CHRISSY PIPER (PHOTOGRAPHY)

2010-08-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a split photozine with an old friend and roommate-- Brian Maryansky. He and I use to spend our days walking around NYC making photos. I thought it would be nice to do a split zine with some of those photos as well as others that we made on our own trips. I'm very excited to get this zine done and out! I will post more about it here when it's done!
Hope everyone is well and enjoying summer!
Best,
Chrissy
Top photo-Brian Maryansky
Bottom photo- Chrissy Piper
Best,
Chrissy

2010-08-05T22:11:00.001-07:00

Rich Cali makes nice art.
Check it out here:
http://www.youngrichcali.com/

2010-08-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Made sure to shoot some tri-x on this shoot with
Noot Seear. I still just love the look of grain...

2010-08-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

Updated my website finally! Lots of new photos including some of these that I made with model Noot Seear for Free People. Stop on by if you have some time!
http://www.chrissypiper.com/
Best,
Chrissy

2010-07-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Found this photo from the last shoot I did with Free People and it made me smile. We were shooting at the Chateau Marmont here in Los Angeles. The light in the front room was really beautiful so we decided to do a shot in there. As I was shooting the model (Noot Seear), I turned around to see these three taking their own photos/making videos. It was pretty funny/great to see the producer, art director and videographer that in to the shot! Made me smile! Not too much longer and I can show the actual photos!!!

2010-07-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Absolutely love the new "Let's Colour Project" Campaign by Euro RSCG London. Not only is the project a really great idea but the 2 minute film directed by Adam Berg is absolutely beautiful. Check it out/learn more here:
http://www.letscolourproject.com/

2010-07-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Ariel!

2010-07-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

If you're going to be in Southern California this weekend, this is a really great art show that you should attend! More info here:
http://xeroxeyelids.com/
Best,
Chrissy

2010-07-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

The woman in the middle of these photos is Gerda. I have known her for many years now as she is practically a second mom to my own. At 82 she is still working as a hairdresser, painting amazing pictures and telling great jokes. My Mom says her hair styles are getting a little messy but her costumers have gone to her for so long, they don't want to say anything. I kind of love that story.

2010-07-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

This store display made me laugh. I think it's for a nail salon?
Anyway, lots of good things in the mix... working on a split zine
with Brian Maryansky-- all black and white street photos. I think
it's going to be a great zine! Will post here when it's published and
ready to go! A couple of shows in the works as well-- more soon!!!

2010-07-15T23:14:00.000-07:00

LITTLE PUNKERS!
This last weekend Matt and I were invited to a kids party/show. It was a chance for a lot of the punks to bring their kids (or little brothers and sisters) and everyone hang out together. Was such a nice event! I brought a light and did some portraits of everyone. SO much fun!
If you want to see a lot more of these photos-- check out the set on my flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrissypiper/sets/72157624498059630/
Hope you're having a great summer!
XO-
CP

2010-07-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

If you live in LA or are ever passing through, you should check out Orean. It's a fast food place that serves all vegetarian/vegan food. They have a drive through and everything! I suggest the "chicken" burger and non dairy vanilla shake! It's pretty great to sit there eating vegetarian food across the street from a McDonalds, a KFC and a Burger King! It's in Pasadena and really worth the trip. Here's the link to their site:
http://www.oreanshealthexpress.com/default.asp
Enjoy!
CP
OH, and that's my little pal Emma sitting out front of Orean!

2010-07-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

My father's parents were professional roller derby skaters. They traveled all over the US and Europe competing. My grandfather was even a stunt double for Mickey Rooney in a movie where he becomes a roller derby guy. This photo was apparently taken in Paris in the 40's. I just love how stoked they are! They are the real deal in my eyes. When did it turn in to a bunch of tattooed ladies looking "tough?".

oh and please don't rip this photo without permission. Thanks.

2010-07-08T20:27:00.001-07:00

Randomsssss

2010-07-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

"If you're going to San Frannnnccciiiisssscccccoooooo"

Be sure to stop by CREATIVITY EXPLORED. Creativity explored is a really great non profit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit and sell their art. Visitors are welcome to look around the place. I can't tell you how inspiring this place is-- TONS and TONS of paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. I highly recommend spending some time there. Below are a couple photos taken from my phone. They do not include the gallery that is in the front of the building. Here is the link to their site if you'd like more information:

http://www.creativityexplored.org/

2010-07-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Man's best friend.

Taken in San Sebastion in the Basque Country (Spain).

