Tag: art

Why the San Diego Padres now have Jedi powers.

Luke, I am your Padre!
Luke, I am your Padre!

Check out this fun street art!  A humorous image was recently painted on a shop window in San Diego. The truth has been revealed!

The San Diego Padres will subdue their baseball enemies this year by using powerful Jedi powers. I might even go to the dark side and root for Darth Vader if that’s what it takes to win a World Series.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Chefs flood the streets of downtown San Diego!

Chef carries a frying pan outside on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.
A friendly chef carries a huge frying pan outside on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.

Chefs have taken to the streets of downtown San Diego! They can be seen almost everywhere! Cooks on every corner–but where’s my breakfast?

Chef in restaurant window happily flings some pizza dough into the air.
Chef at restaurant window happily stirs the sauce and flings some pizza dough into the air.
Cook on Sixth Avenue proudly shows his chalkboard menu.
Culinary artist on Sixth Avenue proudly made a chalkboard menu.
Chef tosses a mosaic pizza at base of artistic Little Italy Landmark Sign.
Chef tosses a mosaic pizza at base of the artistic Little Italy Landmark Sign.
This smiling chef has prepared a tasty slice of pizza!
Another smiling chef has prepared a tasty slice of pizza!
This Kansas City Barbeque pig is a Top Gun chef. I bet he likes to ham it up.
This Kansas City Barbeque pig is a Top Gun chef. I bet he likes to ham it up.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Art Deco car, train, ship and plane on Post Office.

Art Deco relief work shows female above propellers of airplane.
Art Deco relief work shows female flying above propellers of airplane.

“Through science and the toil of patient men, the nation’s thought traverses land and air and sea.” Those are the words inscribed along the top of downtown San Diego’s Post Office, on E Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. Beneath the words are nine terra-cotta panels created by Archibald Garner in 1937. The Art Deco images include a car, train, ship and airplane, the means by which mail has been delivered over many decades, transmitting the written word across the nation and around the world.

Titled “Transportation of the Mail,” Garner’s handsome panels were the result of a Department of Treasury competition. Like most Post Office public art created during the New Deal, the work was funded through the Treasury Department’s Section of Painting and Sculpture, also known as The Section of Fine Arts. The post office itself was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and stands across the street from the now closed old Central Library. You can see a few interesting photos of the library here.

View of San Diego's downtown Post Office from Ninth Avenue.
View of San Diego’s downtown Post Office from Ninth Avenue.
Ship cuts through ocean waves on its way to deliver the mail.
Steamship cuts through ocean waves on its way to deliver the mail.
Distinctive Art Deco train can be seen near roof of San Diego's old Post Office.
Distinctive Art Deco train can be seen near roof of San Diego’s old Post Office.
Historically interesting panels, which appear at the top of high windows.
Historically interesting panels, which appear at the top of high windows.
Classic automobile in Art Deco artwork in downtown San Diego.
Classic automobile in Art Deco public artwork in downtown San Diego.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook. or follow me on Twitter.

Fun photos of colorful art on Little Italy’s streets.

Colorful tiles around base of Piazza Villaggio fountain in Little Italy.
Colorful tiles around base of Piazza Villaggio fountain in Little Italy.

I frequently walk through Little Italy, a lively neighborhood in the north part of downtown San Diego. Here are some photos of fun, colorful artwork that I’ve taken from the sidewalk during the last few months!

