Tag: art

History of Electricity on a cool OB mural!

Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on very unique mural in Ocean Beach.
Benjamin Franklin with his famous kite, and Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph, are depicted on a very unique mural in Ocean Beach.

Here’s a cool (and somewhat unusual) mural that I spotted on a wall next to a parking lot in Ocean Beach. It’s called History of Electricity! Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Guglielmo Marconi and Alessandro Volta share the OB streets with images of pop culture icons and surfers!

This artwork was created by Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View. Take a look!

Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Janis Ambrosiani of Walls With A View painted History of Electricity in Ocean Beach. OB is a cool, laid-back neighborhood with lots of colorful street art.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Guglielmo Marconi was instrumental in the development of the radio.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Alessandro Volta invented the electrical battery.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.
Electricity has become a modern necessity. Technology is the backbone of our day-to-day living and central feature of 21st century culture.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

A colorful dance of art history in Spanish Village!

The San Diego Potter's Guild in Spanish Village recently created this artistic tribute to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and Balboa Park's centennial.
The San Diego Potter’s Guild in Spanish Village recently created this artistic tribute to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and Balboa Park’s centennial.

A fun exhibit debuted today in Spanish Village’s large outdoor patio courtyard. It’s called Dance through the Decades of Art! Colorful works by local artists jut out of various planters, representing the history of art styles over the past century. It’s another creative offshoot resulting from Balboa Park’s centennial, which is being celebrated throughout this year! The cool exhibit lasts through November 25.

I walked about and took these photos…

Spanish Village in Balboa Park has a new Dance through the Decades of Art exhibit in their patio courtyard. It celebrates the evolution of art over the last hundred years. This bold piece represents the graffiti art style!
Spanish Village in Balboa Park has a new Dance through the Decades of Art exhibit in their patio courtyard. It celebrates the evolution of art over the past hundred years. This bold piece represents the graffiti art style!
I was allowed to photograph these works of art being created on Saturday (the day before the exhibit opened) in a hidden Spanish Village work area!
I was allowed to photograph these works of art being created on Saturday (the day before the exhibit opened) in a hidden Spanish Village work area!
This artwork represents the 1930s, when the Works Progress Administration provided artists with employment during the Great Depression.
This artwork represents the 1930s, when the Works Progress Administration provided artists with employment during the Great Depression.
This work loosely represents photorealism, a distinctly American genre of painting that originated in the late 1960s.
This work very loosely represents photorealism, a distinctly American genre of painting that originated in the late 1960s.
This fun art in Spanish Village contains elements of steampunk, a sub-genre of science fiction that highlights 19th century Victorian and industrial themes.
This fun art in Spanish Village contains elements of steampunk, a sub-genre of science fiction that highlights 19th century Victorian and industrial themes.
Visitors to Balboa Park look into a double kaleidoscope! This wildly colorful sculpture represents psychedelic art, which originated from 1960s counterculture.
Visitors to Balboa Park look into a double kaleidoscope! This wildly colorful sculpture represents psychedelic art, which originated from 1960s counterculture.
Here's a photo I took after turning a dial of the kaleidoscope.
Here’s a photo I took after turning a dial of the kaleidoscope.
I turned the dial again!
I turned the dial again!
These splashes of bold color are a tribute to Abstract expressionism, which originated in the late 1940s, the first specifically American movement to achieve international influence.
These splashes of bold color are a tribute to Abstract expressionism, which originated in the late 1940s, the first specifically American movement to achieve international influence.
Someone sits on a planter which contains artwork representing minimalism, a literalist movement that arose during the 1960s.
Someone sits on a planter which contains artwork representing minimalism, a literalist movement that arose during the 1960s.
This panel celebrates the Art Deco style with images of musical instruments popular in the Jazz Age.
This panel celebrates the Art Deco style with images of musical instruments popular during the Jazz Age.
This creation for the exhibit represents Cubism, an early 20th century avant-garde movement, which revolutionized painting and other art forms.
This creation for the outdoor exhibit represents Cubism, an early 20th century avant-garde movement, which revolutionized painting and other art forms.
Dance through the Decades of Art enlivens Spanish Village. Painted pieces trace art's history and development over the past 100 years.
Dance through the Decades of Art enlivens Spanish Village! Painted pieces trace art’s history and development over the past 100 years.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool, creative stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Mural in Cesar Chavez Park depicts local history.

