productions, we will record the show, and hope it will edit down to something enjoyable enough to air. This is a great opportunity to plug my book to a wider audience, so I'm hoping we come up with something fun. Definitely not excited to hear my voice though. Why is that always so weird?

To listen to clips of their past shows, visit their website here. Also, check this blog for updates about the interview. 


Photo of Will Schwartz, Nottingham 2006. Copyright Christelle Imperial de Castro. All rights reserved.

My Spread in Afisha Mag

Last Thursday I received an email from the photo editor of Afisha Magazine, a Russian publication. They are doing a double-page spread on Xiu Xiu and wanted to use one of my photos. Not sure when it prints, but I will be sure to update my blog when it does. Here is what Afisha sent me in their press kit:


AFISHA. GUIDE TO ALL UNIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT
Afisha is the best informational journal about culture, art and entertainment in Russia.
Afisha includes new films and theatrical first-night reviews, information about upcoming concerts and exhibitions, reviews on the latest fashion collections and trends, a restaurants guide and etc.
Afisha is a team of young and energetic professionals. The magazine staff includes some of the best Russian journalists, designers and photographers, whose tastes and opinions are trusted.
Our writers express their points of view fairly and openly - the magazine has no hidden advertising or sponsored reports.

House of Bare

My dear friend, Mr. Johnny Rodriguez, is at it again. You may remember him from his freshman label with little Audrey, called Grandma's Glock. In one quick swoop, Grandma's Glock went from being a no-name at Pool, to gracing the cover of Women's Wear Daily just a few months thereafter. We were all thrilled. 

Now Johnny has broken away from his duet line, and has produced a brand new collection whipped up all on his own. The label: House of Bare. In fact, I coined the term "House of Bare" one day in my bedroom when Johnny came up from LA to visit Benito and I. It will remain as an inside joke, since trying to explain what it means would take a million years.

Moving right along, Johnny has finally set his collection to the press. He has already received acclaim in various fashion blogs like the Fashionisto and Mens Rag, and was asked to show his collection during LA's fashion week.

Here is the House of Bare logo I designed for Johnny, which will be used as the hang tags to his garments:

House of Bare is being sold exclusively at Welcome Hunters in LA. 454B Jung Jing Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 687-9905

*Photo by Benito Ramirez

Outter Spatial Show at Painted Bird

Had a solo show at Painted Bird September 19th. It will run for a month. For this show I wanted to do something fun, and work on things that involved my hands. I wanted to put down the photos and get a little crafty again. This show was inspired by aliens (or rather coneheads) and spaceships. All works done with only paper, graphite, and or ink.

Here is an example of a piece I made, showing its process from start to finish.

This two-piece framed set is $100 available at Painted Bird. 1201 Guerrero St @ 24th. San Francisco, Ca 94110 (415) 401-7027

*Thank you to Jealousy who played opening night.