Goodbye! M.A.S.H going into Archive

Hi Everyone

Gosh it's been a while since I visited this blog! I have really enjoyed blogging here and sharing my views, joys and inspirations. It's been a great platform for developing my style in both photography and blogging and has driven me to explore new music, art, style and hype about it!

With many new ventures I've unfortunately had no time to keep blogging here however you can view my new projects here where I will still be blogging about similar things but on a different blog:

My photography arts blog: http://nishasvest.blogspot.co.uk/

My website: http://nishahaq.blogspot.co.uk/

I'm also the creative director and main contributor to Lost & Found Mag blog where I have been spending a lot of time managing the blog and launching it. M.A.S.H blog has given me the experience to create Lost & Found's image and I hope for the publication to be launched A/W 2013. Please check out the blog here: http://www.lost-and-found-mag.com/

Many thanks for reading over the years. Can't believe I created my first post 6th July 2010! Feels like such a long time ago. And for people to still read this blog is amazing. Thank you for 89,965 page views! You certainly have given me the confidence.

So time for a goodbye to this blog... it's been great blogging! The blog will still be live on the internet but I will cease to blog anymore.

Thanks,
Nisha.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY M.A.S.H! It's been a Year!

Wow, it's been a year since I've been running this blog! Time does go by fast! Technically yesterday was the anniversary since my first post.. so now it's been a year and 1 day!

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who reads & follows my blog (it's hard to tell sometimes whether what you write goes out to people) however if just one person reads my blog it's all worth it at least. :)

Though running this blog has been tough and I admit there have been long absences when I haven't blogged often (due to college commitments) I've always managed to stick to this and try to blog as often as possible :)

This year I unfortunately got flagged by someone which has meant that I've had to keep an adult content warning. I have since removed objectionable material and hope to make this 'adult content' free very soon & hopefully get more readers!

Despite not having a huge readership (eg. in the thousands) I simply enjoy writing and researching what's hyping and just discovering amazing talent that is out there.

I'm also hoping to change the layout slightly and make it easier to navigate through this blog and easy links to click on. Also do more M.A.S.H street style posts. :D If you have any requests or suggestions on what this blog could do better than comment below, email me at nish.nash@sky.com or 'like' and comment on M.A.S.H facebook page.

However in the meantime would like to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY M.A.S.H! and I hope to continue this on for a very long time.. so I 'ain't going anywhere! haha

M.A.S.H

Lookbook > Death by Stripes

I recently did a set of self-portraits (May 2011) originally intended for my Chair A2 Photography project but never got round to editing them in time for the deadline. I sifted through this shoot which I wasn't too happy about but managed to find some editing-worthy photos out of the 250ish photos I took!

I thought these shots were worthy of a Lookbook.nu entry... so Hype / Like it if you like this style!

About This Look: I decided to wear my zebra print dress as I wanted to play the role of a hunted down prey, a zebra, with a fashion twist especially as zebra print is in season this summer. The papers on the floor represent the endless work that is 'killing' me and the chair signifies the countless hours sat down working (on that particular chair).

I have yet to wear this dress out in public (give me an occasion to wear this to!) plus I would like for this to be tailored in as when I bought it online from boohoo.com it was a little big. ... Can a zebra change it's stripes.. hmm?

Anyways Hype away ppl! haha btw, you can check out more photos on Flickr from this set: http://bit.ly/my8sCF

'Buy Your Own Burka Barbie' Graphic Design Posters

Hey Guys

It's been a while since I've posted my work on here and being a person who likes things in chronological order I couldn't post recent works until I posted my old ones (I really should get a hold on things!) So I traced through my Flickr photostream to see what the last piece of work I posted on my blog and realized I haven't blogged these pieces.

Burkas, Barbies & Banning

'Buy Your Own Burka Barbie' was created for my A2 Graphic Design final piece 1 coursework for college (there are 2 final piece coursework modules.) I created these in January 2011 (photo was taken Nov 2010).

Burkas
This piece was submitted for my Identity/Feminism project where I looked at aspects in my life, how I identify with them and my strong views & beliefs. I wanted to look into my Islamic roots (my grandparents are very religious), self-portraiture and what that meant to me. I had intended to just do a self-portrait (see below) but was lacking inspiration on how to go about it. I had submitted this as my first final piece until I realized I really didn't like it and had a typical general message that didn't really identify with me.
I was surfing the internet looking for inspiration and came across Shadi Ghadirian's 'Like Everyday' photo series which looks at the role of Islamic housewives in many Arab countries. Some may say this is stereotypical, I say it's realistic. So 'Like Everyday' and looking at burka Barbie dolls on Trendhunter.com inspired my final piece coursework. I do think Islamic women are oppressed especially in the Middle East (though this is just a generalisation, not all women!) and their voices are left unheard.

