Laura Chang 7/7/19 Laura Chang 7/7/19

LA Update & Museum of Dream Space (MODS)

MODS is definitely inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room. Kusama has been one of my faves since I was lining up for 3-hours in the dead of NYC winter just to glimpse for 45-seconds of her inifinity Room. I felt like I was in space and time. Nothing else mattered except me and those lights— galaxies away. This museum brought me those vibes and I would definitely go back again and again because there is no timer on how long you can stay in a room. The best part is, once you pay for your ticket the first time, you can go back again for free as long as you show the front door a photo of your last visit.

Hello, there! Long time no see. Here to show you what’s been In My Visions and to tell you…I’m baaaaack!!!

Girl, does this feel good. I’ve done a lot, grown a lot, changed for sure, but still the same me with the same love to give for the people that have helped me become the woman I am today. I’ve missed you, IMV. I have visions of you every day, but I just haven’t been able to break it down into words and pictures the way I used to.

Recap! Then I’ll Tell You About MODS - I Swear

My last post was in 2017…OUCH! I even deactivate my account for a few months after my noticeable absence from posting, only to then miss it like crazy, so I resurrected it recently to reminiscence the good old posts. It’s safe to say, I clearly used to post a lot more. But, LA has been a beast. It’s been three years out here, and only now do I truly feel like I’ve got this city down.

Ever since I moved to LA, I’ve been hustling to make sure I am making strong career moves, a grounded group of LA friends, all while making this city feel like home. I’m still climbing up a ladder without an end in sight, but when I look down to see how far I’ve come, I catch my breath and get vertigo! I am grateful for every lesson I’ve learned, every advice I’ve been given, every mentor that listened and every hand that has lifted me upward. In this last year alone, I’ve been flying all over the US working on various reality shows, and it’s been such an incredible journey to visit different cities— cities that I definitely would not be visiting if not for the gigs. I still enjoy spontaneity and finding art in whatever town I am in. I lived in Providence, RI for almost 3 months and missed LA so much! So the moment I went back, I visited spots I’ve had on my LA bucket list and looked up the new happenings in the city. And with friends visiting town, that’s even more reason to make things happen!

So, without further ado…

Museum of Dream Space (MODS)

MODS is inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room. Kusama has been one of my faves for years— ever since I was lining up for 3-hours in the dead of NYC winter just to catch a glimpse of her 45-second Infinity Room. Walking in there is like time traveling into another dimension of space. Nothing else matters except me and those lights— galaxies away. This museum brought me those vibes and I will definitely go back again and again because there is no limit on how long you can stay in a room. The best part is, once you pay for your ticket the first time, you can go back again for free as long as you show the front door a photo of your last visit.

With so many “exclusive” pop-up museums— literally appearing left and right every month, I’ve lost interest in going to them. The last pop-up I went to was The Happy Place museum in 2018 and I remember feeling utterly bored and dissatisfied. I vowed never to waste money on a pop-up again, unless it was truly worth it. If you noticed my social media, I didn’t even post a thing about it. It was overpriced and way too crowded. The rooms weren’t intriguing and I was pretty over it immediately. I fell for the advertisement and the trap. I don’t like it when the space is overcrowded with people all trying to take a photo. I know that in the era of Instagram and oversharing, the number of likes have taken over the heart of why you take and share that photo. I wanted to bring back my joy of sharing a photo for the art of it. I didn’t want to share photos for the sake of proving to the world that I was doing “cool” stuff. I just want to share photos of places that I enjoy— a reminder of my original vision and why I created this space for myself to write and post. In My Visions is my personal photo journey and a place for me to post— for me.

The draw with MODS was definitely the lights and because this one is of the digital age. Best part is, this is actually not a pop-up and they do plan on updating and changing some of their rooms from time to time. No one was fighting to get their time at MODS. Yes, people were there for the Gram. But, everyone there was there for the photos, no doubt! No judgement on how many photos you take. In fact, they welcome you take photos from every angle! Everyone was there to enjoy it for themselves. Art and light like this is meant to be shared, because no one photo will come out the same as before. There’s resilience in that snap and it’s all worth it.

