Our Lady of Elsewhen

Aurelia Anne Cohen, patron saint of time travel, moves messages from the past & the future bilaterally across a universe in constant motion.

“Everything is connected, and we must maintain the connection to transform our reality.”

— Aurelia Anne

Aurelia Anne Cohen is a performance artist, aerialist, songwriter, circus freak, accordionist—among many other things. She is also a muse to many, and I was grateful to have her be mine.

During our shoot, I could feel that she was surrounded by a group of unique spirits that have accompanied her for a long time. We shot on two different days, and the first day felt especially playful. My favorite moment came from that first day.

Aurelia suggested I photograph her on top of a hill, and I said no—I’d rather not get too dramatic with the vibes. Apparently, all the universe heard was “dramatic,” because the most stunningly intense sunset unfolded above us that evening. The sunset in the photos is real.

We ended up shooting on the hill after all, because, in the end, it was perfectly fitting.

We were a trio out in the desert, joined on our time-travel assistant, Megan McLeod (aka Slick Pony). She helped with gear, corralling props, reloading film, and documenting the behind-the-scenes—an art form she specializes in—all while organizing the messages from beyond and beneath…

El Espîritu De la Chola

A photo series conceived and styled by Sydney Ballesteros and photographed by Puspa Lohmeyer.

This photo story showcases Chola fashion spanning from the 1940s through the 1990s.
Originating in the barrios of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Tejas, this style was born on the West Coast and throughout the Southwest—regions bound by deep cultural beauty and their shared lineage with Mother Mexico.

“El Espiritu de la Chola is a cultural love letter and visual tribute to all the Cholas we know and love, past and present. Respect.” -Sydney Ballesteros

Styling & Concept: Sydney Ballesteros l Model: Alejandra Cisneros l Make Up: Anne Skubis l Hair: Heggy Gonzalez Photo l Photo Assist: Slick Pony l Location: Tucson, AZ

Rest In Peace Rosalejandra Cisneros 1994 – 2021 🕊️🌹

The story was shot in December 2018 and was originally slated for Territory Magazine. However, then came the pandemic, followed by the tragic death of Rosalejandra. Territory Magazine Issue 3 was never published, and the work lay dormant for years.

Until late 2026.

By then, Sydney owned a small gallery in Barrio Viejo, Tucson, and decided it was finally time to bring the story to light. The opening took place in January 2026. A street party had been organized with much anticipation, featuring lowriders and DJ Humblelianess.

But on the day of the show, rain clouds gathered above the neighborhood and stayed there until exactly 5 p.m.—the hour of the opening. Then a slow, soft drizzle began and didn’t let up until hours after the doors had closed.

I think the universe was crying for Alejandra. Washing away the past and making room for a new beginning.

The rain, however, did not keep people away from the little gallery. The community showed up strong. A steady stream of visitors came to look, talk, linger, and engage with the work. I met so many wonderful people.

Below are images from the opening, along with a few BTS moments, photographed by Julius Schlossberg and Marilyn 3K.

Ancient Lands Part 2

NORTHERN ARIZONA & SOUTHERN UTAH SUMMER 2025

..in the second week, my husband Dan joined me in Bluff, Utah, and we stayed at the Recapture Lodge. The down-to-earth lodge has a great atmosphere and everything you need, including a pool. The owners live on site and happily advise guests on any and all sites to see. I’m sure they do this countless times a day, yet they clearly still enjoy witnessing the excitement in people’s eyes. We stayed in the room at the very end so we could set up our camp kitchen outside and not bother anyone with our culinary activities.

Coincidentally, the Ute Nation was holding their annual Bear Dance & Pow Wow in the neighboring town of Blanding. The festivities lasted three days, and we stopped in every day. I loved the sound of the drums and chanting, seeing the incredible outfits, and appreciating the amazing style. I had never been to a Pow Wow before. I ate far too many Navajo fry breads (sooo good) while watching the dances—and although I was too shy to join in, it looked like so much fun.

We took many day trips, and I was deeply impacted by Hovenweep—its beauty and mystery. It’s a set of ancient Puebloan ruins over an hour’s drive from Bluff. I even made Dan drive back again the same day so we could watch the sunset at that magical place…

Ancient Lands Part 1

Northern Arizona & Southern Utah Summer 2025

I felt lucky—the temperatures dropped just as I began my traveling and camping adventure through Northern Arizona and Southern Utah. It was the end of August, a hot but monsoony time of year, with rain showers, big billowy clouds, and rainbows greeting you in the morning for your coffee. I had a pickup truck and my dog, a camp kitchen, and my new camera. What else does one need?

Traveling solo felt awkward for the first couple of days, but then it began to feel more natural. Solo makes me nervous—I suffer from a terrible sense of direction (all my friends can attest), I can never find my stuff, and yet I love remote areas. Still, if one were to get lost… ancient lands are a very dreamy place to be lost in.

I get dreamy with the land, the sky, and the clouds. My free spirit wants to play, explore, be kissed by the wind, and roam at random with no earthly possessions—especially shoes! Somehow, I found my way back home in the end…

Kept Man

In this fashion story, model Jesse Bass embodies the role of a kept man—living “the Pleasant” life. Neither king nor servant, he dwells in a domestic world of ease and leisure, devoted to earthly pursuits like baking, knitting, and practicing his faith.

Photography + Concept: Puspa Lohmeyer l Model: Jesse Bass l Wardrobe provided by Retro Ranch l Styling + Set Design: Indigo Hunter l Hair + Makeup + Model Direction: Brea Burns l Photo Assist: Megan McLeod l Location: Sunnyslope PHX, AZ