Barbie
I decided to create these posters linking in with Barbie, a Westernized concept of beauty and the perfect woman; also Barbie represents global corporate branding. I wanted to look at how women in Islam, in particular housewives are seen as dolls in the sense that they are the 'property' of their husband and are told what to do without a say in the matter including sexual demands. I wanted to portray these themes in this poster with a stereotypical 50's Western housewife advertising style including the catchphrase 'I'm your Real Life Housewife!'. The tagline 'Available in all men's stores for only £1.99' meaning how cheap, easy & accessible it is to get a wife like 'me'.
Whilst creating this design (both posters took a whole weekend of work) I heavily airbrushed and 'Photoshopped' my face to make myself look 'doll-ish' but still human. I wanted the surface to be bright and colourful but with a sarcastic note to it, addressing heavy concepts with a flavour of dark humour. I didn't want to be too provocative, just enough skin showing to communicate my concepts clearly and of course the burka relating to Islam.
(FYI, no copyright infringement intended on Barbie!)

Banning
I had this work exhibited in one of my college's corridors and stayed there for a few days until it was suddenly taken down! At first I thought it was because the college was clearing the space for more work to be exhibited but was unusual that only my work was taken down and my friends work in my graphics class still remained on the walls. I lead myself to believe that the technicians got tired and hadn't gotten round to taken the other work down... but of course that wasn't the case! I had to enquire myself (unfortunately the college didn't have the decency to tell me themselves) why my work was taken down. It later came to my knowledge that my work was TOO CONTROVERSIAL!! The principal had apparently voiced concerned that it wasn't 'family friendly' and subsequently was taken down for open evening where all ages were welcomed to attend. At first that seemed shocking for the bad reasons that I couldn't exhibit my work any more, then I realized to some extent is a weird sort of compliment that my work was too controversial (meaning my message obviously came across!) and as a graphic designer is a good sign to cause such a reaction (I hadn't considered these posters to be controversial or using shock tactics as such until now). The only problem I had about this incident was that I wasn't notified (especially as my work was exhibited in an educational establishment, not a public place which is understandable) and the poorly explained reasons behind it. I think people should hear about these issues and if 16+ year olds are going to study at college should know what they're getting themselves into! (sorry for all this banter.. sometimes the blogging takes over me!)

Anyways... here are my posters! Tell me what you think!



I really liked the background typography and the effect of the texture so decided to make a typographic version with an outburst of bright colours. I also used the 'Barbie' logo font to make my posters more realistic. I particularly like the use of lens glare on this poster, it's such a handy tool to use in Photoshop! I think these posters look really effective A2 plus. When I printed it out on glossy on A2 size paper I was shocked looking at my own face! haha, Never seen it so big before!

Please note that I do not intend to hurt, target or upset anyone, only simply to communicate my views in an artistic form. I do not wish to spread hate or anger just bring to light issues in today's world. Hope you can respect that.

M.A.S.H

Flickr Pro Account, Twitter... and more changes :D

So I've upgraded my Flickr account to a Pro account! woop, so now I can feature all my photos (unlike before where only my recent 200 photos were shown) and organize my photos better :) This means I can keep on top of my photos which will help me post my work here! I've also organized my sets of photos into chronological order! woop, ( I may be a little too happy about this! haha) Like I have said many times before... I will post regularly on here 'cause I love blogging so shall defo' keep up to date with this!..  I WILL!! haha

I've also just got TWITTER!! haha so follow me if you want to keep up to date with my banter.. (haha) twitter.com/nashdood and other general shananigans that relate to photography, art, music, and all things M.A.S.H!

I'm also thinking of re-vamping this blog and make it easier to navigate and more simplified... plus I have still yet to create a banner/logo for this blog!!! So changes shall be made here as well!

Loads of new edits to post... coming very soon! woop woop :D

M.A.S.H

'Open Wide' Graphic Design Poster

One of the main reasons I started this blog was to post my work like an online journal of work however lately I've been drifting away from this and have been lazy posting my work! I mainly use Flickr & Facebook for regular updates on my work but there is still much to post as I'm always work on new projects, edits and shoots.

This edit I did all the way in January 2011 for my 'Feminism' project for A2 Graphic Design course at college. The background image was taken in October 2010 and the mouth image I shot in Jan 2011. In this poster I wanted to show how females can be portrayed and how they are 'sex objects' and all a woman has to do to please a man is 'open wide'. If you can't see what the background image is, it's basically my legs 'open wide'!

click pic to see bigger

M.A.S.H

Olivia Haigh is much 'Hawter'

So in response to the beautiful Olivia's post about my work: http://scarletsea.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/nisha-haq-is-hawt/ I thought I would return the wonderful favour and do another feature on her amazing work (plus she's 18 like me! Her birthday is a day after mine).