Usually my posts contain photos that I took. But, this time, they are taken by a photographer from MODS. Yes, I totally paid more for someone else to take these photos, and they were especially worth it because if you’re my friend, you know how particular I can get if the framing ain’t right. :) Love you, mean it. But above all, your cellphone just can’t get quality photos with lighting like this! I also wanted both Lorie and I to enjoy the space without pressure of getting a good photo for each other. We didn’t even carry our purses in when we had our photography session. Leave it to the experts! And, we walked through the rooms to experience them 3 times! This was Lorie & Laura Taking LA.

I can’t speak for Lorie, but I really enjoyed this museum! Ok, I know she really enjoyed it, too! I’ll be sure to go back again!

Get your timed ticket the next time you’re in LA: https://modsla.com/

It was worth it for me!

Until next time! Hopefully sooner rather than two years later.

<3,
Laura

Laura Chang 10/1/17 Laura Chang 10/1/17

Alley Art Arun

Tucked away in alleyways, art work graffiti and Arun.

Tucked away in alleyways are art and Arun. The grunginess reminded me of the streets of New York City, 5 Pointz and Queens. Check out just a few of the spots hidden around this gem in Los Angeles.

Heartthrob over here...ladies, he's single.

Altogether, there are three main alleys. Also known as the "Animal Alley," the easiest way to find them is by starting at the Gabba Gallery: 3126 Beverly Blvd.

And shoutout to Arun aka Astoic Sound. Check out his music! See more pics under the PEOPLE section ARUN.

xo,
Laura

Laura Chang 2/27/16 Laura Chang 2/27/16

That Time I Went to New Orleans

Back in March of 2015, I went to New Orleans for a long weekend. Why I waited this long to write about it, I don't know, but I still really want to share this memory. Though I speculate that most people probably think of Bourbon Street when I mention going to this city, I actually think of its amazing Cajun cuisine, Jazz music, upbeat atmosphere and the feeling of being in another world.

I have to say that New Orleans is hands down my favorite US city that I have been to so far. I don't think anywhere else will top this place! I would gladly revisit this city whenever I can. I squeezed as much as I could do in two and a half days and that meant trying to have every meal everyday so that I could try as many restaurants as possible. Team No Sleep was ready for maximum impact.

I am no expert of New Orleans, but below are the highlights. Though it was too cold in March for the alligators to come out, the swamp tour was still fascinating. We also went to Oak Alley Plantation, which happens to be where Beyoncé filmed her Deja Vu music video. So, we had to channel Bey and make our own version (see below). I also really enjoyed the Frenchmen Art Market because everything there was so original. I always love buying unique jewelry pieces from local artisans and that was a cute nook in the French Quarter. Of course I did visit Bourbon Street, too, and it was just as good for a nondrinker like me!

Without any more words, please let the pictures speak for themselves and see what were in my visions!

Honey Island Swamp

Oak Alley Plantation

Frenchmen Art Market

Cafe Amelie

This was my favorite restaurant there! It got me at the entrance because it was like walking into a secret garden.

While waiting for a table, we sat on these decorated benches and simply hung out.

We were hungry and I was really into the food so I completely missed my opportunity to take food photos. However, there menu is below. Everything was amazing, but I specifically remember how delicious their meatloaf was! I would go back just for the meatloaf!

More Food! Nom Nom Nom

Bourbon Street

We even made some friends that night...

In Conclusion...

We'll keep some of our activities a secret. But, we had an exquisite time!

I'm a huge foodie, music enthusiast and curious wanderer. New Orleans has its own culture and is unlike any other city in the rest of the US. You don't have to be a drinker to have a good time here. Just stick to virgin daiquiris like the one I'm sipping on up above! I had the time of life.

<3,
Laura

PS: I'll be back.

For more Landscape photos, check out New Orleans under my "Places" tab, or preview below!

Laura Chang 5/26/15 Laura Chang 5/26/15

"Please Touch the Art" by Jeppe Hein

"Please Touch the Art" is Brooklyn Bridge Park's latest outdoor art installment by Danish artist, Jeppe Hein. He isn't kidding about wanting you to get active with his work. There are three main parts to this collection: Appearing Rooms, Mirror Labyrinth and 16 Modified Social Benches. I love that this was spread throughout the park so that you can explore and find each piece on your own.

"Please Touch the Art" is Brooklyn Bridge Park's latest outdoor art installment by Danish artist, Jeppe Hein. He isn't kidding about wanting you to get active with his work. Spread across the park are three parts to this collection: Appearing Rooms, Mirror Labyrinth and 16 Modified Social Benches.

