I'm Melissa. This is where I write things down and share new things. Sometimes I even post cute pictures of cats...
if you're looking for my portfolio,
it can be found here, or by clicking any of the links across the top of this page.
I just moved back to Ohio after living in the central valley of California for almost three years. People still mention that I'm all grown up and keep asking how being an adult is going, but I really don't know what they're referring to.
I'm officially a (self-proclaimed) curator -- OF GIFS. GIF CONNOISSEUR. Check it out. My GIF blog even made it to buzzfeed once.
ONE MORE CHECK OFF MY LIFELONG INTERNET TO-DO LIST.
Albums of note UPCOMING/2011/2010/2009
A list of albums from the year that had staying power. Not a top album list, because I haven't heard every album, so that just seems a bit silly to me -- the whole "of the year" thing... although I suppose in my own mind that's what they are...
THE ARCHIVES
Nostalgia
a place where I keep things that are already memories and store things that are currently in my life that will inevitably become memories. Vague enough?
Vestiges of a Life Soon Forgotten
A photographic series devoted to images taken in and around my apartment where I lived for 3 years in college. I moved out for good in December 2009.
Photobooth Sketches
photobooth documentation of sketches i have done and/or found.
Monthly Self Portrait Series
This was a short-lived project that sometimes shows up without warning again on my feed, but definately cannot be considered an "on-going" thing.
My New California Life
What started as an essay series about my experiences living on the left coast turned into a general account of my life here -- through words, photos and other ephemera.
jef etters tips of the day
Jef Etters was a colleague of mine who gave me life tips on a daily basis via a telephone call from a rotary phone. I would then transcribe the tips and post them here for the benefit of all mankind. He didn't know what tumblr was (nor does he now), but he did want to share all his wisdom with the world. enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: Jef did finally get free long-distance after 7pm EST and will occasionally call to give me tips to transcribe. Be on the look out, it'll change your life.
ScreenCaptureSeries
Funny and or poignant things I feel the need to share with the world via screen capture. This project carries on with the luck that the internet will continue to bring the lulz. I think the odds are in our favor.
Mapped In Two Dimensions: Ander on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
I’ve been hard at work updating my Mapped In Two Dimensions project since I returned to Ohio. This friday, come to Alliance to see the new work. I’d love to see you!
John Dyer of THE OH SEES | Austin, TX | 3/14/13
amazing human photographed by another amazing human. kevin, you are doing everything right. i wish i could hug you again right now. PROUD.
so glad i ran into john so many times in austin, even happier i got to see the oh sees at the panache showcase. yes. dreams.
Self-Portrait 1.
Trying out a few things to get ready for a longer-form project I’m working on to go with my Mapped in Two Dimensions series.
John on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
John asked me the other day about the photos I took of him when he was helping me test light for a shoot we did to promote the release of Achievement House’s EP Heart Archers. I had to dig to find them, but here is my favourite one. John is always fun to have around, especially on photoshoots, at bowling allies and on long, long roadtrips.
I miss this guy every day. We spent a huge portion of last year together, and he helped me move back to Ohio in October/November of 2012. It’s both weird and amazing to have friends on the opposite coast, and I feel so lucky to live in a time when it’s easier than ever to maintain those close ties.
Ander on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
Untitled on Flickr by gnargrimeslop (Alex D’Amore).
so many adventures;
spaces between
where we were and where we are.
do we ever realize
the things we become?
Ander on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
I always have great adventures with this one, even just on the drive home we find places to explore.
The People I Love Series: 001
Chris on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
Seriously though, I really love this guy.
I met Chris at his birthday party just after my return to once again be a resident of Northeast Ohio. He welcomed me with great fanfare, a hug and several introductions to strangers. It was almost as if I’d been there always, that I somehow just fit into this new group because Chris asked me to join. He is charismatic and amazingly friendly. He never takes himself too seriously and appreciates the small things people do for each other. I haven’t often fell into friendships such as this one, and all I know is I feel incredibly fortunate that the unlikely circumstances of our happenstantial meeting occurred.
I am so proud of Chris, and so excited to see where his career takes him. He is passionate about nutrition and is diving right into his new job at The Cleveland Food Bank. He is one of the most genuine people I’ve met in my entire life and I feel lucky to even know him. He is supportive of my career and encouraging in a very personal way. This all goes without mentioning his amazing dance skills… Boy can DANCE.
The Attic on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson).
We let each other in, not because it was what we needed, nor because it was what we wanted; but because for once we were able. That was when I realized that this is something more significant; that luck is once again in my favour.
The silence washed over us and we just carried on. The day presented itself heavy but we kept walking until we found a better path. The windows may be sealed, but the cold can still creep in. It’s just nice to be appreciated; it’s nice to be real. It’s nice to be sad and scared and anxious but never guilty. Without the guilt, the sadness passes, the fears are quieted and the anxiety fades.
It’s not a question of fate or luck, but rather something much simpler. We exist, after all, and that’s something to wonder about all on it’s own. I keep finding asymptotes.
Team Anzula on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
This is Sabrina. Yes, the same Sabrina who accompanied me, John & my cat Novella across the country just a bit over a week ago. Sabrina started and owns an amazing little yarn company called Anzula. I was honored when Sabrina asked me to take portraits of her small (but amazingly productive) team in and around the warehouse in downtown Fresno where they hand dye luxury fibers that are sold in yarn shops all across the country.
Goodbye, Mojave on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
Self portrait, Mojave Desert, September 2012
Josh on Flickr by icatchfoxes (melissa olson)
This guy is a boss. I’m lucky to know him.
