Performing beneath the glittering lights of a big city stage, these burlesque dancers were caught in a sudden flood—torn from the spotlight and swept downstream into the unknown…
Burlesque Dancers: Caitlyn Strachan • Angela Rockefeller • Ruby • Lola Torch• Kat LaMotte • Sonia Rita
Location: San Pedro River, AZ I Photo Assist: Megan McLeod
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…
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…
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…
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
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