2010-07-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

2010-07-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to celebrate the 4th of July but sometimes the fireworks are nice
to look at. We went out to the suburbs to watch some-- good times. I told
them to act bad in the first photo and that's what they came up with! My favorite part is
that Paul (on the left) is putting away his glasses. You know, you can't act bad in glasses!

2010-07-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Sale time!!!

Having a clearance sale over at my Big Cartel store to make room
for the new zine and new tote bags. Not that they take up much room
but it's kinda nice to have a sale now and then!!! For example, get all
of the above for $20. plus shipping...
Stop by if you have
a minute!
http://chrissypiper.bigcartel.com/

2010-07-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

2010-07-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Funny outtake from a shoot I did with Flosstradamus. Such nice guys!

2010-07-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

I miss Polaroid 669. Shot the last of the expired stuff I had :(

2010-07-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Found this piece of paper the other day in a box of photos.
It had two polaroids taped to it with "Julie Patterson Vs. Bob Saget" written
underneath it. I couldn't stop cracking up. I had photographed Bob Saget when I first
moved to LA. I must of photographed Julie in that same week? I just love it because
Julie is one of the funniest people I have ever met. She would win for sure.

2010-06-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

Man and Dog, NYC.

2010-06-29T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here's to youth!!!
Emma is one of the coolest little kids I have ever met. Her
parents are pretty cool too...

2010-06-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

2010-06-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Jawbreaker, 1992, Cell 63, Reseda, CA.
Was contacted by a magazine this week for some old Jawbreaker photos.
Thought I would post some of them here-- shitty scans but I still love these
photos- so many great memories!!!

2010-06-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you've ever wanted to learn more about the Basque Country and their intense history-- here is a really good place to start. Great book by Mark Kurlansky.

2010-06-25T00:35:00.000-07:00

Squat in San Sebastion/Basque country, Spain.
That's Lotti, Toni and Shari making breakfast. I can't wait
to go back to that part of Europe!

2010-06-23T12:59:00.000-07:00

I photographed Passion Pit down in Austin a little while ago. After the shoot was over, as I was out front saying goodbye, my friends were in the backyard trying on all the props. Needless to say, we made some photos! Here’s a little grid of my nerdy friends and then one of the Passion Pit photos. Pretty silly.

2010-06-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for cool or interesting places to do shoots so when some friends mentioned an older Donut shop out in Burbank, I was in! I love donuts! Almost too much I think (is that possible?). Donut Prince in Burbank-- good stuff! Not to mention they have some pretty cool little paintings in the place!!!

Ariel enjoying a pink donut!

Matt, post donut happiness.

Lovely painting of a young woman. Though, her hands were
never finished.

Paul, in a very small booth.

2010-06-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's summer time again, time to head to the beach as much as possible! Time to learn how to surf. I love using those little Fuji point and shoot disposable underwater cameras! They make everything look so old :)
Manhattan Beach, CA
June 2010

2010-06-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

Added a bunch of the THREE RECORDS ZINE portraits to my website. It's nice to show them in their original format (ie not photocopied zine style). Still working on issue #4!
Check them out here:
http://www.chrissypiper.com/work/three-records-portraits
Best,
Chrissy

2010-06-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Outtake from a shoot I did with Dirty Ghosts in SF. They were (are) fun and funny!

2010-06-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

Andy Wheeler, Mojave, CA.

2010-06-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Robert got a new tattoo!

2010-06-16T21:44:00.002-07:00

Haven't checked on this blog in a while. It was supposed to be updating each time I added something to my website "news/blog" section but I guess that didn't work out. I'm still learning the ways of the internet. HA. So, lots of posts to make here. To start with- I'm in a few shows that are up right now. Below is the info for each. Please stop by if you are in wither of those towns and have some time! Best, CP

2009-09-22T21:43:00.001-07:00

A lot of good things are in the planning stages! Looks like the THREE RECORDS zine show is going to be a traveling show very soon. Not announcing it just yet but three other cities have offered a space for the show! Ya hooo! So excited as this zine has been like my little baby for years!
Also, lots going on with the Victorian shoots that I have done in the past... may be turned in to a campaign for a clothing company. Good stuff all around!
Also, I've started taking new portraits for the next THREE RECORDS zine... so excited!
Made photos of Tim Kerr (Big Boys/amazing artist!) and his wife Beth tonight-- such sweet/inspiring people! Can't wait to get further in to the next issue!
Hope everyone is well!
Best,
Chrissy

Chrissy Piper's 3 Records @ Needles Pens

2009-09-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

Chrissy Piper's 3 Records @ Needles Pens

Posted using ShareThis

2009-09-07T23:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.needles-pens.com/chrissypiper3records.html
Great write up and photos from the Three Records show at Needles and Pens in SF last month! Thanks Andrew!