Close-up photo of one panel in a tile mural, which is located on a long wall near the Cesar Chavez Park playground in Barrio Logan.
Close-up photo of one tile panel in a long mural, which is located on a wall near the Cesar Chavez Park playground in Barrio Logan.

Relatively few people know about a fascinating mural in Barrio Logan. Dedicated art and history lovers can find it at the very edge of San Diego’s beautiful bay, between the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the base of the Coronado Bridge.

The mural is located in Cesar Chavez Park, on a long wall just north of the playground. Created by Dale Marsh/Tile Artisans, it consists of eleven ceramic tile panels depicting half a century of local history–from the 1900s to the 1950s–through the use of vintage photographs. Images fondly remember the day-to-day life many San Diegans in this predominantly Mexican American neighborhood experienced while growing up and working on our busy waterfront.

A brief description of each panel is contained in a nearby plaque also composed of tiles. I’ve transcribed most of the words and have used them in my photo captions.

Looking north past the Cesar Chavez Park playground at an interesting public mural which depicts history in Logan Heights.
Looking north past the Cesar Chavez Park playground at an interesting public mural that depicts local history.
Plaque contains info concerning the many-paneled tile mural, which depicts Logan Heights in its Golden Years, 1900 through 1959.
Descriptions of the eleven panels in the mural, which depicts Logan Heights in its Golden Years, 1900 through 1959.
Aztec Brewery Art Ensemble adorned the ceiling and walls of the Rathskeller and Beer Tasting Room of the brewery in the early to mid 1900s on Main Street.
Aztec Brewery Art Ensemble adorned the ceiling and walls of the Rathskeller and Beer Tasting Room of the brewery in the early to mid 1900s on Main Street.
Features hoop skirts, 1932 Model T car with rumble seat and white 1936 Ford, Metro Theater usherette twins, model parents of the era, neighborhood Rhythm and Blues bands and their followers
Hoop skirts, 1932 Model T car with rumble seat and white 1936 Ford, Metro Theater usherette twins, model parents of the era, neighborhood Rhythm and Blues bands and their followers.
Papa Chuey founding proprietor of Chuey’s Restaurant cashed checks and provided credit accounts for fishermen and cannery workers in hard times.
Papa Chuey founding proprietor of Chuey’s Restaurant cashed checks and provided credit accounts for fishermen and cannery workers in hard times.
Nifty Fifties teen scene in “The Heights” spotlights Physical Education class, jitterbug dancing and positive socialization. Friendship was a true binding factor among teenagers.
Nifty Fifties teen scene in “The Heights” spotlights Physical Education class, jitterbug dancing and positive socialization. Friendship was a true binding factor among teenagers.
Tuna boats filled with tired fishermen arrived at the tuna canneries bringing work for hopeful dockworkers and cannery workers. Their arrival meant livelihood for countless families.
Tuna boats filled with tired fishermen arrived at the tuna canneries bringing work for hopeful dockworkers and cannery workers. Their arrival meant livelihood for countless families.
This 1948 Cannery Workers group photo depicts the numbers and spirit of the work force of the various canneries of San Diego’s Cannery Row.
This 1948 Cannery Workers group photo depicts the numbers and spirit of the work force of the various canneries of San Diego’s Cannery Row.
The “Leona C – San Diego” fishing crew portray the faces of the hard working men who in turn provided for numerous jobs for entire communities.
The “Leona C – San Diego” fishing crew portray the faces of the hard working men who in turn provided for numerous jobs for entire communities.
Logan Heights landmarks include the street car at 5 cents per ride, Jack’s Island a triangle house, the beautiful earlier architecture of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Las Palmas night
Logan Heights landmarks include the street car at 5 cents per ride . . . the beautiful earlier architecture of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Las Palmas nightclub . . .
Community social groups fostered a healthy and happy neighborhood where age gaps did not exist. Neighbors watched out for each other and provided a safety net for the youth.
Community social groups fostered a healthy and happy neighborhood where age gaps did not exist. Neighbors watched out for each other and provided a safety net for the youth.
Teen social clubs such as Los Gallos, Los Chicanos and the Drifters comprised the Southeast Youth Council, which was sponsored by the Old Neighborhood House.
Teen social clubs such as Los Gallos, Los Chicanos and the Drifters comprised the Southeast Youth Council, which was sponsored by the Old Neighborhood House.
Neighborhood House provided many community programs including Rondalla musical groups for women. Lupita, far right first row, is a legend in Logan Heights.
Neighborhood House provided many community programs including Rondalla musical groups for women. Lupita, far right first row, is a legend in Logan Heights.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of interesting San Diego stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Unusual new public art at Little Italy trolley station.