Unusual creation hangs from roof of a building in San Diego's Little Italy.
Unusual creation hangs from roof of a building in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Fun image on wall of The Good Sounds car stereo installation shop.
Fun image on wall of The Good Sounds car stereo installation shop.
Eye-catching clock atop tower on a street corner.
Eye-catching clock atop tower on a street corner.
Lots of whimsical art can be found on Queenstown Public House restaurant.
Lots of whimsical art on the Queenstown Public House restaurant.
Painted tiles add zest to a wall by a sidewalk.
Painted tiles add zest to a wall by a sidewalk.
Base of Little Italy Landmark Sign shows fish netted in the ocean.
Base of Little Italy Landmark Sign shows fish netted in the ocean.
Two cherubs adorn gate pillars on India Street.
Two cherubs adorn gate pillars on India Street.
Just a fun mailbox with hearts, flower and palm tree.
Just a fun mailbox with hearts, flower and palm tree.
Medallion-like artwork on wall above the Italian Cultural Center sign.
Medallion-like artwork on wall above the Italian Cultural Center sign.
Metal fish sculpture seems to leap from Piazza Villaggio fountain.
Metal fish sculpture seems to leap from Piazza Villaggio fountain.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Four murals under Interstate 5 near Old Town.

Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.
Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.

Four large painted murals can be seen under Interstate 5 where the freeway passes over Rosecrans Street, just west of Old Town. The title of my blog post is a bit deceptive, because I only managed to get decent pics of three murals. The fourth, which depicts the Coronado Bay Bridge, was half in sunlight, half in darkness, and is the least interesting (in my opinion) of the four anyway.

Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.
Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.
Four large works of art can be glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.
Four works of art glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.
Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.
Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Bold, colorful street art in Sherman Heights.

Sun shines on dynamic mural at Golden Hill Market and Liquor in Sherman Heights.
Sun shines on dynamic mural at Golden Hill Market and Liquor in Sherman Heights.

Here are two boldly painted murals in Sherman Heights, a neighborhood just east of downtown San Diego. I photographed the first mural at 21st Street and Market Street several few days ago. I took my first picture of the second mural last May as I watched the local All-American Soap Box Derby on hilly 25th Street. Since then, the painted boards seem to have been removed from the market wall, and shifted a bit to the left behind a tree. You can see shadows in the two more recent photos.

According to my research, both of these distinctive works of street art were created under the direction of local artist Mario Torero. His passionate artwork, often depicting political themes and civil rights activists, can also be seen at Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park, and elsewhere around San Diego.

Sherman Heights residents painted this wall in 1980, with help from local artist Mario Torero.
Young residents of Sherman Heights painted this wall in 1980, with help from local artist Mario Torero.
Aztec imagery is a colorful part of the artwork.
Aztec imagery is a colorful part of the artwork.
The 35 year old mural remains vivid, having been restored several times due to graffiti.
The 35 year old mural is vivid, having been restored several times due to graffiti.
Words above people read Barrio Sherman Mural Unidos.
Words above people read Barrio Sherman Mural Unidos.
Lively images cover pipes, meter box and a door.
Lively images cover pipes, meter box and a door.
Latino-themed mural shows respect for education.
Latino-themed mural shows respect for education.
K St. Market on 25th Street with mural designed by local artist Mario Torero.
K St. Market on 25th Street with mural designed by local artist Mario Torero.
Face enveloped by color shows confident character.
Face enveloped by color shows confident character.
The Barrio is a Garden was painted on wood in 2010 in Sherman Heights.
The Barrio is a Garden was painted on wood in 2010 in Sherman Heights.
Brightly painted street bench on 25th Avenue in Sherman Heights.
Brightly painted street bench on 25th Avenue in Sherman Heights.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Fading public art glows by neglected river trail.

San Diego Bay scene graces a fading mural in Mission Valley.
San Diego Bay scene graces a slowly fading mural in Mission Valley.

When you ride the San Diego Trolley’s Green Line between the Old Town and Linda Vista stations, an interesting mural can be glimpsed for a moment where the tracks span the San Diego River. The public art is best viewed when walking along the San Diego River Trail, between the rail and Pacific Highway bridges. The path down by the river is fairly popular with bicycles; it is also trash-filled and tagged with graffiti. I don’t know anything about this artwork. Faded a little bit by time and the elements, the images still impart a happy glow along the seemingly neglected river trail.

UPDATE!

Turns out this mural is called “On The River Trail” and was completed in 2008. The artist who designed it is Lori Escalera. The public art comes from the San Diego River Park Foundation.

