Here's a performance I filmed last year at the Rauchenberg space in NYC. I first saw this at the RedCat in Los Angeles and was asked to film it for the Machine Project a year later. Machine Project does all kinds of fun things and you can see more of their projects here - http://machineproject.com/.
Anything to take my mind away from where it's supposed to be
B!RDBRA!N at Rauschenberg Project - New York City
Prada Marfa
I just purchased tickets to see Steve Earle at Ballroom Marfa. I can't think of a better place to see him. Every summer I take my mom to see a concert, it's something we've done since I was in hight school. We've sen Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart (her favorite) and many many others. I think this one will be up there with one of the best. Marfa, we're coming for you!
Hummingbirds and coffee
Spring has sprung!
Flower girl
I recently visited Las Vegas, NV and got to squeeze in a fun shoot with my cousin's little girl Sabrina. Last time I saw her she wasn't walking yet, but this time we had fun chasing her all around the park. Can't wait to document her growing up.
Current mood in LA
I was asked by one of my oldest friends to shoot his wedding on Valentine's Day at the Georgia O'Keefe museum. I am so happy for these two taking the plunge! Congrats to you Damien and David xoxo!
Leonard Knight's Salvation Mountain
I was very sad today when I heard the news that Leonard Knight had passed away. I met him a few years back on a road trip to the Salton Sea. Leonard was a very sweet man who let me take his portrait while visiting.
Leonard came to Slab City in 1984. The area is basically no-man's land. Squatters have taken over what was formerly the Camp Dunlap Marine Training Facility; a training ground for US troops during World War II. Only the cement foundations of buildings remain, providing a convenient name for the area, Slab City. Soon afterwards, people began to occupy the area during winter months to take advantage of the rent-free parking.
Leonard has been living in his truck here since 1984, exactly where he broke down. He shared his space with a variety of cats with no names, undeterred by the brutal desert heat. He has no electricity, no running water of telephone.
For 15 years he has been painting the mountain for God and building caves rooms with materials he finds in the desert. Over 500,000 gallons of paint were used to paint his mural.
Leonard played himself in the movie "Into the Wild", which had a scene set at Salvation Mountain. The movie brought in fans, religious pilgrims and curious people like myself to see the mountain.
Here is a portrait I took of him back in 2011.
Little Green Cars in NYC
Tonight I got to see a private show of the Dublin band Little Green Cars. These kids are so talented. Here's a little video of one of my favorite songs, John Wayne.
The Nether, Kirk Douglas Theater
Today I photographed a set for the play The Nether. More on the show in Chance Magazine here.
Warped Tour NYC
Yesterday I attended my first Warped Tour. I know what you're thinking....WHY??? I'm pretty sure 16 year old me would have been beyond pumped to have a backstage pass, but 30 year old Cristal, not so much. Spending a day melting in the over 100 degree temps with 100 percent humidity listening to bands I've never heard of is not my idea of fun. I rarely get to see my friend Crysta so I grabbed my camera and braved the heat! I ended up having a blast catching up with my friends from Big D and the Kids Table, Beebs and her Money Makers and Reel Big Fish! Here's a few snaps from when I actually braved leaving the tour bus. These kids were out of control!
Kenny the Warped Roadie
Backstage at Warped Tour NYC with Kenny the star of Warped Roadies.
Baby Jalen
What a little cutie.