Worker at new parking structure construction site in Little Italy, right next to the trolley station.
Worker at parking garage construction site, which is right next to the Little Italy trolley station.

I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see some new public artwork at one end of the Little Italy trolley station. It’s part of the new parking structure that’s being built right next to the station.

I had to peer over and through a chain link fence, but the super colorful leaf-like art immediately tickled my fancy. Upon closer examination, the multi-colored ovals that form a dazzling mosaic appear to be impressed with different tire tracks. I guess that would be appropriate for a parking garage!

UPDATE!

I’ve noticed that a small plaque installed by the artwork reads:

David Adey

Inspiration/Expiration

2015

Ceramic

This parking garage, when completed, will serve both the nearby County Administration Center and Little Italy.
This parking garage, when completed, will serve both the nearby County Administration Center and Little Italy.
Elements of new public art that resemble colored leaves are actually ovals that appear to be stamped with different tire treads.
Brilliant layers of new public art in San Diego. Forming a mosaic, these ovals appear to be randomly squished by vehicle tires with different treads.
There's some unusual, colorful new artwork at the Little Italy trolley station in downtown San Diego!
There’s some unusual new artwork at the Little Italy trolley station in downtown San Diego!

…

Follow this blog for more random discoveries in and around San Diego! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Photos of street art on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

Super cool street art on side of building on University Avenue in Hillcrest.
Super cool street art on side of building on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

A month or so ago I enjoyed a pleasant walk down University Avenue in Hillcrest, a neighborhood just north of downtown San Diego. I spotted a whole bunch of colorful artwork, which I’d like to now share. In no particular order:

I don't know if this qualifies as street art, but I like this cool Jack in the Box sign.
I don’t know if this qualifies as street art, but I like this cool Jack in the Box sign.
Exist1981 street art on a corner of University Avenue in Hillcrest, San Diego.
Exist1981 street art on a corner of University Avenue in Hillcrest, San Diego.
Fun chalk art sign in front of Fiji Yogurt.
Fun chalk art sign in front of Fiji Yogurt.
Long blue hair becomes ocean surf. Artwork painted on California Coast Credit Union.
Long blue hair becomes ocean surf. Artwork painted on California Coast Credit Union.
A colorful image of wine and grapes seen during a walk through Hillcrest.
A colorful image of wine and grapes seen during a walk through Hillcrest.
Filter...Where good things happen!
Filter…Where good things happen!
More cool street art in Hillcrest has a mythical, possibly Egyptian appearance.
More cool street art in Hillcrest has a mythical, possibly Egyptian appearance.
I was told by a worker at this thrift store that the rainbow-like mural is a work in progress.
I was told by a worker at this thrift store that the rainbow-like mural is a work in progress.
This large bold spray paint mural on University Avenue is signed by artists Fizix, Revolver, Eyemax 2015.
This large bold spray paint mural on University Avenue is signed by artists Fizix, Revolver, Eyemax 2015.
This is the best photo I could get of a really long colorful mural along a rooftop. I see James Dean and Muttley!
This is the best photo I could get of a really long colorful mural along a rooftop. I see James Dean and Muttley!
Live a great story. Sticker on a utility box.
Live a great story. Sticker on a utility box.
A school of fish on an electrical transformer box.
A school of fish on an electrical transformer box.
A windtorn mountaintop meditation, face in hands.
A windtorn mountaintop meditation, face in hands.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Amazing Balboa Park chalk art at Little Italy’s Festa!