2009-09-07T12:48:00.001-07:00

How great is this?!!!
This may be my next little project to recreate!

2009-09-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Did another shoot in an old Victorian dress. Here are some photos from such a great
day with my friend Jessica.

2009-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Three Records #3 is out and available here:
http://chrissypiper.bigcartel.com/
Get yours today!
Hope everyone is well,
Best!
Chrissy

2009-08-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Super excited about the upcoming show for THREE RECORDS at NEEDLES & PENS in San Francisco. Made 24X 36 posters tonight and am even more excited to put the show up! Can’t wait. August 15TH, Come on out!!!
http://www.needles-pens.com/home.html

2009-08-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

MORE INFO HERE:

THREE RECORDS #3 IS DONE AND COMING OUT SOON!

“Name THREE RECORDS that changed and/or inspired your life.”

Finally done with the new zine and am so excited about it! This issue includes the following people:
(in order)

Milosz Gassan
Sylvia Tomaszewska
Chris Boarts
Will Kinser
Kevin Wendt
Noelle from Oakland
Jessica Douglas
Ron Segarra
Kane Humboldt
Wahji Sanders
Josh Small
Matthew Gere
Tim Shaw
Alexis Smith
Matt Badenhop
Tim Mc Guigan
Sean Agnew
Allen Hitchens
Pete Hyde
Justin Briggs
Hans ZImmerman
Victor Gutierrez
Toni Bourgeois
Jeff Ziga
Rugrat Paraskos
Yannick Lorraine
Alanna Graham
Lenora Pritchard
Ben Denes
Katherine Strickland
Dominique Del Santo
Jack Barfield
Zoe Dodd
Eric Owens
Jasmine Spadaro
Nicole "Rikki" Verkerk
Chip King
Kristen Dale
Joshua Peach
Brent LoVerde
Dan Butler
Moses Saarni
Dan Randall
Cris Verso
Mike Maciel
Sam Abend
Kevin Sherald
Chris Taggart
Heather Ryan
Andrew Martin Scott

I WILL POST INFORMATION WHEN IT’S OUT!

2009-08-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hey There!
I’m very excited to announce that I will be having an exhibit for the THREE RECORDS zine that I do! The show will be at the wonderful NEEDLES AND PENS in San Francisco. I’ve always loved going/shopping there and am so honored to be having a show there!
The show opens August 15th from 6-9PM and will be up until September 20TH! Come say hello!

NEEDLES AND PENS
253 16TH STREET
SF, CA 94103
WWW.NEEDLES-PENS.COM

2009-05-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

2009-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

I decided to start putting out postcard sets by photographers/friends/artists that I really love. Especially those who will never have their "work" published because that's not something they are trying to do or not a priority. All money that comes in from the sale of these cards will go in to the next set being printed.

SET #1 is by a friend and photographer, WILL KINSER. I love his photos, the live ones and the portraits so we did a variety. Photos of Pisschrist from Australia, Fy Fan from Sweden, friends goofing off, Lena looking beautiful and a classic PUNX! photo (reminds me of the old "London" postcards with Punx on it).
Thanks WILL!!!
Please support this project!
$5 paypal to SEEPIPER@HOTMAIL.COM
(Includes shipping in the US)

2009-02-12T13:54:00.001-08:00

SO, the second issue of the zine that I do is finally done! I'm so excited!!! This time, 66 people name THREE RECORDS that changed and/or inspired their lives. There is a photo of them that I made with their lists. It's $5 ppd to my PAYPAL account (SEEPIPER@HOTMAIL.COM) Add $1.50 if it's international shipping (for a total of $6.50). Sorry about that, it's getting expensive! Not like the days of scamming zines at Kinko's.
Hope everyone is well,
CP

PEOPLE IN THIS ISSUE:

TIM BARRY
SCOTT KELLY
CHRISTY THORNTON
CARRIE YOTTER
ALLYSON BAKER
DOUB HANSHAW
MIKE THORN
DANIELLE REDDEN
BETH SALMON
EMILY JANZ
DANIEL STEWART
DAVE KOVESS
ALLISON FUTERAL
ANDY NELSON
KARI JOHNSON
CRISPIN
KATE HUROWITZ
RICH JACOBS
SARAH MCNABB
SONNY KAY
STEVE ROCHE
BLOCKHEAD
JESS KAMEN
CISSIE SCURLOCK
AMY WATSON
RICHARD NORTHAM
VANESSA BURT
EDDIE LEAL
ROBERT COLLINS
KAROLINE COLLINS
SHAM SAENZ
GEOFF "NEIGHBOR" HANSEN
JOSH AGRAN
MIKE BRENNAN
ALEX LEGARE
MEGON MCCAUL
TOM GABEL
HEATHER GABEL
JOSHUA WILDMAN
CHRIS WOLLARD
ERIC WEISS
JORDAN ATKINS
BRIAN STERN
JOHN ROBINSON
TODD BENOIT
STACEY PRIDHAM
ALEX BALE
BRADLEY ROBERTS
MACKENZIE MCALPIN
DOMINIC NEITZ
LOGAN DEAN
STAN WRIGHT
REIKO IGARASHI
GREG DALY
CHRIS MILLER
BEN BARNETT
NOEL PETRIE
GLENN MARYANSKY
PAUL HENRY
ZACH LONDON
SMITH PUGET
OMER KRESO
AL (SJN)
CLINTON CHAPMAN

2009-02-10T00:10:00.000-08:00

Scan from an old journal.
Inspiration and friendship.

2009-02-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

Meet me here.

2009-01-15T14:39:00.001-08:00

New little interview the nice folks over at GOB Magazine did with me,
Stop by if you have a minute!
Best,
Chrissy

GOB MAGAZINE

2008-12-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

Please take the time to watch the below video and read the article I have posted (as well as the articles linked at the bottom). This is very important and I think more and more people need to hear about it. This is an investigation done by a good friend and huge inspiration to me,investigative reporter AC Thompson, on some horrible things that went down during the days of Hurrican Katrina.

Katrina's Hidden Race War
In New Orleans's Algiers Point, white vigilantes
shot African-Americans with impunity
Research support provided by the Investigative Fund of The Nation Institute.

By A.C. Thompson

December 18, 2008

The way Donnell Herrington tells it, there was no warning. One second he was trudging through the heat. The next he was lying prostrate on the pavement, his life spilling out of a hole in his throat, his body racked with pain, his vision blurred and distorted.

It was September 1, 2005, some three days after Hurricane Katrina crashed into New Orleans, and somebody had just blasted Herrington, who is African-American, with a shotgun. "I just hit the ground. I didn't even know what happened," recalls Herrington, a burly 32-year-old with a soft drawl.

The sudden eruption of gunfire horrified Herrington's companions—his cousin Marcel Alexander, then 17, and friend Chris Collins, then 18, who are also black. "I looked at Donnell and he had this big old hole in his neck," Alexander recalls. "I tried to help him up, and they started shooting again." Herrington says he was staggering to his feet when a second shotgun blast struck him from behind; the spray of lead pellets also caught Collins and Alexander. The buckshot peppered Alexander's back, arm and buttocks.

Herrington shouted at the other men to run and turned to face his attackers: three armed white males. Herrington says he hadn't even seen the men or their weapons before the shooting began. As Alexander and Collins fled, Herrington ran in the opposite direction, his hand pressed to the bleeding wound on his throat. Behind him, Herrington says, the gunmen yelled, "Get him! Get that nigger!"

The attack occurred in Algiers Point. The Point, as locals call it, is a neighborhood within a neighborhood, a small cluster of ornate, immaculately maintained 150-year-old houses within the larger Algiers district. A nationally recognized historic area, Algiers Point is largely white, while the rest of Algiers is predominantly black. It's a "white enclave" whose residents have "a kind of siege mentality," says Tulane University historian Lance Hill, noting that some white New Orleanians "think of themselves as an oppressed minority."

A wide street lined with towering trees, Opelousas Avenue marks the dividing line between Algiers Point and greater Algiers, and the difference in wealth between the two areas is immediately noticeable. "On one side of Opelousas it's 'hood, on the other side it's suburbs," says one local. "The two sides are totally opposite, like muddy and clean."

Algiers Point has always been somewhat isolated: it's perched on the west bank of the Mississippi River, linked to the core of the city only by a ferry line and twin gray steel bridges. When the hurricane descended on Louisiana, Algiers Point got off relatively easy. While wide swaths of New Orleans were deluged, the levees ringing Algiers Point withstood the Mississippi's surging currents, preventing flooding; most homes and businesses in the area survived intact. As word spread that the area was dry, desperate people began heading toward the west bank, some walking over bridges, others traveling by boat. The National Guard soon designated the Algiers Point ferry landing an official evacuation site. Rescuers from the Coast Guard and other agencies brought flood victims to the ferry terminal, where soldiers loaded them onto buses headed for Texas.