Public art along the San Diego River Trail near Pacific Highway. The Coaster train can be seen passing across one of the rail bridges.
Public art along the San Diego River Trail near Pacific Highway. The Coaster train can be seen passing across one of the rail bridges.
Weathered by outdoor elements, the artwork still glows like an impressionist painting.
Weathered by outdoor elements, artwork still glows like an impressionist painting.
Dreamy yellow sunflower painted on an old wall seen by those who walk along river.
Dreamy yellow sunflower painted on old wall seen by those who walk along river.
A hummingbird hovers above brightly sunlit vegetation.
A hummingbird hovers above brightly sunlit vegetation.
Happy painted bicyclist greets those who travel down San Diego River Trail.
Happy painted bicyclist greets those who travel down San Diego River Trail.
Art shows painter inspired by the river's natural beauty.
Art shows painter inspired by the river’s natural beauty.
This artwork was lovingly planted for future enjoyment.
This artwork was lovingly planted for future enjoyment.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

San Diego River animals gather under city bridge.

Cars zoom west down Friars Road, beneath the Morena Boulevard bridge.
Cars zoom west down Friars Road, beneath the Morena Boulevard bridge.

Should you ever drive west down Friars Road approaching Mission Bay, you might see a collection of native animals gathered under the Morena Boulevard bridge. They seem to like the place, because they never leave!

The west end of Mission Valley contains an open space preserve, where some wild animals live in the midst of a big city. The wildlife mural, designed in 2007 by lead artist Julia C. R. Gray, was a public art project of the San Diego River Park Foundation.

This mural is a project of the San Diego River Park Foundation.
This mural is a project of the San Diego River Park Foundation.
A bobcat lurks under the busy city bridge!
A bobcat lurks under the busy city bridge!
So does a skunk! I didn't smell this critter, however.
So does a skunk! I didn’t smell this critter, however.
Fish in dry water, painted on a mural near the San Diego River.
Fish in dry water, painted on a public art mural near the San Diego River.
Horned toad and raccoon, samples of wildlife that live in the Mission Valley preserve.
Horned toad and raccoon, samples of wildlife that live in Mission Valley preserve.
Frog in a painted mural, created by artist Julia C. R. Gray in 2007.
Frog in a painted mural, created by artist Julia C. R. Gray in 2007.
A rabbit that's still enough to be captured by my camera!
A rabbit that’s still enough to be captured by my camera!
It's very rare to see a fox in the developed parts of San Diego.
It’s very rare to see a fox in the developed parts of San Diego.
Second mural painted on south side of Friars Road also shows a river scene.
Second mural painted on south side of Friars Road also shows a river scene.
Beyond lies actual open space. Lush vegetation provides shelter for wildlife near river.
Beyond lies open space. Lush vegetation provides shelter for wildlife near river.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Our Silences and precious freedom of speech.

Sculptures on display on San Diego's Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor.
Sculptures on display on San Diego’s Embarcadero near Tuna Harbor.

My walk early this morning took me down to Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village. I wanted to check out something I saw on the news that looked really interesting.

Few people were about. Sunrise was slowly brightening the sky. Ten imposing human-like sculptures rose before me. As I approached, the figures loomed larger, silent, heavy-lidded, facing the fishing boats in Tuna Harbor, and a handful of joggers passing by.

This temporary installation of public art opened yesterday to the public. Our Silences, created by Mexican sculptor Rivelino, is composed of a row of ten massive bronze figures, whose mouths are shut and silenced with a metal plate. The object of the art is to provoke thought, feeling and discussion about freedom of speech. One wonders if the small prison-like black box nearby contains a political prisoner, or someone’s trembling, innermost thoughts. This very jolting artistic statement is on display for the first time in the United States. It will remain in San Diego through March 15.

Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, concerns freedom of speech.
Our Silences, by Mexican artist Rivelino, concerns freedom of speech.
People walk past provocative public art as day dawns near Seaport Village.
People walk past provocative public art as day dawns near Seaport Village.
This black cube appears to be an oppressive prison cell.
This harsh black cube appears to be an oppressive prison cell.
The black steel box might contain someone who would like to speak.
The steel box might contain someone who would like to speak.
Interesting, abstract designs on backs of the human-like sculptures.
Mysterious abstract designs on backs of the human-like sculptures.
Here comes the sun and another day of freedom on San Diego's waterfront.
Here comes the sun and another day of freedom on San Diego’s waterfront.
Walking past artwork that reminds us of liberty's gift.
Walking past artwork that reminds us of liberty’s precious gift.

Here’s a pic I took after a sign explaining Our Silences was installed nearby…

Sign explains Our Silences, now in San Diego.
Sign explains Our Silences, now in San Diego. (Click to enlarge.)

Where will I walk next? Life is an adventure!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Fresnel lens in Old Point Loma Lighthouse museum.

Looking up at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in Cabrillo National Monument.
Looking up at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse in Cabrillo National Monument.

Everyone likes to explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. You can climb up the winding staircase and peer into several interesting rooms where the lighthouse keeper and his family lived. But the small museum in the nearby assistant keeper’s quarters contains the true marvels of science and art. Come inside and let us have a quick look!

The assistant keeper's quarters next to the lighthouse today contains a small museum.
The assistant keeper’s quarters next to the lighthouse today contains a small museum.
Sign outside lighthouse shows huge Fresnel lens which guided ships with focused light 400 feet above sea level.
Sign outside lighthouse shows huge Fresnel lens which guided ships with focused light 400 feet above sea level.
The heart of a lighthouse is the lens and lamp. 19th century lenses are works of art made of polished brass and glass.
Sign at entrance to museum.  The heart of a lighthouse is the lens and lamp. 19th century lenses are works of art made of polished brass and glass.

The highly polished Fresnel lenses utilized by lighthouses are beautiful objects. They refract and reflect light, creating prismatic colors when viewed from certain angles. It’s almost a miracle that a small flame in a lamp can be magnified to the extent that ships far out at sea can easily see it and be guided to safety. Light intensified by lenses in this museum could be seen 18 to 24 miles away!

This 3rd Order Fresnel lens was used by the New Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1891 down by the water.
This 3rd Order Fresnel lens was used by the New Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1891 down by the water.
An optical wonder, this huge lens is an amazing, highly polished light bender.
An optical wonder, this huge lens is an amazing, highly polished light bender.
Diagram shows how a complex Fresnel lens functions.
Diagram shows how a complex Fresnel lens functions.
The base of the heavy Fresnel lens with chariot wheels visible.
The base of the heavy Fresnel lens with chariot wheels visible.
There are different orders of size, as illustrated in this display.
There are different orders of size, as illustrated in this display.
Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788-1827) was an accomplished engineer and scientist. Fresnel lenses are used in many modern applications today.
Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788-1827) was an accomplished engineer and scientist. Fresnel lenses are used in many modern applications today.
Small museum by Old Point Loma Lighthouse contains various very cool exhibits.
Small museum by Old Point Loma Lighthouse contains various very cool exhibits.
This small 5th Order lens lighted the Ballast Point Lighthouse from 1890 to 1960.
This small 5th Order lens lighted the Ballast Point Lighthouse from 1890 to 1960.
Log book of daily expenditures for oil, wicks and chimneys.
Log book of daily expenditures for oil, wicks and chimneys.
This clockwork of gears slowly turned the light above.
This clockwork of gears slowly turned the light above.
The keeper's service box contained cleaning supplies and delicate tools for maintaining the lamp.
The keeper’s service box contained cleaning supplies and delicate tools for maintaining the lamp.
The Coast Guard removed this large Fresnel lens from the New Point Loma Lighthouse in 2002.
The Coast Guard removed this large Fresnel lens from the New Point Loma Lighthouse in 2002.
Looking at the iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse and small museum beside it.
Looking at the iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse and small museum beside it.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.