Friendly artist at 2015 Festa in San Diego's Little Italy shows me the source material for her Balboa Park themed chalk art creation!
Amazing artist at 2015 Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy.  Smiling, she shows me the source material for her Balboa Park themed chalk art!

Brace yourself! Here come dozens of super cool photos! Check out the amazing chalk art created today for 2015 Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy!  The special theme this year is the centennial of Balboa Park!

Gesso Italiano chalk art is a tradition at Little Italy’s Festa, and every year I’m blown away by all the colorful creations. Most of the images this year are inspired by beautiful Balboa Park, or paintings or artifacts contained in its museums. I arrived to take photos about an hour before the event opened, and many artists were still hard at work. I spoke to one who said their masterpiece took about seven hours to complete. Now that’s dedication to art!

I’ve inserted the team name at the beginning of each caption. Enjoy!

Cecelia Ramos Linayao. Face of child riding Balboa Park's hundred-year-old carousel, which debuted in 1915 for the Panama California Exposition.
Cecelia Ramos Linayao. Face of child riding Balboa Park’s hundred-year-old carousel, which debuted in 1915 for the Panama California Exposition.
Lesley Perdomo. Madonna and child, a popular theme of Gesso Italiano artwork.
Lesley Perdomo. Madonna and child, a popular theme of Gesso Italiano artwork.
Robert Guzman. I believe this might be a hippo at the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park!
Robert Guzman. I believe this might be a hippo at the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park!
Tonie Garza. The iconic El Cid Campeador statue in the Plaza de Panama. Chalk art celebrating Balboa Park's centennial in 2015.
Tonie Garza. The iconic El Cid Campeador statue in the Plaza de Panama. Chalk art celebrating Balboa Park’s centennial in 2015.
Team Parada. A beautiful face with elaborately styled hair.
Team Parada. A beautiful face with elaborately styled hair.
I didn't get the team name, but this exquisite white chalk portrait was one of my favorite pieces at Festa in Little Italy!
I didn’t get the team name, but this exquisite white chalk portrait was one of my favorite pieces at this year’s Festa in Little Italy!
Before Festa opens, chalk artists work on their creations on two blocks of Beech Street in downtown San Diego.
Before the Festa event opens, chalk artists work to finish their creations.  The art covers two blocks of Beech Street in downtown San Diego.
Squadra Terun. A vividly colorful flower. Perhaps this depicts a scene from Balboa Park's reflecting pool.
Squadra Terun. A vividly colorful flower. Perhaps this depicts a scene from Balboa Park’s reflecting pool.
A bit of random chalk art on the street near the official Festa competition entries.
A bit of random chalk art on the street.  I spotted this near the official Festa competition entries.
Ciao! A chalk image of lilies and koi in the reflecting pool and the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
Ciao! A chalk image of lilies and koi in the reflecting pool, and the Botanical Building in Balboa Park.
I didn't get the team name. The artist was working from what appeared to be a poster or advertisement with the word Ventimiglia, which is a city in Northern Italy.
I didn’t get the team name. The artist was working from what appeared to be a poster or advertisement with the word Ventimiglia, which is a city in Northern Italy.
Lisa Bernal Brethour. Delicate white blooms formed of chalk.
Lisa Bernal Brethour. Delicate white blooms formed of chalk.
Brianna Cunha. Stylish Gesso Italiano art appears to possibly show bubbles, a glass of beer and wheat.
Brianna Cunha. This stylish Gesso Italiano art appears to possibly show bubbles, a glass of beer and wheat.
Bijan Masoumpanah. This chalk art seems to depict a classic sculpture of a bearded head.
Bijan Masoumpanah. This chalk art seems to depict a classic sculpture of a bearded head.
Valerie Michelle. A super colorful parrot and tropical fish!
Valerie Michelle. A super colorful parrot and tropical fish!
Weenie Kingdom. One of the carved wooden horses from the historic Balboa Park Carousel.
Weenie Kingdom. One of the carved wooden horses from the historic Balboa Park Carousel.
Salgado. Perhaps one can see this big cat at the San Diego Zoo!
Salgado. Perhaps one can see this big cat at the San Diego Zoo!
Killer Queens. Dinosaur skull represents what one is likely to see at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Killer Queens. Dinosaur skull represents what one is likely to see at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Cobian. Figure in flowing red dress reclining on a couch.