Appearing Rooms

This one unleashed my inner child and I had just as much fun as the kids behind me! There are four chambers to this installment and they're timed so that you have a few seconds to walk in without getting wet. Each chamber takes turn surging a water barrier until all walls are up and you're surrounded! You'll get a little sprayed, but you won't be soaked when you stand at the center of a room. And, If you're like the kids playing behind me, you can also not give a damn and charge right through the walls because it's only water after all!

Consider this a warning! These photos were taken at 10AM, and it got extremely crowded by noon! This became a water park for the little kids suited up and ready to charge in their swimwear.

This one is located right at the entrance of the park, so you can't miss it!

Mirror Labyrinth

When you say Labyrinth, I think of a maze, but this was most definitely not a maze. It's much smaller than I imagined, but still very cool to walk through! The shards of metal mirrors are placed in circular pathways that guide you without getting lost or confused. I enjoyed seeing pieces of other people's reflections as I walked through and saw my own. This definitely makes you think of the world you're surrounded by and how beautiful each piece can be. If only this could be bigger!!

The mirrors are located near Pier 3 of Brooklyn Bridge Park so you'll need to walk a little deeper to get to this one!

16 Modified Social Benches

Last but not least (and certainly the most spread out) are the 16 bright, fun and very orange sculptures. They are inspired by the average social bench, but with twists and turns. You can sit on them, but comfort was disregarded in some!

I did not walk through and look for every bench, but you knew one was coming up ahead because of its obnoxious color! You really can't miss it.

"Please Touch the Art" will be available until April 17, 2016! Touch everything and look for all the benches! (Click here for the Map)

That's all for now! Happy Memorial Day!

Love,
Laura

Laura Chang 5/17/15 Laura Chang 5/17/15

Kamri, The Gallery and My Inspirations

Today my work was featured in a gallery where I met some of the most inspirational people.

I thank my parents, my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came to the gallery today and thank you to all who have inspired me, influenced me, and supported my photography.

Kamri

Today my work was featured in a gallery where I met some of the most inspirational people. And by inspirational, I mean this young and beautiful girl, Kamri Carter.

"Mom...According to Us" shared artwork that ranged from paintings to poetry, photographs and more. 100% of all art proceeds from this gallery went to #StephsGirls. Stephanie Lee is survived by her two beautiful daughters, Kamri and Marchelle. Although the gallery was for them, I realized that it was a beautiful experience that was very much for me, too. I thank Kamri and her family for giving me the chance to explore my work and to share my love and compassion for flowers, nature, and anything that catches my attention. This was a beautiful chance to share what are in my visions.

The Gallery

But before I continue...here's a look at today's gallery. If the title cannot be clear enough, the gallery was all about our definition of "Mom." Vicky Jordan of PureWorks put together such an amazing and well curated gallery.

My work:

Moms are constant gardeners as they shower us with unconditional love. No matter what season, they nurture us so that we bloom into our best selves-- in the heat of summer and in the dead of winter. These photographs were taken during all four … — Moms are constant gardeners as they shower us with unconditional love.
No matter what season, they nurture us so that we bloom into our best selves-- in the heat of summer and in the dead of winter. These photographs were taken during all four seasons of New York City: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. "Love" is the flower that is never out of season.

The turnout was amazing and I am truly grateful for every single person who stopped by-- from all walks of my life. Even though my mom is overseas and she couldn't be here today, I was blessed with all the people who did come through. For that, I thank you all!

My Inspirations

My parents have been an inspiration to me and are truly the biggest supporters. It was after I selected my photos that I realized how often I photograph flowers. Interestingly enough, three out of the five photographs I submitted were taken in my very own backyard.

To others, it is a modestly sized garden, but to me, it was always very large and filled with dreams. I grew up playing in it and occasionally watering the plants. I have summer BBQs there and not to forget...I feed my blood to all the mosquitoes that I can't fend off there, too! My father tends the garden and he is a huge reason why I grew up surrounded by beautiful green grass and flowers that bloom from Spring through the end of Summer.

When I got home today, and right before the sun completely set, I lit a little something to remind myself of how far I've come and to continue to spark my dreams. This garden is not much, but really it is all I need. My father always says that he's sorry he couldn't give me more, but I don't need more. My parents have given me everything that I could have ever imagined and that is already all the more that I need.