In the case of one shooting victim, evidence indicates that the local police may have been complicit in his death. Eyewitnesses didn't see where the bullet came from, but when they took a bleeding Henry Glover to a police staging area hoping for medical assistance, they were met by blows instead. See A.C. Thompson's companion piece, "Body of Evidence."
Facing an influx of refugees, the residents of Algiers Point could have pulled together food, water and medical supplies for the flood victims. Instead, a group of white residents, convinced that crime would arrive with the human exodus, sought to seal off the area, blocking the roads in and out of the neighborhood by dragging lumber and downed trees into the streets. They stockpiled handguns, assault rifles, shotguns and at least one Uzi and began patrolling the streets in pickup trucks and SUVs. The newly formed militia, a loose band of about fifteen to thirty residents, most of them men, all of them white, was looking for thieves, outlaws or, as one member put it, anyone who simply "didn't belong."
THE STORY CONTINUES HERE:
http://www.nationinstitute.org/p/thompson12182008

MORE ON THE INVESTIGATION BY AC THOMPSON HERE:

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090105/thompson3
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090105/thompson2
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090105/thompson

2008-12-17T22:29:00.000-08:00

"YOU CAN'T PUT A NAME ON THE INNOCENCE OF THAT FACE."

Didn't see the movie but this gag reel nearly brings me to tears (with laughter) every time I watch it. Thanks to Ms. Mackenzie for passing it along- I can't get enough! These two are hillarious! "What about the Pup?" I love that line. Sigh. It's cold here in California.
Hope this makes someone else laugh too...
CP

2008-12-15T14:21:00.000-08:00

Working on the new issue of the Three Records zine that I do. In the zine, I ask people to name three records that have changed and/or inspired their lives. So interesting to see how music came in to people's lives and the effect it had on them. SO excited to be working on this project again!!! There have been people's list that have come in that have brought me to tears- so good. This is the cover of the first one... I'll let you all know when the second one is finished!!!
Hope everyone is well and warm!
Best,
Chrissy

2008-12-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

Just another quick thought-- does anyone else find it weird that even the "Art House" Movie Theaters are playing those insanely patriotic/propogandic Army commercials? Each time they come on I am a little more confused. Any information?

2008-12-11T22:21:00.000-08:00

Shot a bunch of product type stuff for an art director friend of mine today and yesterday. Normally most photographers I know cringe at the thought of this kind of photography! I use to but more and more I am having fun with it. It's a pretty nice challenge making mundane things come to life (or at least look interesting). Maybe mundane is the wrong word? I think I just love the technical challenge of it... Not to mention it's not often I use a long lens! They are SOOO nerdy. Yeah, come on, they are! Just a different kind of photo challenge!
Hope all is well.
CP

2008-12-08T22:06:00.000-08:00

Couple, NYC.

I was so happy to see these two walking hand in hand for blocks and blocks that I had to make a photo of it. I've been in love before and will be in love again I'm sure(how's that for positivity?). Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm wherever you may be. Rumor has it it's pretty cold out East. Hmmm, it's going to be 55 in LA tonight!!! That's kind of cold?

2008-12-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of horror films but I went on a highly recommended suggestion that I go see the Swedish film LET THE RIGHT ONE IN I was surprised at how much I really liked it. I loved the way it was shot with it's muted colors and tight shots-- not to mention the actors did a really great/convincing job. I'm not a movie critic, not really sure how to write about these things... though I am very picky and am saying that this movie is really worth checking out. Let me know what you think!
Best,
Chrissy
Here's the trailer:

2008-12-06T00:11:00.000-08:00

"I PROMISE YOU THIS, I'LL ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR YOU, THAT'S WHAT I'LL DO" CM

Photo:Wroclaw, Poland, 2001

Seems like a lot of friends are having hard times these days. Feels like the state of the world is finally rearing it's ugly head in our personal lives. It was inevitable. So many times this week I've said "things will get better, you just need to get through this." And it's true. Things always do get better, it's just a matter of getting through it. Reminded me of this photo I made in Poland. I was very sad, maybe the saddest I've ever been in my life. I remember the (1/60th of a )second I made that photo that I knew everything would be ok. It was the strangest sensation and I'm not really sure I can explain it. I just remember having a rush of hope after hearing the shutter. It was so ironic standing in the middle of what was once was a Jewish ghetto in Poland and thinking "you know, it will be ok." And eventually, it was and I was and I am. It's just a matter of going through it, getting through it and eventually, you will. I promise you that.
Be good to one another.
Love,
Chrissy