Cobian. Figure in flowing red dress reclining on a couch.
Team Arcala. Chalk interpretation of the historic Cabrillo Bridge and California Building. The artist had looked for hundred-year-old photos of the bridge under construction, without success.
Team Arcala. Chalk interpretation of the historic Cabrillo Bridge and California Building. The artist had looked for hundred-year-old photos of the bridge under construction, but without success.
Meg. A big smile and a boldly colored work of chalk art taking form on a San Diego street during Festa!
Meg. A big smile and a boldly colored work of chalk art taking form on a San Diego street during 2015 Festa!
Team Pinoy. California Tower and the words Balboa Park Centennial Celebration 2015.
Team Pinoy. California Tower and the words Balboa Park Centennial Celebration 2015.
Team Chalkolate. Another chalk representation of the famous El Cid equestrian sculpture near the center of Balboa Park.
Team Chalkolate. Another chalk representation of the famous El Cid equestrian sculpture near the center of Balboa Park.
Campo Elementary. These gifted students won first place last year! What will this chalk art creation be?
Campo Elementary. These gifted students won first place last year! What will this chalk creation be?
John Vaughn. Chalk version of ornate plaster designs above the west arched entrance to Balboa Park.
John Vaughn. Chalk version of ornate plaster designs above the west arched entrance to Balboa Park.
Two blocks in Little Italy were full of rampant creativity this morning.
Two blocks in Little Italy were full of rampant creativity this morning.
Michael Zamora. Fantastic chalk face based on an Italian painting in the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Michael Zamora. Fantastic chalk face based on an Italian painting in the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park.
Art Within Reach. I thought at first this might be a dog in the lily pond. Then I thought it might be Moby Dick. It's actually a polar bear at the zoo! No ears yet!
Art Within Reach. I thought at first this might be a dog in the lily pond. Then I thought it might be Moby Dick. It’s actually a polar bear at the zoo! No ears yet!
Team Pierre. Vintage images take form as a skilled Gesso Italiano artist takes on the cool theme of Balboa Park's centennial.
Team Pierre. Vintage images take form as a skilled Gesso Italiano artist takes on the cool theme of Balboa Park’s centennial.
Kira Lewis-Martinez. More cool chalk art with a nostalgic feel. The Panama California Exposition marked Balboa Park's debut in 1915.
Kira Lewis-Martinez. More cool chalk art with a nostalgic feel. The Panama California Exposition marked Balboa Park’s debut in 1915.
Lydia Puentes Phillips. Very color koi swimming in the Balboa Park reflecting pool. Great chalk art that captures one of my favorite places!
Lydia Puentes Phillips. Very color koi swimming in the Balboa Park reflecting pool. Great chalk art that captures one of my favorite places!
Raney and Talbott. These guys are basing their image on one of the arched walkways along El Prado--specifically the one next to the Timken Museum.
Raney and Talbott. These artists are basing their image on one of the elegant passageways along El Prado–specifically the one next to the Timken Museum.
Coronado High School. A completed portion of what should eventually be a stunning work of art.
Coronado High School. A completed portion of what should eventually be a stunning work of art.
Liberty Charter High School. A fun giraffe and zebra!
Liberty Charter High School. A fun chalk art giraffe and zebra!
Canyon Crest Academy. The most popular inspiration for this year's Balboa Park centennial theme is the reflecting pool with its beautiful koi and lilies.
Canyon Crest Academy. By far the most popular inspiration for this year’s Balboa Park centennial theme is the reflecting pool with its color-splashed koi and lilies.
Lidia F. Vasquez. Wow! This elaborate mask is super inventive! It's formed out of elements from Balboa Park's unique architecture!
Lidia F. Vasquez. Wow! This elaborate mask is super inventive! It’s formed out of elements from Balboa Park’s unique architecture!
Torrey Hills Elementary School. Gesso Italiano artwork is a tradition at the Festa celebration in Little Italy. I look forward to it every year!
Torrey Hills Elementary School. Gesso Italiano artwork is a tradition at the Festa celebration in Little Italy. I look forward to it every year!
San Diego High School. A girl with a camera in the Botanical Building! I love it!
San Diego High School. A girl with a camera in the Botanical Building! I love it!
Faithful Ambassadors Bible Baptist Academy. Cherry blossoms courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden! Is this awesome, or what?