Olivia Haigh is... well, where do I start? There are certainly way too many adjectives to describe her general amazing-ness. She's incredibly talented and inspiring, you could go to the extent of calling her a polymath as she's a big bubble of creativity. She can play piano, cello, sing, song-write, paint, write wonderfully, and simply create awesome pieces of art! Not only is she a talented creative but has set up a small business selling her work as designs including beautiful hats! Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to purchase a Haigh original!

Her work is exquisite, eye-catching and her artistic technique is amazing. I love how she paints; you don't need to have the fine detail like Goya or or the landscapes like Monet to create a captivating painting. Haigh captures true emotion in her work and every stroke she paints is with feeling. I particularly love her self-portraits; as I've looked into self-identity myself seeing how she perceives herself is especially interesting. Her artwork isn't your typical painting which is exciting and refreshing to see. I also like how she varies from emotional, dark, moody work to bright, colourful quirky pieces giving the view plenty to adore. Her work is simply magic and comes to life before your eyes. She's definitely one to watch!

Here's a few artworks that Haigh has beautifully created:

Source & Further Reading: http://scarletsea.wordpress.com/

The good times :)

M.A.S.H :)

18th Birthday Today!

Hi Guys

It's been a very long time since I've blogged an entry! gah, sorry guys but now that I have a little time off from exams I have some time to blog more! yay

I've done quite a few things since the last entry such as my first Wedding, Photography & Graphics exam, few University Interviews, volunteering projects a few live events and loads of photo shoots . But of course the most important thing that has happened recently is my 18th BIRTHDAY TODAY! woop woop

Had a few friends sleepover last night and went to the cinema to see Priest, which was okay but the effects were pretty good. Also my super aweosme mother took me out on Saturday and we had a fun happy day (which made me realize I definitely don't feel 18 yet!) I'm excited to go out drinking and clubbing for the first time legally! haha

So I'll leave a few photos of what I've been up to and what to expect PLUS MUCH MORE! some of these photos may feature a chair/s which has been for my photography exam project on chairs!... this time I'm going to try much harder to post regularly. Also thinking of a blog make over... new logo design, layout background.. the whole sha-bang!

Check out Chilton Generations Together Blog

Hey Everyone

So it's been a while since I posted here! My bad, must be more consistent but sooooo much coursework and university interviews and portfolio stuff. Yup a busy bee and I don't even have a job! haha

Despite my lack of blogging I have been involved in numerous projects. One notably is my volunteering for Chilton Generations Together, which is a local community secondary project. I've volunteered as an associate photographer to local based professional photographer, Laura Rouse and taking backstage snaps and photographically documenting workshops whilst heading a blog for this project.

CHECK OUT THE CHILTON GENERATIONS TOGETHER BLOG HERE

I'm participating in an open day this Saturday, 5th March 2.30-5.30pm so if you happen to live in Bridgwater, Somerset (UK) or know anyone who has attended Chilton Trinity secondary school, this volunteer based project would be idea for you. It's day to celebrate the school's history, share generations' of memories and even have a chance to get photographed in a photo booth by Laura Rouse.

Check out Laura Rouse's Photography here

Also this blog aims to share ex-students memories of this school and hopefully feature these tales on the open day. I must admit, I didn't attend this secondary school however volunteering my photographic skills and learning from professionals this has been a beneficial experience.

Check out the logo I made for this project.

M.A.S.H

RAG Day Night Life Party Photos

You may have read my post on RAG Day Dress Up Photos post where people dressed up in Bridgwater College to raise money for charities. Well of course there was an RAG day college party in the evening at the Palace which was also the end of year party. Also did a post on RAG Day Pre Party Photos

It was quite hard to be allowed to go to this party as I had been banned from this. Yes, I have done some regrettable things in my life. One notable event was when I was completely drunk out of my head from the previous college party that they banned me from the RAG Day one which was a major inconvenience (but I thankfully learned my lesson after making a huge fool of myself! I know my limit now!). Inconvenient because I wanted to take 'intimate' photographs of people in the nightclub scene for my intimacy project for Photography and explore different long exposure techniques. I was inspired by Nikola Tamindzic, a brilliant Nightlife/fashion/portrait photographer based in New York who captures amazing night life photographs. I'll be doing a post on his work soon :D

It was pretty fun taking photos of people having fun though was pretty gutted I didn't get off with anyone that night! haha.. maybe next time when I'm not on the job, I'll be on the prowl. LOL.

See more at Flickr and Facebook

More to come soon :D

M.A.S.H