2008-12-04T23:58:00.000-08:00

I use to travel a lot with my friend Jason Fulford. On one of our trips, he started writing a list of 5 things from each day. I can't remember exactly what the theme of these lists were, pretty sure it was just anything from the day. Most likely positive or funny things that happened that day. I started doing it as well and had a lot of fun recounting the day. So, why not do it now and then? Starting now...

1. Hanging out with Niles drinking coffee, eating at a great new spot and talking film for a couple of hours. He's equally obsessed with the 40's in Los Angeles. That makes me excited for future projects with him! We also talked about a future photo show in LA that he would like me to be a part of. That makes me happy! whoop whoop.

2. Lots of Three Records #2 lists coming in! So fun to read everyone's records.

3. Jimi Hendrix look-a-like in the 99 cents store. He is still kind of blowing my mind.

4. Walking around LA today with my headphones on, with the volume up REALLY loud. I love the feeling of walking and listening to music. Puts you in another world and man, shit sounds sooooo much better in the headphones. Maybe I need to get one of those big fancy pairs that look like ear muffs. I can only imagine how good that sounds. Not to mention, it drowns out all the shitty comments dudes think it's ok to say. I see their lips moving but nothing's coming out! Only music. I love walking around town and listening to music. Did I say that? Yeah.

5. Tonight, making a huge pot of potato/leek soup and watching WAL-E. Cute movie. Great soup. I like the simple things in life.

2008-12-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share some art I made as a kid. Just came across it in a pile of papers.
Ahhhh, to be young again.
Hope everyone is well and staying warm!
Best,
Chrissy

2008-11-30T23:02:00.000-08:00

Made a bunch of these little wood plaques with my photos for a show I was in not too long ago. There were over 40 of them... these are the remaining ones! So much fun to figure out a new way to hang a show... has my brain racing on different ways to do things!

2008-11-30T01:32:00.000-08:00

OUCH.

2008-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

A collage to look at. Nice people, nice places. I like collages.
CP

2008-11-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today I am missing you.

Not too long ago I worked on a job in Berlin for two weeks ... I would see this building everyday on my walk from the coffee shop back to the hotel. There was just something about it's simplicity that made me love it...

2008-11-26T21:25:00.000-08:00

Years ago a friend and I went on a road trip through Virginia. In the middle of the night we came across this wonderful donut shop called Maple's. The place was full of all locals, each greeting eachother as they came in. AND the donuts and coffee were delicious! There was a HUGE donut making factory attached to the shop. I have tried to find this place online over and over but can't remember the name of the town we were in. Can anyone help me out?! MAPLE'S DONUTS in a small town in Virginia?! That would make me soooo happy! CP
PS- How good is that sign? It's almost angelic!

2008-11-25T22:19:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I found myself a bit obsessed with the corrupt history of this city (especially during the 40's). I was constantly reading books by various authors around the subject--fiction and non fiction--Raymond Chandler, James Ellroy, Kenneth Anger. I was excited when a friend I knew here shared a similar obsession. We would drive around LA together, checking out locations where weird and often sad incidents took place. During this time, another friend of mine, Heather Gabel, came to town. We got to talking about the history of Los Angeles and she chimed in with lots of additional information. For years she had read endless interviews, books and articles on Elizabeth Short (more commonly known as the Black Dahlia). Her fascination with the Short's story totally drew me in. The movie was so horrible that I hadn't ever been attentive to what had really happened to her. Long story short, Heather and I talked forever about this woman's life and the ideas of what could of happened to her. Heather had all of her own theories, it was pretty amazing! SO, we decided that we would do a shoot revolving around those theories-- where she was in the weeks between last being seen and turning up murdered. I had never done a little project like this, it was really great doing the research and finding a location, clothing, props. We shot it in an extremely sketchy hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The entire place was being renovated except for this one room. I can't explain how strange the energy of the hotel was... never once did I doubt that it's past was still lingering. As great as the shoot was, I think we were all relieved to get out of that place. Here's a few photos from the shoot, hope you like them...
CP

2008-11-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

JUST A THOUGHT.