Faithful Ambassadors Bible Baptist Academy. Cherry blossoms courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden! Is this awesome, or what?
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet, based right here in Little Italy! Lots of little colorful scenes along the border.
Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet, based right here in Little Italy! Lots of little colorful scenes along the border.
Team Noni. A very colorful tiger comes alive on the street! More zoo chalk art!
Team Noni. A very colorful tiger comes alive on the street! More amazing zoo animal art!
Julyen Ecoffey. Mother and child spending a sunlit day in San Diego's wonderful Balboa Park.
Julyen Ecoffey. Mother and child spending a sunlit day in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park.
Cathedral Catholic High School. Lady with umbrella faces the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Another great image.
Cathedral Catholic High School. Lady with umbrella faces the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Another great image.
Sycamore Ridge Elementary. Not only are there lily pads in the reflecting pool, but there's an Italian gondola! And an Italian flag over the Botanical Building!
Sycamore Ridge Elementary. Not only are there lily pads and flowers in the reflecting pool, but there’s a Venetian gondola! And an Italian flag over the Botanical Building!
Dos Mustachios. One of the two fountains near either end of the Botanical Building. The actual fountains were recently restored by the Friends of Balboa Park.
Dos Mustachios. One of the two fountains near either end of the Botanical Building. The actual fountains were recently restored by the Friends of Balboa Park.
Torrey Pines High School, National Art Honor Society. I could feast my eyes on this glowing chalk artwork all day long!
Torrey Pines High School, National Art Honor Society. I could feast my eyes on this glowing chalk artwork all day long!
Elisabeth Eckert. Abstract image of Moreton Bay fig tree roots, probably either near the Palm Canyon stairs or Natural History Museum.
Elisabeth Eckert. Abstract image of Moreton Bay fig tree roots, probably either near the Palm Canyon stairs or Natural History Museum.
Mel Clarkston Art. It's a green people mover! I see colored tiles from Spanish Village, flags from the International Cottages, and a butterfly from the Zoro Garden!
Mel Clarkston Art. It’s a green people mover! I see colored tiles from Spanish Village, flags from the International Cottages, and a butterfly from the Zoro Garden!
Mount Miguel High School. Everyone loves the reflecting pool. The calm natural beauty is inspiring.
Mount Miguel High School. Everyone loves the reflecting pool. The calm natural beauty is inspiring.
San Pasqual High School. Classic images from Balboa Park rendered using simple, colored chalk. Fantastic!
San Pasqual High School. Classic images from Balboa Park rendered using simple, colored chalk. Fantastic!
The creativity couldn't be contained! It flowed right out of the specified boundary and onto the nearby asphalt!
The creativity couldn’t be contained! It flowed right out of the specified boundary and onto the nearby asphalt!
Steve Alan and Friends. Simple but captivating.
Steve Alan and Friends. Simple but captivating.
Aaron Hernandez. This is crazy! Looks like Planet of the Apes! I'm guessing these are hip simians who hang out at the San Diego Zoo...
Aaron Hernandez. This is crazy! Looks like Planet of the Apes! I’m guessing these are hip simians who hang out at the San Diego Zoo…
Team Arancio. A portion of this chalk art resembles that cool mural painted earlier this year in Spanish Village for the Balboa Park centennial.
Team Arancio. A portion of this chalk art resembles that cool mural painted earlier this year in Spanish Village for the Balboa Park centennial.
Chalk Riot. Wow! I love this! The nice artist said she incorporated elements from throughout Balboa Park, including the facade of the Museum of Man.
Chalk Riot. Wow! I love this! The nice artist said she incorporated elements from throughout Balboa Park, including the facade of the Museum of Man.
Godfrey's. And finally a stooping giraffe. The San Diego Zoo is a favorite place in amazing Balboa Park.
Godfrey’s. And finally a stooping giraffe. The San Diego Zoo is a favorite place in amazing Balboa Park.
Soon thousands will crowd the street to enjoy this great chalk art. I swung by early and got photos of works in progress!
Soon thousands will crowd the street to enjoy this great chalk art. I swung by early and got photos of works in progress!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of amazing stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Tuna fishermen bronze sculpture and memorial.

Three bronze fishermen on Shelter Island together reel in a huge tuna.
Three bronze fishermen on Shelter Island together reel in a large tuna.

A monumental bronze sculpture in Shoreline Park on Shelter Island has become an iconic image. The Tunaman’s Memorial, by artist Franco Vianello, dedicated in 1988, honors the courage and hard work of generations of tuna fishermen in San Diego. The 9,000 pound sculpture depicts three individuals pole fishing from a boat of the once-large tuna fleet out on the Pacific Ocean. The history of San Diego’s tuna fishing industry contains generations of life stories. These unwritten stories involve fishermen who immigrated from many different nations, including Italy, Portugal and Japan.

One polished side of the sculpture contains names of fishermen who were pioneers in our region, and those who were lost at sea. An inscription reads: Tunaman’s Memorial honoring those that built an industry and remembering those that departed this harbor in the sun and did not return. Anthony Mascarenhas.

The Tunaman's Memorial on Shelter Island is a 7,000 bronze sculpture honoring generations of fishermen.
The Tunaman’s Memorial on Shelter Island is a 9,000 pound bronze sculpture honoring generations of diverse fishermen.
Tuna fishing in local waters was once a major industry in San Diego.
Tuna fishing in local waters was once a major industry in San Diego.
Polished side of Tunaman's Memorial contains names of San Diego fishing pioneers and those who were lost at sea.
Polished side of Tunaman’s Memorial contains names of San Diego fishing pioneers, and those who were lost at sea.
This iconic sight on Shelter Island provides a glimpse back in history, at those in our community who worked the sea.
This iconic sight on Shelter Island provides a glimpse back in history, at those in our community who worked the sea.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Funny cooking pictures and quotes!

People who love to eat are always the best people. Julia Child
People who love to eat are always the best people. Julia Child

I spotted these funny pictures and quotes on some windows in the Horton Plaza shopping mall food court, in downtown San Diego. I’m not sure if this particular eatery closed down or is soon to debut. I saw no sign. But I had a good laugh!