2008-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Spent a lot of time with my friend Zach this summer. He is a great guy and really fun to make photos of-- he started modeling recently... we had a lot of fun taking photos and hanging out, here are some photos from his days in Los Angeles. Hire him, he's a good one and VERY easy to work with!
Wink,
CP

2008-11-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

Was reading up on some of the photography that was going on during the Spiritualist moment and came across this photo. This wasn't a part of that movement but rather the way that photographers did portraits of babies or young children back in the day. Rather than leaning a baby against a backdrop or sitting them on a chair, the photographer would have an assistant or family member drape themselves in black and then hold the child. Makes for a very creepy, yet, very cool photo. I will surely being doing this soon!
CP

2008-11-18T22:18:00.001-08:00

MORE SCANS FROM OLD JOURNALS...

2008-11-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

For years I've kept journals with random photos taped throughout.
Here are some random scans from a couple journals. I've left the overly personal ones out... wink. More to come soon!

2008-11-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

OH and another video of interest passed over to me by the lovely Lisa Klipsic today:
AMELIE JR!
Everyone needs a good story and boy can this little girl tell one!!!

2008-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Oh boy! The folks over at Free People are at it again! Check out the new show DOG TALK about the dogs that hang out at the office. So funny! Not to mention, the lovely and talented Carrie Yotter is behind the camera.

DOG TALK!

2008-11-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a video that Free People made of the shoot I did with them in Brooklyn a couple months ago (there will be a Mexico one too- ha hooooo!). Check it out if you get a minute... not to mention there's a Bowie song. Come on, that alone is worth it! Thanks Carrie for the amazing footage!

Here's the link:

BROOKLYN SHOOT

Hope all is well!
CP

2008-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

I don't say it very often but today I'm missing NYC. Sundays were always nice for walking around making photos. Lots of people on the street and the light shining down the avenues is unlike any other. I could walk for days chasing that light. Instead I find my self in a smoke ridden city. Don't get me wrong, like Randy Newman, I love LA. Love the twisted history that this town has, it really is ran by the movie/television industry. There's just something so nice about walking around the city with thousands of others, running in to random people, seeing beautiful people who have no idea they are. I guess I'm just feeling a little lonely today... tomorrow will be different. I know that for sure.

2008-11-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

Kind of fell behind on posting. Feel like I haven't had a minute since returning from the shoot in Mexico. That's a good thing though, helps to avoid the post trip sadness! LA is burning again. So many people have lost their homes, the sky is even browner than usual. For everyone's sake, I hope they get a handle on it soon.
Random photos to post later on. On a side note-- I watched an amazing documentary the other night by Werner Herzog- "Little Dieter Needs to Fly." I'm sometimes torn over Herzog's documentaries but this one I really loved. This one is about a man (Dieter Dengler) who's dreams to fly lead him to the Vietnam War. He was shot down over Laos and taken prisoner with a few others. His story is a bit overwhelming at times, what he went through, but his fight to survive is beyond inspiring.
The footage that Herzog came up with is really great as well as a really uncomfortable scene where he has locals tie Dengler up and walk him through the jungles of Laos. I'm not sure I could of asked someone to do that but the end result is pretty moving... check it out if you get a chance.
CP

2008-11-08T13:20:00.001-08:00

More "behind the scenes" from Tulum shoot:

2008-11-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Just returned home from an amazing shoot down in Tulum, Mexico. Our producer Dominique found this amazing Eco Resort right on the beach... Can't even begin to tell you how breathtaking the place was. Jungle on one side, crystal clear waters on the other. We stayed and shot there which was really nice, especially with 6AM call times. The light there is amazing and we didn't want to miss a minute of it! We would shoot for about four hours and then have a siesta (when in Rome!). During that time, everyone could relax or go for a swim while the art director, stylist, photo editor and I edited the photos from the morning. Was such a nice way to work. Though, I think the most amazing aspect of this shoot, beyond the location, was the crew. There were 11 of us. Better yet, 11 women. There was just something really cool about a woman crew creating what is "sexy" to the viewer. I talked with the models about this quiet a bit. Encouraging confidence as sexy rather that a "come hither" kind of look. They were great and each time I look at the photos I think "wow, they all look so confident, so fierce." Yeah, I used the word fierce for the first time in my life. Ha, though I have to say I really understand it now. I can't thank everyone enough for all of their hard work! You guys make me proud to be a part of such a great crew!
Love you all,
Chrissy
Here are some "behind the scenes" photos:

Every time the rooms were cleaned, there was a new creature left.
WARDROBE

ALESANDRA AND DEANNA DANCING!

VIEW FROM MY ROOM

2008-11-08T08:53:00.000-08:00

HI Everyone! Please check out this amazing book by my good pal Ida Pearle... she does really beautiful pieces--none of these are done on the computer-- all hand cut! Also, if you read the the Sunday Times (NEW YORK), please check out the review of her book in the Book Review section tomorrow.
Here's the link for the book:
http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Day-Alphabet-Play/dp/0152065520

2008-10-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Down in Tulum, Mexico shooting another job for Free People. I can't even begin to tell you how beautiful this place is! Scouting for locations today we were all in total awe. I can't believe that places like this exist but am grateful that they do. We are staying at an eco resort right on the beach! (That's the photo of it above). If you ever get a chance to come down this way, do. There is something very magical about it.
Really.
Hope everyone is well!
Best,
Chrissy

2008-10-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Starting to hear the complaints of friends back east about it getting cold... Made me think of snow and winter and how I don't really get to experience that now that I live in LA. Thought of these photos and the snow ball fights we had. Though, in all honesty, it's pretty nice being warm all the time. Well, except at night when you have to have two blankets instead of one. Randy Newman said it best "I LOVE LA--- WE LOVE IT!"

2008-10-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

I came across this little book of drawings called "SAD ANIMALS" by Adam Meuse and was immediately won over by it. I stood in the bookstore laughing out loud for a good five minutes. I scanned my favorite little owl so you can get an idea of what's in there. Not sure where you can get them in other parts of the country but in Los Angeles, you can get your own copy at SKYLIGHT BOOKS on Vermont in Los Feliz. (You should just go there anyway and check out the new art/photo/rad annex next door. It's my favorite place to go these days. So much inspiration in one little store). OR you can email Adam at the email he has listed in the book: meusetrap@yahoo.com
I think I've bought about 12 of these by now as gifts. So good!

2008-10-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Zach in the desert.
Seems like summer is never ending here. I am ok with that though.

2008-10-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

I found a really great deal for getting postcards and other random things printed. Have been having a lot of fun sending out around 30-40 postcards a day! If you haven't already, send me your address and I will add you to the list!
Best,
Chrissy

Please send your address to SEEPIPER@HOTMAIL.COM

2008-10-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Above is a still from one of my favorite movies of all times. Obviously I didn't take the photo though it would of been a dream of mine to shoot stills on a movie as great as this. It's called THE FALL (no, it's not about the band!). It was filmed in over 23 countries, mostly on the directors dime. He would often piggy back shooting at the same time he was shooting a commercial job. Some of the shots are just breathtaking and done without the use of CGI. I watched it three times in the theater and was blown away each time- both for it's imagery and story telling... please check out the trailer here:
THE FALL TRAILER
I only wish more movies were being made like this!!!
Best,
Chrissy

2008-10-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

Photo of my friend Heather Gabel who is an amazing artist! Please check her art out here:
HEATHER GABEL

2008-10-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hi! So, I guess it's time to get serious about this blog. I've had it forever but have stuck to doing things on Myspace and (as of today) Facebook. SO, here's my blog, getting a new start.

Photo wise, there has been a ton going on over the last few months... Heading to Tulum, Mexico next week for another shoot with Free People. Looking forward to seeing all of them as well as the Mayan Ruins I've heard so much about! Working hard on another issue of THREE RECORDS zine in which I have friends name Three records that have changed or inspired their lives.

Hmmm, here's a little interview that Matt Rubin over at rubinrecommends.com did with me!

RUBIN INTERVIEW

While on the subject, here's another interview that I did with the wonderful folks over at Def Jux records. Lots of talk of photography and Aesop Rock. Two great things.

DEFINITIVE JUX INTERVIEW

2006-11-05T22:49:00.000-08:00

JUST ADDED A TONS OF PHOTOS TO FLICKR! CHECK IT OUT AT:
FLICKR PAGE!!!
HOPE ALL IS WELL!
BEST-
CHRISSY

2006-11-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

ICELAND

Photo made while working on the Volvo "Life on Board" project with Jason Fulford.

2006-11-05T21:29:00.000-08:00

PORTLAND, OR SEPTEMBER 2001

2006-11-03T01:03:00.000-08:00

C. THORTON, NYC.
Thought it might be easier to start a blog than add photos all the time to my site (www.chrissypiper.com). Especially because there are some that I rather just show here than have on an actual site. Lots of hanging out photos to add eventually...