If you are what you eat, then you might as well eat something good. Ratatouille
If you are what you eat, then you might as well eat something good. Ratatouille
Life is grate!
Life is grate!
Bake the world a better place!
Bake the world a better place!
Rock and Roll (some dough).
Rock and Roll (some dough).

…

Follow this blog for more photos of fun stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Horton Plaza showcases work by local artists!

Fun artwork on display in downtown San Diego's popular Horton Plaza shopping mall.
Public art on display in downtown San Diego’s dynamic Horton Plaza shopping mall.

I made a cool discovery today! I was walking through Horton Plaza, downtown’s extremely unique shopping mall and popular tourist destination, when I noticed that some art was being displayed on a lower level. A sign indicated that Horton Plaza is showcasing the work of local San Diego artists. Great idea! Here are some pics!

The San Diego artist Beau Carney was born and raised in Southern California. He works with a variety of mediums.
The San Diego artist Beau Carney was born and raised in Southern California. He works with a variety of mediums.
More bold, colorful work by Beau Carney.
Some very colorful painted work by Beau Carney.
Public art adds more character to an already very unique shopping mall.
Public art and other unexpected discoveries add character to a very unique shopping mall.
Westfield Horton Plaza supports local artists. For information on how to showcase your art, contact hortonplaza@westfield.com
Westfield Horton Plaza supports local artists. For information on how to showcase your art, contact hortonplaza@westfield.com
A few early evening visitors to Horton Plaza mall in downtown San Diego walk past cool artwork created by a local artist!
A few early evening visitors to Horton Plaza mall in downtown San Diego walk past cool artwork created by a local artist!
One last photo of eye-catching panels by local San Diego artist Beau Carney!
One last photo of eye-catching panels by local San Diego artist Beau Carney!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool San Diego stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Cool new parking garage mural in downtown San Diego!

A human connected to technology in this new public art mural. Park it, charge it! The seven-story parking garage is located at 707 Broadway. This photo was taken from 7th Avenue.
A human connected to technology in this new public art mural. Park it, charge it! The seven-story parking garage is located at 707 Broadway. This photo was taken from 7th Avenue.

During a walk several days ago my eyes lifted with surprise at a very cool new sight. An absolutely gigantic mural has appeared downtown, on the seven-story parking garage located at 707 Broadway!

A quick internet search revealed the identity of the creative person behind this public artwork. Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective is a self-taught spray paint artist whose work can be seen elsewhere in San Diego, including nearby at SILO in Maker’s Quarter. This particular piece, which was finished a couple weeks ago, is said to be the largest mural in San Diego. The wildly imaginative, cartoon-like design is meant to convey the intersection of evolving communication technology with art and personal human experience.

These photos proceed from the west side of the parking garage, to the north, and finally to the east. You can see just how colorful and amazing this art is!

The huge cool mural wraps around the parking garage. I see a hot air balloon, phonograph, radio tower, satellite and various buildings, all interconnected like a circuit.
The huge cool mural wraps around the parking garage. I see a hot air balloon, phonograph, radio tower, satellite and various buildings, all interconnected like a circuit.
The artwork engages the eyes and mind with its detailed composition. Two clusters in the image are connected by the Coronado Bay Bridge.
The artwork engages the eyes and mind with its detailed composition. Two clusters in the image are connected by the Coronado Bay Bridge.
Moving around toward the brightly sunlit east side and 8th Avenue. The high mural is viewed beyond some trees.
Moving around toward the brightly sunlit east side and 8th Avenue. The high mural is viewed beyond some trees.
The parking garage adds its color to the adjacent building's futuristic graphic, at 707 Broadway in downtown San Diego.
The parking garage adds its color to the adjacent building’s futuristic graphic, at 707 Broadway in downtown San Diego.
And finally we are on the east side of the parking garage. Very cool!
And finally we are on the east side of the parking garage. Very cool!

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.